Remember to take action - changes to PPE provision!

On 7th April 2022 new regulations, amending the Personal Protective Equipment at Work legislation from 1992, came into force. Put simply they now extend the duty for employers to provide PPE to a larger group of 'workers' - including those employed through an agency. This is where a risk assessment deems PPE to be a necessary control measure and, of course, PPE is a 'last resort' if a hazard cannot be controlled as far as possible through other measures. Where PPE is provided employees must be given sufficient information, training and instruction on its use - including storage and cleaning. Care must also be taken to ensure PPE does not interfere with other safety measures or create a new hazard in itself. It must also be suitable for the person wearing it and for the job they do - otherwise it won't be worn! My advice is, don't just issue PPE - discuss it with those who will be wearing it - they will have a better insight into what will work best.

Alongside employer responsibilities there is also an extension of the duties that require employees to use PPE in line with their training and instruction.

This is a welcome change in my opinion and once which responsible employers would have been doing anyway.

For further information please visit the HSE Website: https://www.hse.gov.uk/ppe/ppe-regulations-2022.htm?utm_source=hse.gov.uk&utm_medium=refferal&utm_campaign=ppe-regs&utm_term=amended-guidance&utm_content=home-page-news