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Personal protective equipment, often referred to as PPE, plays an important role in keeping workers safe in higher risk environments. When PPE is missing, unsuitable or poorly maintained, the consequences can be serious and in some cases life changing.

If you have been injured at work because your employer failed to provide the correct protective equipment, you may be entitled to make a claim.

What is PPE?

PPE is equipment designed to protect you from health and safety risks in the workplace.

Depending on the role, this can include:

• Safety boots or slip resistant footwear
• Gloves, including cut resistant gloves
• Eye protection such as safety goggles
• Hard hats
• High visibility clothing
• Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) such as masks or respirators
• Hearing protection such as ear defenders

PPE should be suitable for the task, fit correctly and be provided alongside appropriate training and supervision.

When does an employer have to provide PPE?

Employers in England and Wales have a duty to take reasonable steps to keep employees safe at work.

Where risks cannot be adequately controlled through other measures, employers may be legally required to provide PPE. This often forms part of a wider safety approach, which can include risk assessments and staff training.

What counts as inadequate PPE?

An inadequate PPE situation may involve:

• No PPE being provided at all
• PPE being provided but not suitable for the job
• PPE that does not fit correctly
• Damaged, worn out or poorly maintained PPE
• Lack of training on how to use PPE properly

In some workplaces, the issue is not just the PPE itself, but the fact that safety concerns have been ignored or proper procedures have not been followed.

What is an inadequate PPE claim?

If you have been injured at work in an accident that was not your fault, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim for compensation.

A claim may be possible where your employer failed to provide appropriate PPE.

It is always sensible to seek independent legal advice from a solicitor with experience in workplace accident claims. At Askews, we can advise you following a workplace accident. Visit Accidents at Work Claims to learn more or Contact Us to discuss what happened.

What should I do after an accident involving inadequate PPE?

After any workplace injury, your priority should be your health and safety.

In the immediate aftermath, you should:

1. Seek medical attention and speak to your designated workplace first aider
2. Report the incident to your line manager as soon as possible
3. Ensure it is recorded in the workplace accident book
4. Keep a record of what PPE was provided and what was missing
5. Photograph the PPE if possible, along with the area where the accident happened
6. Ask for contact details of any witnesses
7. Keep evidence of financial losses such as travel costs and lost earnings

If the injury is serious, an ambulance may be required.

Your employer may also need to report the incident to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under RIDDOR, depending on the circumstances. You can learn more at HSE: RIDDOR Explained.

Avoid admitting fault for the accident and do not accept any offers of compensation without speaking to a solicitor first. This practice, known as third-party capture, is rarely in your best interests. You can learn more at Beware of third-party capture in England & Wales.

Can I be sacked for making an inadequate PPE claim?

Most employers understand their legal responsibilities and will treat employees fairly following an accident. Employers are required to hold employer’s liability insurance to cover claims arising from workplace injuries.

However, if you are treated unfairly because you have raised safety concerns or pursued compensation, your employer may be acting unlawfully. If this happens, we can refer you to our Employment Law Department for further support.

How much compensation could I receive for an inadequate PPE claim?

The amount of compensation available depends on the nature and severity of your injuries and how long your recovery takes.

Compensation may include an award for pain, suffering and loss of amenity.

You may also be entitled to claim special damages, which can cover financial losses linked to the incident. This might include lost earnings and the cost of support during recovery.

Askews Solicitors deals with PPE related workplace accidents from offices in Middlesbrough & Redcar

Although based in Middlesbrough and Redcar, we assist injured employees across Teesside, North Yorkshire and throughout England and Wales.

Our personal injury solicitors are well regarded for their expertise in handling a wide range of workplace accident claims.

Arrange a consultation with a Middlesbrough or Redcar-based solicitor about an inadequate PPE claim

If you have been injured because your employer failed to provide correct PPE, our team is here to guide you through the claims process and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.

Contact Us to arrange a free, no-obligation initial consultation.

Or, visit Accidents at Work Claims to learn more about how we can help.

This content is for informational purposes and is not intended as advice of any kind.