Compensation for Failure to Provide Personal Protective Equipment

Everyone deserves to feel safe at work. It's not just an expectation – it's a right. Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is like your personal shield against many of the dangers you might encounter during your workday. But what happens when that shield is missing? What if your employer isn't providing you with the necessary equipment to ensure your safety?

At PSR Solicitors, your safety matters to us. We get how critical and concerning it can be when the tools meant to protect you aren’t available. And we're not just here to offer legal advice – we're here to guide you, to help you understand your rights, and if needed, to help you pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve.

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What is PPE?

Personal protective equipment, or PPE for short, is your frontline defence at work. It includes things like helmets, gloves, safety goggles, and other equipment that's designed to shield you from any hazards or health risks in your workplace.

Now, let’s break down the types of PPE. The Health and Safety Executive lists five primary types:

Respirators: These help protect our lungs by filtering out harmful substances from the air we breathe.
Protective clothing: Suits that help guard against harmful chemicals and substances.
Protective gloves: These are your hands best friends. They keep them safe from sharp objects or harmful chemicals.
Eye protection: Like safety glasses, they ensure your eyes remain injury-free.
Protective footwear: Tough boots or shoes to guard your feet, no matter where you step.

Remember, the right PPE makes all the difference. Whether it’s the perfect helmet or gloves that fit just right, they’re there to keep you safe. Your employer's duty is to provide them, and yours is to wear them.

Inadequate PPE means that the safety equipment you've been provided with may not be suitable for the task you’re performing. It could be in bad condition, not giving you the protection you really need, or it might not be the right fit for the specific dangers you're facing. Imagine trying to put together a puzzle where the pieces don't quite fit. That can make it pretty ineffective.

And, of course, the most obvious case of inadequate protection is when your employer doesn't provide any PPE at all. So, when we talk about inadequate PPE, we're really saying that the protection you've got should be up to the task, in good condition, and play nicely with your other safety equipment.

Increased risk of injury: When you don't have the right PPE, you are exposed to a lot of risks at work. Besides cuts and scrapes, you can suffer chemical burns, hearing loss or even long-term breathing problems. So, staying safe with proper PPE isn't just a nice-to-have – it's a must for your well-being at work.

Legal consequences: In the UK, there are strict laws like the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. These rules make it crystal clear that employers have to provide the right PPE. If they don't play by the rules, they can end up facing legal action, hefty fines and even criminal charges.

But here's some good news for employees – you may be entitled to compensation if you've been injured at work because you didn't have the right protective equipment. This compensation can help with things like medical bills, lost income, and other costs that pop up because of a workplace incident. It's not just about making things right for you; it's about holding employers accountable for your safety on the job.

When you've had an accident at work because of inadequate PPE, it can really shake up your day-to-day life. Dealing with pain, the possibility of a long-term disability, and the whole experience can be incredibly tough. If this sounds like your situation, there's something you should know – you might be able to claim what's called "general damages."

A general damages claim is a way to help you recover after an accident. While it can't undo the damage already done, it can provide financial compensation for the pain, suffering, and any negative impact on your overall quality of life stemming from the incident.

Now, let's talk about the financial side. Those medical bills and other expenses tied to your condition, especially when they’re because of inadequate PPE at your workplace, shouldn't force you to carry that financial burden on your own. Plus, if the accident or injury caused you to lose income, you can seek compensation for those losses through what's known as "special damages."

Making a claim can actually make things better for others facing a similar situation. It sends a loud message that PPE laws exist for a reason, and employers need to take them seriously. So, if you've been through a workplace accident, don't hesitate to look at your options. Remember, PSR Solicitors is right by your side, ready to offer the support and guidance you deserve.

When it comes to PPE, there's a rulebook employers have to follow, and it's known as the 1992 Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations. Essentially, it's a manual ensuring you're well-guarded at work. So, what exactly should your employer be ticking off their checklist?

Risk assessment: Your employer needs to take a good look at your workplace and identify any potential health and safety risks. It's their responsibility to do so.
PPE provision: Identified a risk? Great, now it’s time to protect yourself. It’s your employer's duty to ensure you have the right protective kit for whatever challenges you might encounter. It should match the specific dangers you might face.
Maintenance: The PPE they provide should be in good condition. That means it should be kept clean and replaced when it's no longer up to the job.
Training: Having the protective equipment is one thing, but knowing how to use it is a different story. You shouldn't be left in the dark about how to use your PPE. Your employer should give you proper training so you know exactly how to stay safe.

Have you been injured at work because you were not provided with PPE?

If you've had an accident at work because your employer didn't provide the necessary PPE, here's what you should do:

First, take care of your health. Seek immediate medical attention, whether it's a visit to your GP or a trip to the hospital for more severe injuries.
It's crucial to have a detailed record. Ask your employer to note down every aspect of the incident. And don’t hesitate to request a copy to make sure it accurately reflects what happened.
If you can, take pictures of the accident and your injuries – they can be really helpful when defending your case. Also, if there were any witnesses to the accident, try to get statements from them. These statements can help clarify what happened.

If you're thinking about making a personal injury claim and want to discuss your situation further, reach out to PSR Solicitors. We've got the experience and know-how to guide you through the process and help you seek the compensation you may be entitled to.

Is there a time limit for making an accident at work claim?

In most cases, there's a general three-year limit on filing a claim. This period typically begins either from the date of the incident or when a condition linked to inadequate PPE first becomes apparent.

However, it's important to acknowledge that these claims can be somewhat complex. Some injuries, such as respiratory issues resulting from inadequate PPE, may not manifest immediately, making it challenging to pinpoint an exact incident date. In such instances, the clock usually starts ticking from the moment you receive an official medical diagnosis connecting your condition to your workplace.

Here's a breakdown of the time limits:

Three years from the date of the workplace accident if it's clear that inadequate PPE was a contributing factor.
Three years from the date of an official medical diagnosis that directly links your health issue to the workplace incident.
Three years from your 18th birthday if the incident occurred before you turned 18.

If you're uncertain about your eligibility or concerned about meeting these time limits, please reach out to us as soon as possible. The earlier you seek advice, the sooner we can assist you in navigating the process.

Contact PSR Solicitors today

We understand that the intricacies of the law can often seem intimidating and overwhelming. That's where we step in – to simplify the complexities for you. Our goal is to provide you with a clear understanding of your options, the objectives we aim to achieve, and, most importantly, why you can place your trust in us to deliver the best outcome for your case.

Your needs, your rights, and your peace of mind matter to us, and that's why we're here to help you navigate the legal process with care, expertise and a genuine commitment to your well-being.

Your key contacts for Unsafe Work Environment Claims

PSR Solicitors are recognised experts in Unsafe Workplace compensation claims in North Wales & Cheshire.

Richard Layfield LLB

Solicitor - Head of Personal Injury

As an experienced personal injury and civil litigation Solicitor, I represent Claimants in all manner of personal injury case work including injuries as a result of Road Traffic Accidents, Accidents at Work, and Occupiers Liability Accidents. I handle all types off personal injury claims from the minor right through to complex, serious injury claims.