PPE is the last line of defence in the hierarchy of control — but it only works when it is selected correctly, worn consistently, and inspected properly. Under UK law, employers have a legal duty to ensure PPE is suitable, maintained, and used correctly, while employees have a duty to wear it and cooperate with safety measures.
Yet PPE meetings often fail because they simply repeat “wear your PPE.” Effective sessions explore why workers remove PPE — discomfort, poor fit, fogging, restricted movement, or a belief that the risk is low — and how to fix those issues.
Your infographic highlights the four common failure points:
A key stat:
PPE non‑compliance contributes to 1 in 4 recordable workplace injuries.
This is why PPE selection must be task‑specific, evidence‑based, and reinforced through training.
Employers must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of employees. This includes providing suitable PPE, safe systems of work, and adequate training.
Employees must:
Requires employers to:
Key requirements:
Relevant where PPE interacts with machinery:
PPE selection must be driven by a formal hazard assessment, not habit or availability. In UK terms, this means:
Workers should understand why a specific glove, visor, respirator, or hearing protector was chosen — not just that it was issued.
Workers must inspect PPE before every shift, checking for:
Under UK law, employers must ensure PPE is maintained and replaced, but employees must report defects immediately.
Incorrect removal of contaminated PPE can transfer hazards to skin or clothing. Training should cover:
This is especially critical for chemical, biological, and dust‑related PPE.
Workers must know when PPE needs replacing, not just when it looks damaged.
Examples:
Clear replacement criteria reduce risk and improve compliance.
Hands‑on sessions work best. Let workers compare:
Informed selection beats forced compliance every time.
PPE is only effective when it’s selected correctly, worn properly, inspected regularly, and replaced promptly. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a duty of care to provide suitable PPE and maintain safe systems of work, while employees must use PPE responsibly and report defects.
When both sides fulfil their obligations — supported by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, PPE at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended 2022), and PUWER 1998 — PPE becomes a reliable safeguard rather than a box‑ticking exercise.
Inspect it, fit it, or replace it — no exceptions.
Contact us for further information.
Guest Blogging
If you feel that you could contribute to this blog then please feel free to send me a proposal of your guest blogging ideas and we can discuss these further info@walkersafety.co.uk . Please note any proposals must be of benefit to my readers from individuals with knowledge of their subject matter.
As we roll into 20th July, that magical time of year when half the workforce is either on annual leave, thinking about annual leave, or mentally already on a beach somewhere, it’s a good moment to remind ourselves of a few summer safety basics.
Because nothing ruins a sunny day faster than a preventable accident… except maybe someone microwaving smelly food in the staff kitchen.
We spend 10 months of the year complaining we never see the sun, and the moment it appears, we act like we’ve never met it before.
With people in holiday mode, forklifts and pallet
Every summer, the fridge becomes a science experiment.
Metal tools left in the sun turn into tiny branding irons. Plastic tools left in the sun turn into modern art. Either way, store equipment properly — your hands will thank you.
Contact us if you wish to discuss this blog or receive further information.
Guest Blogging
If you feel that you could contribute to this blog then please feel free to send me a proposal of your guest blogging ideas and we can discuss these further info@walkersafety.co.uk . Please note any proposals must be of benefit to my readers from individuals with knowledge of their subject matter.
Health and safety Audits
At Walker Health and Safety Services Limited, we believe that health and safety audits are a vital tool for organisations. Not only do they enforce safeguarding regulations, but they also enhance overall performance within the company. They help identify hazards, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and reduce the risk of accidents and regulatory penalties.
A health and safety audit is a systematic review of an organisation’s health and safety management system. It identifies gaps in safety procedures and policies that may not be immediately apparent to the existing workforce. The audit evaluates the effectiveness of current measures and highlights opportunities for improvement.
Audits help enhance workplace safety, reduce risk, strengthen management and accountability, and build confidence across the organisation.
Audits support compliance with key UK regulations. This includes the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSW) 1999, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1999, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998, and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 and many more regulations.
Health and safety audits enable companies to stay up to date with the latest regulations and standards while identifying potential hazards before accidents occur. These may include issues with the equipment or machinery, risks of slips, trips and falls, or ergonomic concerns that could lead to employee injuries. When conducted effectively, audits not only reduce workplace risks but also support legal compliance and strengthen organisational confidence.
A good audit will help a company uncover clear findings and practical recommendations, prioritise an action plan, assign responsibility, and later follow up to ensure improvements have been made. They also maximise your resources, ensure compliance and build a positive safety culture. if you require advice with training, contact us. Click here to find out more.
To find out more about health and safety audits, contact us today.
info@walkersafety.co.uk / 0845 834 0400
Click here to be directed to our website page for audits and inspections.
Contact us if you require further information.
Guest Blogging
If you feel that you could contribute to this blog then please feel free to send me a proposal of your guest blogging ideas and we can discuss these further info@walkersafety.co.uk . Please note any proposals must be of benefit to our readers from individuals with knowledge of their subject matter.
Here at Walker Health and Safety Services Limited, we have researched (from various websites) and identified a number of statistics on workplace injuries and health and safety in Great Britain. Upon reflection, it is evident that the number of injuries remains high, underscoring the importance of prioritising workplace safety. The stats show that when health and safety rules are overlooked, it reveals what can go wrong.
It is essential that workers, employers, and managers all play their part in creating a safe and secure workplace. Following health and safety rules is crucial for protecting employees from harm, ensuring legal compliance, boosting productivity, and enhancing business reputation.
This shouldn’t be seen as a burden as it offers significant benefits – reduced costs, reduced risks, lower absences from employees, and lessened threat of legal action.
Health and safety with the workplace statistics for 2025:
Source: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Source: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Source: Estimates based on self-reports from the Labour Force Survey for people who worked in the last 12 months
Source: Counts from death certificates and estimates from epidemiological information
Source: Counts from death certificates and estimates from epidemiological information
Source: RIDDOR
Source: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Source: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Source: Estimates based on HSE Cost Model
Source: Estimates based on HSE Cost Model
Contact us if you feel you require assistance with your health and safety requirements.
Slips and Trips in Icy Weather: Don’t Let Winter Catch You Off Guard
As temperatures drop and pavements freeze, the risks of slips and trips rises sharply. Icy surfaces are deceptively dangerous—what looks like a harmless patch of frost could send you flying.
Slips and trips in icy weather aren’t just inconvenient—they can lead to serious injury. A few simple precautions can make all the difference.
Contact us if you require further guidance.
