HSE Review Of PPE Provision By Employers To Their Casual And Freelance Workers Announced

Closes: 23:59 on Friday 18th September 2026

 

The HSE is carrying out a review of how personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided by employers for what are known as ‘Limb (b)’ workers.

Under employment law in the UK, the definition of a worker has 2 parts:

• Limb (a) describes those with a contract of employment. This group are employees under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

• Limb (b) describes workers who generally have a more casual employment status and work under a contract for service, such as freelance couriers, casual agency staff, and zero hour contract staff in the gig economy.            

In 2022, the provision of PPE in the workplace changed when the Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations came into effect and meant that employers had to provide suitable PPE to all workers equally.  

HSE are gathering the views of businesses that engage limb (b) workers and those workers themselves to understand how the Regulations are working in practice and whether they continue to meet their intended objectives.

• If you are an employer, take the survey PPER 22: survey for employers
  
  
• If you are a worker, take this survey PPER 22: survey for workers

  
By completing this survey, you can help shape HSE’s understanding of how the regulations are working, including any benefits or practical challenges you have experienced.

Details of the Amended Regulations:
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022 extended employers' duties under the 1992 regulations to include "limb (b)" workers, who are casual or contract workers not traditionally covered as employees. Employers must now provide suitable PPE free of charge to these workers and ensure they receive training and instruction on its use.

Click the image to the right to download a PDF version of the guidance to the regulations from the HSE.

On 6 April 2022 the Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (PPER 2022) came into force.

They extend employers’ and employees’ duties regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) to limb (b) workers.

Employers are required to provide suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) free of charge to all workers exposed to risks that cannot be controlled by other means, including "limb (b) workers" who have a more casual employment relationship. They must also ensure that workers receive sufficient information, instruction, and training on the proper use of PPE, and maintain the equipment in good condition.

Overview of the Regulations
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022 updated the existing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations from 1992. This amendment was implemented on April 6, 2022, to enhance workplace safety by extending the responsibilities of employers regarding PPE.

Key Changes Introduced

Inclusion of Limb (B) Workers

• Definition: Limb (b) workers are those who work under a contract for services, often in casual or irregular employment situations.
• Extension of Duties: Employers are now required to provide suitable PPE to both employees (limb (a) workers) and limb (b) workers.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers must ensure the following:

• Provision of PPE: Suitable PPE must be provided free of charge to all workers who may be exposed to health and safety risks.
• Training and Instruction: Workers must receive adequate training on the proper use, maintenance, and storage of PPE.
• Maintenance and Storage: Employers are responsible for the maintenance, cleaning, and proper storage of PPE.

Worker Responsibilities

Limb (b) workers must:

• Use PPE according to the training and instructions provided.
• Report any loss or defects in the PPE to their employer.
• Return PPE to the designated storage area after use.

Importance of Compliance

These regulations are crucial for ensuring that all workers, regardless of their employment status, have access to necessary protective equipment. Compliance helps prevent workplace injuries and promotes a safer working environment.

Source: HSE