HS&E Operatives practice question: Duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (2 of 7)
A. Working environment A free question from our original HS&E Operatives practice exam. Try it, then open the answer to see why each option is right or wrong.
The site is noisy, so your employer gives you a new pair of ear defenders. At the end of the week, £15 is taken out of your pay to cover their cost.
Is your employer allowed to do this?
Choose one answer.
AA. No, because the law says safety equipment must be free
BB. No, because ear defenders only need wearing in very loud areas
CC. Yes, because you get to keep the ear defenders after the job
DD. Yes, because ear defenders are personal and can't be shared
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: A
A. Right: Right. Section 9 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 says an employer must not charge workers for anything done or provided to meet a legal health and safety duty.
B. Wrong: Wrong reason. Where hearing protection must be worn depends on how loud the noise is, but that is not why the charge is unlawful. The charge is unlawful because of section 9.
C. Wrong: Wrong. Keeping the equipment makes no difference. The law says your employer cannot charge you for anything they must provide for your health and safety.
D. Wrong: Wrong. Some equipment is issued to one person for hygiene reasons, but that does not let your employer charge you for it. Section 9 of the Act still applies.
Explanation
Your employer must give you the protective equipment you need for the job free of charge. They cannot take the cost out of your pay.