The PPE at Work Regulations have changed more in the last four years than in the previous thirty. Chances are you already know the rules aren't what they were back in 2021. But knowing *something* changed and knowing exactly what's different now are two very different things.
We field questions about this almost daily at Colbrook. Site managers, business owners, procurement teams. Everyone wants the same straight answer: what do I actually need to do differently? So let's break down what's changed, as of mid-2026.
The 2022 shake-up that's still catching people out
The biggest change to the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations came into force on 6 April 2022. And yes, that was four years ago now. But we still see companies that haven't fully adjusted.
The headline change was scope. Before 2022, the regulations only covered employees, people on your payroll. But the 2022 amendments extended that to cover "limb (b)" workers too. That's agency staff, contractors, gig economy workers, anyone who isn't strictly an employee but is working under your direction.
So if you're managing a site and you've got agency labourers in hi-vis and safety boots that they've supplied themselves, you need to make sure that equipment is suitable, maintained, and properly used, the same as you would for your directly employed staff. The HSE can and will hold you accountable if it isn't.
The cost of PPE for limb (b) workers has to be covered by the employer too. You can't charge agency staff for their safety gear or ask them to bring their own unless you've verified it meets the required standards. That catches a lot of people out.
UKCA marking: the deadline that keeps moving
If you follow PPE regulation changes, you've probably heard about UKCA marking replacing CE marking for products placed on the Great Britain market. The original deadline was 1 January 2025. Then it got pushed back.
As of June 2026, the position is this: CE-marked PPE can still be placed on the GB market indefinitely. The government has confirmed there's no fixed end date for CE recognition. That means if you're buying from established manufacturers like Portwest, Helly Hansen, or Snickers, your existing supply chain is fine. Those products carry both CE and UKCA certification in most cases anyway.
But here's the catch: if you're sourcing from smaller manufacturers or new market entrants, check which mark they carry. UKCA is the long-term direction of travel, and businesses that only carry CE may need to recertify at some point. For most of our customers at Colbrook, this hasn't been a practical issue yet. But it's worth knowing about if you're tendering for public sector contracts, where UKCA is sometimes specified.
Designated standards: updated June 2026
This one's fresh. The list of designated standards for PPE was updated on 5 June 2026. Designated standards are the technical specifications that the government recognises as meeting the essential health and safety requirements of the PPE Regulation 2016/425 (as retained in UK law).
What does that mean for you? When you buy a hard hat marked EN 397, or a hi-vis vest marked EN ISO 20471, you're relying on those standards being current. The June 2026 update added and revised several standards, particularly around respiratory protection, eye protection, and hearing protection.
If you've been buying the same products from the same supplier for years, you're probably fine. But it's worth checking that the standards cited on your PPE labels match the current designated list. Manufacturers should update their products when standards change, but we've seen old stock sitting in warehouses with outdated markings.
What's coming in 2027
Looking ahead, 2027 will bring some further regulatory activity. The HSE is expected to consult on updates to the guidance around the selection and management of PPE in higher-risk environments. Nothing's been published yet, but the direction of travel is towards tighter enforcement of the existing rules rather than new ones.
We're also likely to see more clarity on the UKCA marking transition. The current indefinite extension for CE recognition can't last forever, and industry bodies are pushing for a firm date so businesses can plan.
The other area to watch is sustainability. The Waste (Scotland) Regulations already require businesses to separate recyclable materials, and there's growing pressure on PPE manufacturers to reduce single-use plastics and improve recyclability. Expect this to show up in procurement guidance if not legislation.
What you should do now
Here's the honest answer. If you're already compliant with the current PPE at Work Regulations, providing suitable equipment free of charge, maintaining it, training your people, and covering limb (b) workers, you don't need to panic. The 2026 changes to designated standards are incremental, and the UKCA deadline keeps getting pushed back.
But if you haven't reviewed your PPE policy since 2021, now's the time. Check who you're providing PPE for. Check the standards on your current kit against the June 2026 designated standards list. And if you're tendering for public sector work, make sure your supply chain is UKCA-ready.
Not sure what you need? We help businesses across Scotland get this right every day. Give us a call on +44(0)1236 755544 or browse our range.
