Can employees charge workers for personal protective equipment?
Every employer shall ensure that suitable personal protective equipment is provided to his employees who may be exposed to a risk to their health or safety while at work except where and to the extent that such risk has been Adequately controlled by other means, which are equally, or more effective.
By virtue of Section 9 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, no charge can be made to the worker for the provision of PPE, which is used only at work.
In general, the employer usually pays for a basic pair with the employee paying the difference if he chooses an alternative. If the employer does pay for the equipment, he is not required to pay for replacements if the original equipment is lost or damaged through misuse.
