From 6th April 2022 employers' responsibilities for PPE are changing. As a result of these changes duties will remain the same. However, obligations are now extended to protect more workers. This will likely have a significant effect on costs and resourcing for many employers who may be affected.

Keep reading to find out firstly what these changes mean for you. And secondly what steps you can take to ensure you can meet the new requirements.

Everything you need to know at a glance

  1. What PPE legislation is there?
  2. What is changing?
  3. What does this mean for employers?
  4. What does this mean for workers?
  5. What is the Law in Northern Ireland?
  6. What is personal protective equipment (PPE)?
  7. Why is PPE important?
  8. How Hyde Park Environmental can help.

What PPE legislation is there?

Current regulations in Great Britain outlines a general duty on employers to ensure that suitable PPE is provided for free to staff who work under a contract of employment. PPE is required if employees health & safety is compromised, and all other measures are inadequate to control the risk. In any situation where PPE is required, employers must also ensure that it is properly maintained. Ensuring that workers have sufficient information, and training on the use of equipment. 

What is changing?

The 2022 amendment (PPER 2022) to the The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations (1992) incorporates a definition of a “worker” as set out in the 1996 Employment Rights Act. The act describes a worker as an individual who has: 
“entered into or works under a contract of employment or any other contract. Whether express or implied and (if it is express) whether oral or in writing, whereby the individual undertakes to do or perform personally any work or services for another party to the contract whose status is not by virtue of the contract that of a client or customer of any profession or business undertaking carried on by the individual.”

So, what does this mean for employers?

R From the 16th April employer’s PPE obligations will extend beyond contracted employees to include “limb (b)” workers, including  agency workers and gig workers. Gig workers consist of casual, part-time and full-time workers who decide when they work for their chosen companies - such as couriers of food delivery drivers.  Employers in England, Wales & Scotland will now have to provide suitable free PPE to workers as well as employees where it is deemed necessary following a risk assessment. Employers must now also extend their existing duties to maintain PPE and provide sufficient training on how to use the equipment to these workers. 

And what does this mean for workers?

All workers are now required to use PPE properly and in accordance with any training given. As per the changes, they are also responsible for storing PPE in the designated storage area as defined and provided by the employer, and reporting any defects and loss of equipment. 

Does this law apply in Northern Ireland?

Because the ruling currently only applies to the law in Great Britain, NI employers only need to provide equipment to employees as defined in The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations (1992).  However, it is likely that similar steps will be taken to amend PPE legislation in Northern Ireland. 

What is personal protective equipment (PPE)?

PPE equipment helps keep you safe at work. By wearing PPE you are minimising exposure to certain hazards. Identifying what PPE you need through risk assessment is just one part of an effective health and safety plan. As a result, PPE should be regarded as the last resort to protect against risks to health and safety as it does not reduce the hazard itself or guarantee total protection.  Examples of PPE Equipment include:

Why is PPE important?

PPE protects you from harmful substances such as chemicals or infectious agents. Making it is an important part of any workplace where these types of risks are present. For instance, in a pandemic, it can prevent or reduce the risk of transmission of infection between staff and patients.  The Covid-19 pandemic brought into sharp focus the struggle many companies faced to implement basic health & safety measures. This included providing PPE, which became a scarce commodity at times throughout the pandemic. 

How we can help

At Hyde Park Environmental we understand your Health and Safety needs. We offer risk management solutions and PPE to help you get ready for the regulation changes. Get in touch today to discuss your needs.