Personal protective equipment – or PPE – refers to any clothing or equipment worn to protect employees from hazards at work. Hard hats, safety goggles, gloves and ear defenders are all examples of PPE.

Can I make a claim if I wasn’t given suitable PPE at work?

You may be able to make a claim if your employer failed to provide you with suitable PPE and you suffered an injury or developed an illness as a result.

Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, employers are legally required to assess workplace risks and supply appropriate PPE. If they don’t, they could be held responsible for any harm to workers.

Common situations that could result in an unsuitable PPE claim include:

• Being provided with PPE that doesn’t fit correctly
• Receiving PPE that is damaged or worn out
• Being given PPE that isn’t suitable for the job at hand
• Not receiving any PPE at all

This isn’t a complete list. If you believe your injury or illness was caused by a lack of suitable PPE, get in touch with our team today. We’ll ask you a few straightforward questions and let you know if you could make a No Win No Fee claim.

How long do I have to make a claim for unsuitable PPE?

In most cases, you’ll have three years to make a claim for an injury or illness caused by unsuitable PPE. This time limit will typically start from the date of your accident or from when you first received a diagnosis.

While three years might sound like a long time, it’s always best to seek legal support sooner rather than later. This could make it easier for your solicitor to access key evidence and will also give you a better idea of where you stand.

How much compensation could I receive?

Every claim is different, so it isn’t possible to give an exact figure without knowing the details of your situation. But if your claim is successful, the compensation you receive will reflect:

• Your pain, suffering and the impact on your quality of life
• Lost earnings due to time taken off work, both past and future
• The cost of any medical treatment or rehabilitation
• Travel expenses related to hospital or GP appointments
• Any ongoing care, support or adaptations you require

It’s worth keeping hold of any receipts, payslips or medical correspondence relating to your injuries. Doing this will ensure that any compensation you receive fully reflects your losses.

Will making a claim affect my job?

It’s only natural to worry about the impact a claim might have on your job, but you are legally protected.

Your employer cannot lawfully dismiss you, demote you or treat you unfairly because you’ve made a claim. If they do, they could be faced with further legal action.

It may also be reassuring to know that compensation payouts don’t come directly from your employer’s pocket. They will have liability insurance in place to cover situations like this, and it is the insurer who will pay for your settlement.

How will First4InjuryClaims help me?

If you’ve never made a legal claim before, the process can feel daunting. We aim to make it as simple and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on your recovery.

When you get in touch with us, our knowledgeable team will:

• Carry out a free initial assessment of your claim
• Investigate what happened and gather the evidence needed to support your case
• Put together a clear record of your losses and submit it to the relevant insurer
• Handle all communication and negotiations with the other side
• Work to secure the maximum compensation you’re entitled to

If you think your injury or illness could be linked to unsuitable PPE, contact us today. We’re here to help, whenever you feel ready to take the first step.