Protective Equipment Claims

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the equipment used to protect the user against health and safety risks at work. It can include items such as:

• Hard hats.
• Gloves.
• Steel toe-capped boots.
• Eye protection.
• High-visibility clothing.
• Safety harnesses.
• Breathing equipment.

The appropriate PPE should be provided for each task and should be fit for purpose. PPE must always be worn as a last resort, meaning risks should be assessed and reduced using other primary methods first, where possible. Sufficient training should also be provided on the proper use of PPE for all employees that use the equipment.

Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, employers are required to provide adequate PPE that is fit for purpose. They must also supply training on the use of the equipment and ensure that all equipment is suitably maintained.

If employers do not provide PPE or if the PPE is not suitable for the task at hand, then they could be in breach of health and safety laws, and you may have a claim.

If you refuse to wear the PPE, then you may find it harder to make a claim if something goes wrong. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, all workers must take reasonable care of their own health and safety, as well as that of others. Employees must use work items provided by their employer, including PPE, in accordance with training and instructions provided.

Without adequate PPE, serious injuries and accidents can occur. Sometimes, these injuries can have life-long effects. The most common injuries we see as a result of poor or non-existent PPE include:

• Burns.
• Scarring.
• Respiratory illnesses.
• Sight loss.
• Hearing loss.
• Organ damage.
• Bone fractures.

Whether your injury is minor or major, you deserve justice and compensation to get you back on track.

The amount of compensation you can expect to receive for an employer not following PPE at work regulations will vary depending on the individual details of your case. The severity of your injuries is the key element in assessing the value of a claim.

Other factors that affect the amount of damages awarded include:

• Loss of current or future earnings.
• Any emotional trauma.
• Whether private treatments or surgeries are required.
• Cost of rehabilitation and recovery.
• Ongoing medical costs.

Here at Hudgell Solicitors, we have helped many people and families secure compensation for accidents at work. Not having the right protection at work can cause life-changing injuries and trauma, and we are here to support you to obtain the justice you deserve.

Our team of expert personal injury solicitors will be there for you every step of the way. The first thing to do is to get in touch for a free, confidential, no-obligation chat about your circumstances and what has happened. Our experience will help you determine whether or not you have a case and we will advise you on the next steps in plain, non-legal language.

From there, if you decide to pursue a claim, our dedicated lawyers will take away all the worry and hassle of the case for you. Our representation will see us:

• Carrying out initial fact-finding by discussing with you what happened, what went wrong, and the impact this has had on your life
• Request evidence including CCTV footage, witness statements, records, and more
• Communicate with all parties
• Discuss settlement agreements and possible outcomes of your case

Should a case proceed to court, we will support you through the court procedure to make the process as painless as possible.