Work Equipment Regulations

What is work equipment?

The work equipment regulations make sure your employer keeps your work equipment in good condition. The law defines work equipment as any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation for use at work.

This means anything you have to start, stop, programme, move, repair, modify, maintain, or clean. So both a ship and a bar of soap can be work equipment.

How is my employer responsible for work equipment?

Your employer has to make sure your work equipment is suitable. This doesn't just mean it has to work properly, it also has to be suitable for the environment you work in.

Your employer has to make sure any work equipment is kept in good working order and repair. For example, in one case a postman was injured when the front wheel of the bicycle he'd been given for work suddenly locked. Even though this could have been caused by a manufacturing fault, the Post Office was found to be liable for not looking after its work equipment properly.

Does it make any difference if my employer could predict the accident or not?

Just because something can be used doesn't mean it is maintained properly. Under the law, it doesn't matter whether or not your employer could foresee you might be injured by the work equipment. It is their responsibility to make sure this doesn't happen by keeping it in good repair.

Does my employer have to provide training?

Your employer should train you how to use your work equipment safely. This includes health and safety issues and providing written instructions where necessary. This should be ongoing if your work or work equipment changes, you should get more training.

They also have to do their own assessment of your skills and the work equipment - they shouldn't just rely on yours.

Where can I get more information?

If you have any questions or think you have a claim, you can speak to experts at Russell Jones and Walker solicitors. Our contact details are on our website, yourlegalrights.co.uk, or you can ring our freephone number 0800 916 9065.

This fact sheet will give you some basic information about the work equipment regulations. You can also listen to it online or download it onto an MP3 player.

Please be aware that this is not legal advice and if you are concerned about any of the issues mentioned you should speak to a lawyer.

You can contact Russell Jones & Walker's solicitors at enquiries@rjw.co.uk.

For more information you can download this fact sheet to read offline or print.