Company failing to supply adequate PPE

Jlawson118

I work in a warehouse environment, to which my employer supplies high visibility jackets, steel toe caps and general uniform.

About a month ago, I reported my steel toe caps were getting worn and asked for a new pair of size 10s. "Sorry we're out of stock on the 10s." To which I said was fair enough. I also asked for a new high-vis to be told they only had XXL. Which is too big as I'm a Medium.

I wouldn't have minded if I'd have had to wait a week or even two for these, but over a month has gone by and I asked again yesterday, just to be told they're out of stock. I even asked if I can go out and buy my own, if the company would reimburse me, to just be told no.

These things are essential to meet H&S requirements and yet they are failing to supply these essentials. I just tried to Google for answers but it's just stating that the company must provide these under the H&S act, at no charge to the employee.

So in terms of rights, where do I stand with this? No PPE essentially means 'No Job.' To which is even signposted within the workplace.

Jlawson118

I’ll also just add that I’ve tried the Size 11s in the past even with a thick insole, but they’re a completely different brand and they’re way too big. Even with the insole

dawyldthing

Can you get some inner soles for the shoes and have the xxl until they have the others in stock? They prob only order them once in a blue moon to save on costs to be fair

ohreally

If the site is unionised have a word in the ear of a H&S rep.

Additionally send your line manager an email setting out the state of play and ask for his input to resolve.

Jlawson118

dawyldthing wrote: »

Can you get some inner soles for the shoes and have the xxl until they have the others in stock? They prob only order them once in a blue moon to save on costs to be fair

I meant to add to my main post but posted it in the comments that I've tried this and the size 11s are way too big. They are a completely different brand. I just went in for the night shift half an hour after I posted the original thread, to which another colleague handed back some size 11s with the same problem. He's also unable to get 10s.

Jlawson118

ohreally wrote: »

If the site is unionised have a word in the ear of a H&S rep.

Additionally send your line manager an email setting out the state of play and ask for his input to resolve.

My line manager couldn't care less unfortunately. All I got off him when I asked today was "mine are in worse condition and I'm not complaining." :mad: Think I might get onto the union rep

ohreally

Jlawson118 wrote: »

My line manager couldn't care less unfortunately. All I got off him when I asked today was "mine are in worse condition and I'm not complaining." :mad: Think I might get onto the union rep

You need to generate a paper trail (hence e-mail) for your protection.

For clarity, make contact with a union appointed H&S rep rather than a steward.

ReadingTim

Jlawson118 wrote: »

My line manager couldn't care less unfortunately. All I got off him when I asked today was "mine are in worse condition and I'm not complaining." :mad: Think I might get onto the union rep

There's a difference between "wearing out" and "worn out" to the point they're no longer protective, and from what you've said, your PPE is the former not the latter. Kit tends to get ordered in bulk, so it's not surprising your size may be out of stock, and they're waiting to accumulate enough people to need new kit to warrant placing another order.

Your company hasn't said you can't have it, just you can't have it right now, and that seems to be the basis of your complaint. No wonder your manager had little time for it.

gettingtheresometime

I know that, strictly speaking, you shouldn't have to but Aldi are selling HiViz fleeces.


As for steel capped boots have you looked in any Army surplus stores?

Jlawson118

ReadingTim wrote: »

There's a difference between "wearing out" and "worn out" to the point they're no longer protective, and from what you've said, your PPE is the former not the latter. Kit tends to get ordered in bulk, so it's not surprising your size may be out of stock, and they're waiting to accumulate enough people to need new kit to warrant placing another order.

Your company hasn't said you can't have it, just you can't have it right now, and that seems to be the basis of your complaint. No wonder your manager had little time for it.

Well seen as the sole of one of my shoes is slowly peeling off, causing a trip hazard. If that was to come off then my feet wouldn't be supported. The actual shoe by the steel parts are wearing quite severely. I am in need of new shoes! I wouldn't be asking them constantly if I didn't

dickydonkin

ReadingTim wrote: »

There's a difference between "wearing out" and "worn out" to the point they're no longer protective, and from what you've said, your PPE is the former not the latter. Kit tends to get ordered in bulk, so it's not surprising your size may be out of stock, and they're waiting to accumulate enough people to need new kit to warrant placing another order.

Your company hasn't said you can't have it, just you can't have it right now, and that seems to be the basis of your complaint. No wonder your manager had little time for it.

What a ridiculous post.

Are you seriously suggesting that it is acceptable for workers to be unprotected and placed at risk until sufficient staff have safety boots dropping off their feet?

If PPE becomes worn, does not fit or is uncomfortable, then there will be a temptation for workers not to wear the equipment which is undesirable at best.

Furthermore, damaged footwear in particular increases the risk of slipping, tripping and for anyone using ladders with damaged footwear, the consequences can be extremely serious.

The reality is that the employer has a legal duty to provide safety equipment free of charge and also undertake a risk assessment to determine the appropriate level of protection that is required, bearing in mind PPE is at the bottom of the hierarchy of control measures and elimination of hazards or reducing the associated risks by other means should also be considered.

In a warehouse environment where I suspect fork trucks and other mechanical handling equipment is in use, safety footwear is critical.

We are talking of around 30 quid for a reasonable pair of safety boots and I just cannot understand an employers reluctance to avoid placing their workers at risk of injury with all the associated costs and inconvenience of defending a personal injury claim and potential criminal proceedings that can be avoided for such a small outlay, while at the same time, satisfying legal requirements.

There should be a ‘What you need to know’ health and safety poster prominently displayed in your workplace that should inform you of who to contact if you have any safety concerns. This is also a legal requirement.

As oreally has indicated, keep a paper trail and ‘remind’ your employer of their legal obligations.

Hope you get it sorted.