Article
30 June, 2020
The HSE has reminded us that the coronavirus outbreak has not changed an employer's duty to make sure people are not exposed to hazardous substances as part of their work and has issued guidance to employers specifically aimed at the outbreak.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) protects the user against health or safety risks at work. It includes different types of respiratory protective equipment (RPE), such as masks and respirators, as well as other protection such as safety helmets, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses.
In relation to the coronavirus outbreak the HSE say:
The HSE points out that using PPE should be a last report after assessing and minimising associated risks of particular work, and this includes the risks related to coronavirus. An employer's duty to make the workplace safe should start with a risk assessment and include controls such as providing instructions for safe working, having procedures and training in place as well as adequate supervision to make sure that people are working safely and responsibly.
If an employer decides that PPE is required it must be provided free of charge, and training in how to use it must be given to employees. Consideration needs to be given to ensuing that the PPE is appropriate and safe to use, and that each employee has properly fitting, personal, PPE that is properly stored and maintained and replaced as necessary.
You should ask yourself the following questions:
When selecting and using PPE:
Other advice on PPE:
The law governing requirements on PPE is contained in The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 and the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 for PPE placed on the market before 21 April 2019 and by the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 and Regulation EU 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council for PPE placed on the market since then. Failure to comply can lead to fines or imprisonment for up to 3 months, or both.
Your duties as an employer to provide a safe working environment, including carrying our risk assessments and where necessary, to provide PPE, have not changed due to the coronavirus outbreak. You should make sure that you are following government and HSE guidance in relation to consideration and provision of PPE. The wearing of facemasks does not usually form part of the PPE requirements nor is it Government guidance other than when travelling on public transport.
For more information contact Ridwaan Omar in our Insurance department via email or phone on 01254 222457. Alternatively send any question through to Forbes Solicitors via our online Contact Form.
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