Can I claim compensation if I was not given PPE by my employer?
The high levels of work related Illness and death caused by Covid-19 has put the spotlight on PPE. So what obligations do employers have to provide workers with PPE? And what are your legal rights if you were not given PPE?
What is PPE?
PPE is personal protective equipment that protects people from health or safety risks at work. During the Coronavirus pandemic the focus has been on masks, face coverings and respiratory equipment, but PPE also includes equipment like hard hats, footwear, gloves, eye protection and high-visibility clothing.
Employers’ duty to provide PPE
Employers are responsible for the safety of their employees and this requires them to comply with the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations. These regulations state that PPE should be provided to employees who are exposed to a health risk.
Employers must carry out a risk assessment to determine what type of PPE is needed. They must ensure that the PPE they supply is suitable and train employees on how to use it. PPE should be ‘CE’ marked and properly stored and maintained.
Can an employer charge for providing PPE?
Employers cannot ask for money from an employee for PPE. Nor can they expect the employee to provide their own PPE.
Can I claim compensation if I was not given PPE?
If your employer fails to comply with its obligations under the PPE regulations then you may be entitled to claim compensation for any injury or illness you suffer which would have been avoided if PPE had been supplied. This includes injury to your eyes, hands, feet, head, skin or your respiratory system.
Can I claim if I was not given PPE and I caught Covid-19?
The failure of employers to provide suitable PPE during the Coronavirus pandemic has led to many workers getting Covid-19. Particularly high levels of infection have occurred in the health and social care sector, but other areas of employment are also affected. If you were not given PPE (or the PPE you were given was unsuitable) and you have become infected with Covid-19 as a result, then it is likely that you will be able to claim compensation from your employer.
Find out if you can claim compensation on a no win, no fee basis
You can find out whether you can claim compensation if you were not given PPE by calling our dedicated helpline on 0333 888 0404 or emailing [email protected]
We will assess your case free of charge and provide details of our popular no win, no fee funding scheme.
