Posted By NDB Am I right in thinking that Health & Safety requirements in the workplace have to be supported by the potential of disciplinary action from the employer? I want to insist that all employees involved with machinery etc wear their glasses. If I make it a disciplinary issue when glasses are not worn, am I covered by law if an accident occurs when an employee is not wearing their glasses? I cannot be everywhere at once, and if an employee chooses to not wear glasses and an accident occurs I want to be able to refute any claims for compensation etc.

Posted By Fred Pratley As David posted, if your assessment shows there is foreseeable risk, then Eyewear is required. HSE will expecte you to enforce its use (although PPE should be the last resort)and failing to do so (as with any safety measure) will land you in hot water with them if an accident happens, or you have a visit. However, you need to explain your concerns are gain co-operation, leaving the discipline route to the last, but if thats what it takes. As regards compensation claims, these will happen and these are handled by your insurers. Your best defense against a claim being "successful" is to make sure that if the rule is brought into force, you ensure that operators are educated on the need for all the PPE deemed appropriate, and then have them sign off a simple record to confirm they are aware and have been informed. If you then need to "remind" someone, be sure to make a simple diary note as this is the hard evidence that insurers need. Trust this is of some use, Fred

Posted By Pat Hannaway Relevant case law may be Paris v Stepney Borough Council. You will also have to enforce the wearing of the PPE, othwise a non compliance with HASAWA : duties of managers, directors etc. Regards Pat