Personal Protective Equipment and the Law: What Employers Need to Know

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is not a luxury; it is a legal requirement for anyone working in a high-risk environment - for example construction, transport and logistics, technical trades, petrochemicals and manufacturing. The Arbowet is clear: if risks cannot be removed by source measures or collective controls, PPE is mandatory.

For employers that means more than making PPE available: it must be used correctly, maintained and checked. This guide summarises what the law requires, your duties, and how to reduce the risk of fines - so you can work safely and in line with the rules in 2025.

What is PPE and why is it legally required?

PPE means personal protective equipment: all equipment that protects workers against residual risks that technical measures or workplace redesign cannot fully eliminate. Examples include safety shoes, head protection, work gloves, respiratory protection and hearing protection.

Under the Arbowet, PPE is required once residual risks remain that can injure or make a worker ill. The hierarchy is: eliminate at source first, then collective measures, then PPE. In practice residual risk often remains - so PPE is mandatory in many sectors.

Employers are responsible for providing, instructing on and supervising PPE use. Workers are obliged to wear it.

PPE and the Arbowet: employer duties

Employers must make PPE available when residual risks remain. Duties typically include:

• Providing PPE free of charge

• Explaining correct use

• Supervising that it is worn

• Replacing damaged PPE promptly

• Recording what was issued (e.g. per worker)

Liability and fines

If PPE is missing or not worn, the Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie can impose fines. In serious injury cases the employer may face liability for medical costs, claims or even business interruption. Liability often rests with the employer even when a worker ignores the rules - so supervision must be active and demonstrable.

Link to the RI&E

The duty to use PPE arises from the RI&E: which risks exist, which measures are required, and which PPE is the last layer of defence. Without a valid RI&E, PPE policy lacks a solid legal basis.

Browse certified PPE at Your Safety Shop.

Examples of PPE covered by legislation

1. Workwear and safety shoes

From standard work trousers to flame-retardant clothing and antistatic clothing. Safety shoes are mandatory in many sectors where falling objects, sharp materials or slippery floors are risks.

Read more: Occupational rules for workwear.

2. Helmets

A safety helmet is required when there is a risk of falling objects or striking fixed objects. If the risk is present, the helmet must be worn.

3. Eye / face protection

Safety glasses, face shields or welding helmets are required for flying particles, chemicals or radiation risks. See also face protection and welding PPE.

4. Hearing protection

Assess noise exposure and apply the applicable legal action values. Make suitable hearing protection available and ensure it is worn where required; hearing protection does not replace measures to reduce noise at source.

ear defenders · earplugs · hearing protection

6. Respiratory protection

For dust, fumes, smoke or chemical risks, provide suitable respiratory protection (filtering or supplied-air, as required).

7. Gloves and hand protection

Cut-resistant, chemical-resistant, heat-resistant or electrically insulating work gloves - chosen from the risks in your sector.

Note: the Dutch source numbering jumps from 4 to 6 (no section 5) - retained as in source.

FAQ

When is PPE mandatory?

When residual risks remain after source and collective measures. If a risk is in the RI&E, provide suitable PPE and require workers to wear it.

What does the Arbowet say about PPE?

Employers must provide PPE free of charge, instruct clearly and supervise use. Workers must use PPE. PPE is the last line of defence, not the first.

How do you avoid fines?

• Keep the RI&E complete and up to date

• Assign the right PPE per role/situation

• Instruct workers and check use

• Inspect, maintain and replace on time

• Document issuance, inspections and training

Following these steps supports compliance with PPE legislation.