What PPE are Employers Required to Provide?

Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of employees is a legal and ethical responsibility for employers. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is an essential aspect of occupational safety, designed to protect workers from potential hazards that cannot be eliminated through other means.

This blog will explore the specific obligations employers have regarding PPE, particularly focusing on work trainers, work shoes, steel toe boots, and steel toe trainers. We’ll also cover the key questions surrounding PPE provision and the legal requirements that employers must follow.

Do employers have to provide PPE?

Yes, employers are legally required to provide PPE in both the UK and Ireland when it is necessary to protect employees from workplace hazards. The legislation is clear: if a risk assessment identifies potential dangers that cannot be mitigated by other safety measures, employers must supply PPE at no cost to employees.

In the UK, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the associated Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (amended in 2022) stipulate that employers must provide suitable PPE to all employees. In Ireland, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 outline similar requirements.

• PPE must be provided free of charge to employees.
• Employers are responsible for ensuring PPE is fit for purpose and meets regulatory standards.
• PPE should only be used when other risk control measures cannot sufficiently reduce hazards.
• Employers are also required to offer training on the correct use, maintenance, and storage of PPE. This ensures that employees understand how to wear and care for their equipment, reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by misuse.

For example, industries such as construction, manufacturing and healthcare often require specific PPE like work trainers or steel cap boots to prevent foot injuries from heavy objects or sharp tools. You can explore a range of options for safety footwear in our work footwear section.

What PPE do employers need to buy?

The specific PPE an employer needs to provide depends on the type of work being conducted and the hazards identified in a risk assessment. Below are common categories of PPE that employers may need to supply:

• Head protection: Hard hats are essential in environments where there’s a risk of falling objects or head impacts, such as on construction sites.
• Eye and face protection: Safety glasses, goggles or face shields are necessary for tasks involving flying debris, chemicals or sparks.
• Hearing protection: Earplugs or earmuffs are required in environments where noise levels exceed safe limits, such as in manufacturing or construction.
• Respiratory protection: Masks and respirators protect against inhaling harmful dust, fumes or chemicals, particularly in sectors like chemical manufacturing or mining.
• Hand protection: Various types of gloves are used to protect against cuts, chemicals, heat or electrical hazards.
• Body protection: High-visibility clothing, overalls, aprons or flame-resistant garments may be necessary depending on the nature of the work.
• Foot protection: Footwear like work shoes, steel cap boots and steel toe trainers is vital for protecting against foot injuries from falling objects, punctures and slips.

In addition to providing PPE, employers must ensure that the equipment is maintained and replaced when necessary. For instance, safety footwear that becomes worn out or damaged must be replaced to maintain its protective qualities. You can find a variety of safety footwear options in our safety boots section, which offer durable and compliant footwear designed for various industries.

Do employers need to buy safety footwear?

Yes, employers must provide safety footwear when there is a risk of foot injuries in the workplace. The type of safety footwear required will depend on the specific hazards present. For example:

• Construction sites: Workers may require steel cap boots to protect against falling objects and punctures from sharp debris.
• Warehousing and logistics: Steel toe trainers offer a more lightweight yet protective option for those who need to move quickly and efficiently.
• Manufacturing: Work shoes with slip-resistant soles can help prevent accidents caused by wet or oily floors.

According to both UK and Irish health and safety regulations, employers are responsible for providing appropriate safety footwear that meets relevant standards, such as EN ISO 20345 for protective footwear. This ensures that employees are adequately protected from risks like heavy impacts, punctures and slips.

Key factors employers should consider when selecting safety footwear include:

• Fit and comfort: Ill-fitting footwear can cause discomfort, fatigue and even long-term musculoskeletal issues.
• Durability: High-quality materials ensure that the footwear lasts longer, providing ongoing protection.
• Compliance: All safety footwear must meet regulatory standards to ensure maximum protection.

For a comprehensive selection of safety footwear, make sure to visit our steel toe footwear section, which features a wide range of protection options.

Order your safety boots from SafetyCare

Providing PPE is not just a legal requirement but a critical aspect of fostering a safe and productive workplace. By supplying the right PPE, including work trainers, work shoes, steel cap boots and steel toe trainers, your business will demonstrate its commitment to employee safety and wellbeing.

Whatever kind of protective footwear you need to keep your employees safe, comfortable and happy in their roles, SafetyCare can supply it. Get in touch with our team of safety experts today at sales@SafetyCare.ie or give us a call on 01 8499 100.