If you were hurt at work because your employer didn't give you the right protective equipment, or gave you faulty kit, you can usually claim, with no upfront fees.
It's a claim for compensation when you're injured or made ill at work because your employer didn't provide suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), or the PPE was faulty or the wrong type.
Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations (NI) 1993, employers must provide suitable PPE where risks can't be controlled in other ways. They must also train you to use it and keep it in good repair.
From 21 October 2024, the duty was extended beyond employees to many casual and gig workers too. Your employer can't charge you for PPE you need to do the job safely.
If the PPE you were given was faulty, the law treats your injury as your employer's fault, even if the fault came from the maker. This comes from the 1972 Order. Breach of the regulations can also found a claim, under Article 43 of the 1978 Order.
Most claims must be started within three years, under the Limitation (Northern Ireland) Order 1989. For illnesses such as hearing loss or skin and lung conditions, it usually runs from when you knew the illness was linked to work.
If your employer failed to protect you from these risks, you may be entitled to make a claim.
You pay nothing to start your claim and nothing while it runs.
We only handle personal injury and clinical negligence claims, from first advice through to court if it comes to that.
If your claim succeeds, the other side pays your legal costs and you keep 100% of your compensation.
Our legal insurance covers the costs if your claim doesn't succeed.
We'll look at what happened and tell you honestly whether you have a claim. There's no pressure to go ahead.
Workplace claims are run by Paul Kearney, a solicitor advocate and former barrister, with trainee solicitor John Deeney.
We help clients across Northern Ireland, in person or by phone, email or video.
A PPE claim is a type of work injury claim made when an employer fails to provide proper personal protective equipment, and that failure leads to injury or illness.
Yes. If you were expected to do your job without essential safety gear like gloves, masks, or goggles and were hurt as a result, you may be entitled to compensation.
Yes. Under the PPE at Work Regulations (NI) 1993, employers must provide suitable PPE where risks can't be controlled in other ways, and they can't charge you for it.
You may still have a valid claim. Providing broken or substandard equipment is as serious as not providing any at all.
Yes. While it's best to report workplace injuries as soon as they happen, you may still be able to claim if there's evidence to support your case.
This can include gloves, safety goggles, helmets, ear defenders, steel-toe boots, high-vis clothing, respirators, and more, depending on the job.
Yes. Claims can be made for illnesses that appear over time, such as hearing loss, lung problems, or skin conditions linked to missing PPE.
Most claims settle without going to court. If your case does require court action, we'll represent you and handle everything.
Common injuries include burns, chemical exposure, cuts, respiratory issues, head injuries, and infections.
That depends on your injury, recovery time, and how it's affected your work and life. We'll provide a clear estimate after reviewing your case.
Yes. If you were working under someone else's supervision, they still owe you a duty of care and may be liable for not providing PPE.
You might still be entitled to compensation, though it may be reduced. We'll explain how this applies to your situation.
Yes. Medical reports help prove the extent of your injury. We'll help you gather what you need.
Yes. You can include wages lost due to time off work, as well as future earnings if your injury affects your ability to work.
Yes. If your claim succeeds, the other side pays your legal costs and you keep 100% of your compensation.
In most cases, you have 3 years from the date of injury or when you first became aware of it.
Yes. Receiving sick pay or government benefits does not affect your right to make a compensation claim.
No win, no fee agreements aren't permitted in Northern Ireland. Instead there are no upfront fees, our legal insurance covers the costs if your claim doesn't succeed, and if it succeeds you keep 100% of your compensation.
Yes. If you're unhappy with your current solicitor, we can help you move your case to us.
We only handle personal injury and clinical negligence claims. There are no upfront fees, our legal insurance covers the costs if your claim doesn't succeed, and if it succeeds you keep 100% of your compensation.
Kearney Law Group Ltd is a solicitors' practice regulated by the Law Society of Northern Ireland. Registered in Northern Ireland, company number NI663222. Registered office: Bishop Street Chambers, 26–28 Bishop Street, Derry BT48 6PR.
Kearney Law Group only handles personal injury and clinical negligence claims.
We act for clients across Northern Ireland, including Belfast, Derry, Lisburn, Newry, Craigavon and Bangor. See all the areas we cover.
Contact us to arrange your free first conversation.
Belfast: Scottish Provident Building, 7 Donegall Square West, Belfast BT1 6JH
02890 912 938
Derry: Bishop Street Chambers, 26–28 Bishop Street, Derry BT48 6PR
02871 362 299
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday 8am – 8pm
Friday 9am – 5pm
