This comes under the Health and Safety Personal Protective Equipment Regulations (1992). Where risks cannot be controlled by any other means, or where legislation requires its specific use, employees must be provided with suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). If PPE is required, it should be identified during the risk assessment process, and must be issued free of charge. If the company say safety footwear is required, the employee should not be asked to supply their own or even contribute to the cost. The caller stated that he would now go back to his line manager and explain the position.

Guidance can be found in Personal Protective Equipment at Work. HSE Books L25, and guidance on the regulations ISBN: 0717604152 £5.75
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