Insights
Public Sector
HOW TO CONDUCT A PPE RISK ASSESSMENT FOR YOUR SITE

HOW TO CONDUCT A PPE RISK ASSESSMENT FOR YOUR SITE

4 minute read

Every workplace has its risks. But for many industries, the right PPE helps reduce them when other controls can’t fully remove the hazard.

A PPE risk assessment isn’t just a health and safety tick box; it’s a key step in protecting your team and making smarter decisions about your kit.

Whether you manage a construction site, a warehouse, or a food production facility, understanding how to run an assessment can help prevent injury, boost confidence, and ensure compliance.

WHAT IS A PPE RISK ASSESSMENT?

A PPE risk assessment is a process that helps you identify what protective gear is needed and when to use it.

It involves reviewing tasks, locations, and risks, and matching those with the right PPE.

It’s not just about issuing hard hats and hi-vis, it’s about making sure the protection actually fits the hazard. And importantly, it forms part of your wider health and safety obligations under UK law.

WHY IT MATTERS

PPE is only effective if it’s suitable for the job at hand. That’s where risk assessments come in.

Doing this well will mean:

A safer, more confident team
Fewer accidents and time off due to injury
Better buying decisions, with no waste or overstocking
Compliance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines

Check out our free Risk Assessment Template to help you get started.

STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO CONDUCT A PPE RISK ASSESSMENT

STEP 1 – IDENTIFY POTENTIAL HAZARDS

Review every task, tool, and area on your site
Don’t overlook short-term tasks or temporary areas
Consider chemical, physical, biological, and environmental risks

STEP 2 – ASSESS THE LEVEL OF RISK

Think about who is exposed and for how long
Use a simple scoring method: likelihood × severity
Prioritise the tasks where harm is most likely or most serious

STEP 3 – CHOOSE THE RIGHT PPE

Look at comfort, fit, and whether it’s compatible with other gear
Check PPE complies with EN standards or other industry-specific requirements
Match gear to the risk (e.g., gloves for chemicals, boots for impact, and masks for airborne dust)

STEP 4 – COMMUNICATE AND TRAIN

Keep the language simple and practical
Offer training, demos, or fit testing for specialist PPE
Make sure everyone understands what to wear and why

STEP 5 – REVIEW AND UPDATE REGULARLY

Reassess after incidents, near-misses, or site changes
Keep a record for audits, inspections, and internal tracking
Schedule reviews at least once a year or sooner if something changes

COMMON PPE GAPS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Even well-meaning assessments can fall short.

Here are common misses we see:

Using the wrong gloves for specific chemicals
Outdated PPE that’s still being issued after site updates
Missing face or eye protection in dusty environments

Issuing gear without confirming proper fit can lead to discomfort, poor performance, and even safety risks.

Make sure you get it right the first time with our risk assessment template.

HOW SMI CAN HELP

At SMI, we make PPE simple. We understand what real teams need on real job sites, and we’re here to help.

Here’s what sets us apart:

25,000+ products available
Inclusive sizing and ladies' range
97% in-stock availability, meaning fewer delays
Support from risk assessments to product delivery
Easy access to expert advice on fit, standards, and compatibility

Need help choosing the right kit? Talk to our team for practical, tailored guidance.

FAQs

Can I use a generic checklist?

You can start with one, but it’s best to adapt it to your specific tasks, environment, and team. We recommend taking a look at our template.

What if I don’t know what PPE is best?

That’s what we’re here for! The SMI team can help you choose the right protective equipment based on your assessment, industry, and team needs.

Do I have to do a PPE risk assessment by law?

Yes. Under UK health and safety legislation, employers must assess risks and determine appropriate PPE. It’s a legal requirement, and more importantly, it protects your team.