I know employers are required to provide ppe , but what about agencies ? other than the obligatory vest with their name emblazoned over the back are they obliged to provide anything else ■■
syramax:
I know employers are required to provide ppe , but what about agencies ? other than the obligatory vest with their name emblazoned over the back are they obliged to provide anything else ■■
I didn’t even get a hi viz vest 
Based on the HSE guidelines, it seems an agency is legally required to ensure your health and safety including provision of appropriate PPE free of charge, at least during your time with said company.
hse.gov.uk/workers/agencyworkers.htm
I would assume for specialist PPE, if the final company provides such then the agency can claim it is following the Health & Safety at Work Act as long as they ensure the PPE provided is suitable for the task and you are properly trained in its use. Of course whether they actually do all this is another matter, but then the agency and final company would both be in do-do if anything happened.
I’d buy my own then claim it back as an expense.
Only one agency provided a high viz out of several i am with. Noone provided the boots though.
If your lucky enough to find an agency that employs you.
Most take you under the umbrella system in which case you’re self employed.