Does the duty cover agency and casual workers?

Yes. Since 6 April 2022 the PPE at Work Regulations extend the employer’s duty — including the prohibition on charging — to limb (b) workers. The person who engages the worker under a worker’s contract carries it.

Can employees be required to wear what is provided?

Yes. Wearing the specified protection on an assessed task can and should be made a condition of doing that task, backed by policy and supervision — and employees are required to use the protection provided in accordance with their training and instructions.

What if our assessment says the risk is already controlled?

Then the PPE duty does not arise for that task — provided the other controls really are equally or more effective, and the assessment saying so is written down and reviewed when anything changes.

Do the self-employed have to provide their own?

The Regulations also place duties on the self-employed in respect of their own protective equipment, including keeping it maintained and in good repair.

Are Employers Legally Required to Provide Safety Glasses? — Certus

Yes — where a risk assessment identifies eye hazards not controlled by other means, UK employers must provide suitable eye protection free of charge. The statutory chain, explained.

Certus is a UK platform for managing prescription safety eyewear compliance to EN 166, covering hazard assessments, ordering, optician verification and certificate records. Operated by Certus Safety Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 17364362.