PPE must be inspected often, HSE says

Categories: General Health and Safety |


PPE must be inspected often, HSE says Regular checks on personal protective equipment (PPE) must be carried out in order to ensure worker safety, a government regulator has said.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) made it clear that it is the employer's duty to make sure equipment is properly inspected, not just the employees'.

According to Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the employer is responsible for making work conditions safe for their employees.

"Injuries from poorly-maintained equipment remain a significant and regular problem nationwide and companies must ensure that equipment is regularly inspected and maintained so workers aren't exposed to this kind of risk," said HSE inspector David Butter.

Mr Butter was referring specifically to a case in the manufacturing industry, a sector which saw a reported 27,000 work-related accidents during 2006-07, including 35 deaths, according to HSE statistics.

Manufacturing employs 3.2 million workers in the UK.ADNFCR-1200-ID-18445268-ADNFCR

Related Articles

Experts assess PPRE and flu prevention

Experts assess PPRE and flu prevention

Researchers look at how respirators can help prevent spread of viruses.

MP supports asbestos campaign

MP supports asbestos campaign

A campaign by the British Lung Foundation to raise asbestos awareness has been supported by MP Alan Beith.

NURS: Firms come up short on safety

NURS: Firms come up short on safety

British companies are not doing enough to promote fire safety training, according to Norwich Union Risk Services.

HSE warns firms to properly train workers

HSE warns firms to properly train workers

The HSE has urged employers to train staff properly after an Ilkeston company were fined over -�7,000 when a worker's thumb and index finger were partially amputated

Heavy materials should be secured to prevent injuries

Heavy materials should be secured to prevent injuries

Business owners whose teams work with heavy materials have been told that many workplace accidents are completely avoidable with a few...

Back to articles

Arco website help desk - Need help? email: web.help@arco.co.uk © Arco Limited, Registered in England, No 133804, PO Box 21 Waverley Street, Hull HU1 2SJ.
VAT No: 166911546