Who is responsible for providing PPE in a company? Complete guide to obligations.

The management of personal protective equipment (PPE) in a company is not simply a commercial transaction; it is a mandate derived from the Occupational Risk Prevention Law that qualifies the employer or business owner as responsible for providing such equipment to workers. This is one of the primary responsibilities for building a solid and efficient safety culture.

The European regulations, transposed into the national legislation of each country, establish that the employer has the duty to protect their workers from any risk that cannot be avoided or limited by technical or organizational means.

This implies that if, after conducting a Risk Assessment, it is determined that there are residual hazards (such as the risk of falling, cutting, chemical exposure, or noise), the employer must provide the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) free of charge. This responsibility does not end with the delivery of the equipment; it also includes:

• The correct selection of equipment according to the risk.

• Maintenance, cleaning, and repair when necessary.

• Replacement with new equipment when the PPE has exceeded its useful life or shows deterioration.

• Training and information on how to use, store, and clean such equipment.

Who bears the cost of PPE in the company?

The cost of PPE in the company must be fully borne by the employer, and it cannot be passed on, under any circumstances, to the worker. It is a common—and dangerous—mistake to think that workers can contribute to the cost of their PPE or bring their own.

The reason lies in technical and ethical aspects, as the employer is ultimately responsible for the employee's safety; any economic barrier to accessing adequate protection is negligence that can lead to severe administrative penalties and, in the event of an accident, criminal liabilities.

Worker obligations: correct use of PPE as part of responsibility

While the employer has the burden of provision, the worker has fundamental obligations regarding safety:

1. Correct use: The worker must use the PPE provided according to the instructions received.

2. Care and maintenance: They must inform the employer about any defect, anomaly, or loss of the equipment.

3. Use according to purpose: PPE should not be used for a risk different from the one it was designed for (for example, not using a construction helmet for work at height without a chin strap).

How to correctly select PPE

The key to success in the management of PPE in companies lies in a proper Risk Assessment. Before purchasing, we must ask ourselves the right questions:

• What is the actual risk level (low, medium, high)?

• What EN standard (European standard) must the product comply with?

• Is it compatible with other protective equipment? (For example, do the safety glasses fit properly with the FFP3 mask?).

At Sekureco.eu, we always recommend prioritizing Category II or III equipment for serious risks, ensuring that they have the EU Declaration of Conformity.

Essential products for your occupational risk prevention strategy

To ensure regulatory compliance, at Sekureco.eu we have a specialized technical catalog. Here are some examples of how to equip your workers:

• Head protection: A Safety Helmet certified EN 397 is essential for any construction or heavy industry environment.

• Hand protection: Depending on the risk, some Mechanical protection gloves (EN 388) are essential to prevent cuts and abrasions.

• Foot protection: The Safety footwear S3 (EN ISO 20345) is the best investment to prevent injuries from falling objects or crushing.

• Respiratory protection: For environments with particles, FFP3 masks are fundamental.

Conclusion: Investing in safety is investing in continuity

The management of PPE in the company represents the guarantee that every worker will return home in the same condition they arrived. The employer who invests in certified PPE, training, and high-quality equipment not only avoids penalties; they build a more productive, efficient, and, above all, humane company.

Do you need expert advice to properly equip your workforce? At Sekureco, we specialize in comprehensive safety solutions.

Explore our technical catalog here, and contact our team of experts for personalized advice based on your specific occupational risks. Protect your most valuable asset now!

4. Frequently Asked Questions about who should provide PPE in a company

Can a worker bring their own PPE from home?

No. The law prohibits workers from providing their own protective equipment, as the employer cannot guarantee that these comply with European regulations, have the valid CE marking, or are suitable for the specific risk of the job.

Is it legal to charge the worker for the PPE provided?

Absolutely not. The regulations state that the cost of PPE in the company must be fully borne by the employer. Any deduction from payroll or charge for protective equipment is illegal.

What happens if a worker refuses to use the provided PPE?

If the worker, after receiving training and equipment, repeatedly refuses to use it, it is considered a breach of their work duties. The company may apply the disciplinary measures provided in the collective agreement, as safety is a shared obligation.

Who decides what PPE should be used in a job?

The selection must be based on the Risk Assessment conducted by the Occupational Risk Prevention Service. It is a technical decision that must be properly documented.

How should I record the delivery of PPE in my company?

It is mandatory to keep a documentary record of the equipment with the delivery date. Each time you deliver PPE to a worker, they must sign a document specifying the equipment delivered, the date, and a statement that they have received the necessary information and training for its correct use.