As of the 6th of April 2022, employers’ responsibilities around the provision of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) have been extended. It is important that businesses are aware of these changes and how this may affect what and whom you provide PPE to going forward.
Risk Assessments for Personal Protective Equipment
Risk assessments may need to be revised to take into account these changes.
Previously businesses were only required to provide employees with PPE where a risk assessment has identified a requirement for such items however under the new guidance employers must now also provide this to ‘Limb B workers’
HSE has provided guidance on what type of workers fall into this category. Going forward the following ‘Limb B Workers’ will also need to be identified and provided PPE where necessary: –
- Those who after 1-month continuous service, receive holiday pay but not other employment rights such as minimum period of statutory notice
- Carry out casual or irregular work for one or more organization
- Only carry out work if they choose to
- Are not in the business for themselves (they do not advertise services directly to customers who can then also book their services directly)
- Have a contract or other arrangement to do work or services personally for a reward (the contract does not have to be written) and only have a limited right to send someone else to do the work for example swapping shifts with someone on a pre approved list (subcontracting)
Businesses that have either both employees and ‘Limb B Workers’ must now going forward supply both with PPE where there is a requirement free of charge. If a company only has ‘Limb B Workers’ these must now be provided with PPE free of charge.