1: Introduction

1.1 Policy Overview
This Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy outlines the responsibilities and expectations of all personnel supplied by Redcone Recruitment Limited to work on traffic management sites. The policy is aligned with ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems and adheres to UK Highways safety standards. It ensures that all subcontracted workers are aware of their obligation to provide and use PPE appropriate to their roles and work environments.

1.2 Commitment to Health and Safety
Redcone Recruitment Limited is committed to ensuring the safety of all personnel deployed to client sites. Although PPE provision is the responsibility of subcontractors and individual workers, Redcone Recruitment Limited plays a key role in enforcing compliance through pre-placement verification and continuous safety communication.

2: Purpose

2.1 Objectives of the Policy

• 2.1.1 Define the responsibilities of subcontracted workers regarding PPE procurement, maintenance, and use.

• 2.1.2 Ensure that all operatives placed by Redcone Recruitment Limited meet site safety requirements.

• 2.1.3 Promote awareness of industry-standard PPE aligned with ISO 45001 and UK Highways regulations.

• 2.1.4 Reduce the risk of injury or incident caused by improper PPE use or non-compliance on site.

3: Scope

3.1 Applicability
This policy applies to all subcontracted workers, contractors, and temporary personnel placed by Redcone Recruitment Limited into roles involving traffic management and roadwork activities.

3.2 Coverage of Activities
Applicable activities include but are not limited to:

• Setting up and managing temporary traffic control systems

• Handling road signage, cones, and barriers

• Working on live carriageways and hard shoulders

• Operating in night-time and adverse weather conditions

4: PPE Requirements and Standards

4.1 Risk Awareness and PPE Suitability

4.1.1 Subcontractors must carry out their own risk assessments to ensure PPE suitability for their assigned duties.

4.1.2 Redcone Recruitment Limited will communicate general PPE expectations based on client requirements and role descriptions at the time of assignment. It is the responsibility of the worker or subcontractor to ensure compliance with those requirements.

4.2 Minimum Mandatory PPE Standards

All workers deployed to traffic management sites must have access to and use PPE compliant with the following minimum standards:

• High-visibility clothing: Long-sleeved, Class 3 EN ISO 20471 compliant.

• Safety boots: Steel toe cap, penetration-resistant sole, anti-slip rated (EN ISO 20345).

• Hard hat: EN 397 compliant, preferably with reflective features.

• Gloves: Suitable for general handling tasks and varied weather conditions.

• Eye protection: Required when performing tasks involving flying particles or dust.

• Hearing protection: For use in high-noise environments, e.g., near generators or machinery.

• Weather gear: Waterproof, thermal, or UV-resistant clothing appropriate to seasonal conditions.

4.3 Subcontractor Responsibilities

4.3.1 All subcontractors and self-employed workers must:

• Provide their own PPE before commencing work.

• Ensure PPE is fit for purpose, certified to relevant British and ISO standards, and in good condition.

• Replace worn or damaged PPE at their own expense without delay.

• Use PPE at all times in accordance with site-specific health and safety regulations.

4.3.2 Non-compliant individuals may be refused entry to site or removed from assignment until adequate PPE is sourced.

4.4 Redcone Recruitment Limited Responsibilities

4.4.1 Redcone Recruitment Limited will:

• Provide clear PPE expectations in assignment documentation and pre-site briefings.

• Confirm PPE compliance prior to worker placement.

• Monitor reports from clients regarding PPE non-compliance and respond with corrective measures, including warnings, re-briefings, or removal from the placement.

4.5 Training and Induction

4.5.1 All workers will receive:

• Pre-placement safety briefing including PPE requirements

• Role-specific information on Highways England standards where applicable

• Refresher guidance during site visits or upon client request

4.5.2 Subcontractors are encouraged to maintain current knowledge of traffic management PPE standards and best practices.

5: Enforcement and Incident Management

5.1 Enforcement Measures

5.1.1 Subcontractors or operatives found without required PPE will be subject to immediate action, including:

• Verbal or written warnings

• Immediate removal from site

• Termination of contract for repeated breaches

5.2 Incident Reporting

5.2.1 Any PPE-related incident or near-miss involving subcontracted staff must be reported to Redcone Recruitment Limited by the client site supervisor or the worker themselves.

5.2.2 Incident reviews will include assessment of PPE use and may lead to follow-up actions such as re-briefings or disciplinary measures.

6: Monitoring and Evaluation

6.1 Compliance Indicators
Redcone Recruitment Limited will track the following indicators to ensure policy effectiveness:

• Rate of PPE-related incidents or client complaints

• PPE compliance reports from client sites

• Contractor re-briefing or incident re-assignment statistics

6.2 Continuous Improvement
Feedback from client sites, incident reports, and audit results will inform improvements to this policy and its communication methods.

7: Policy Review

7.1 This PPE Policy will be reviewed annually and in response to:

• Changes in relevant legislation

• Updates to ISO 45001 or Highways England requirements

• Patterns or trends in PPE-related incidents or non-compliance

7.2 Reviews will include consultation with clients, recruitment consultants, and industry stakeholders to ensure practical applicability and legal alignment.

7.3 Policy updates will be communicated to all recruitment staff, subcontractors, and external partners.

8: Legal and ISO Compliance

8.1 This policy is aligned with the following legal and industry frameworks:

• ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems

• Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended)

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

• National Highways Sector Schemes (particularly 12A/B/D)

8.2 Redcone Recruitment Limited remains committed to promoting PPE awareness and safety culture across all traffic management assignments and maintaining compliance with evolving health and safety legislation.