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Safety

"You can buy your own safety shoes."

The company requires PPE (personal protective equipment) but does not want to provide it.

§ 3 ArbSchG / § 14 BBiG Abs. 1 Nr. 3

The boss may NOT do that
PPE must be provided by the company free of charge — ALWAYS!
Personal protective equipment (safety shoes, helmet, gloves, safety goggles, hearing protection, respiratory protection, protective clothing) must be provided by the employer free of charge (§ 3 (3) ArbSchG, § 2 PSA-BV). For trainees, additionally under § 14 (1) no. 3 BBiG (training materials). Any contribution by the trainee is IMPERMISSIBLE. Employment without PPE is an administrative offence, and in the event of an accident the company is liable.

What the law says

§ 3 (3) ArbSchG – Costs of occupational safety
The employer may not impose the costs of measures under this Act on the employees.
§ 14 (1) no. 3 BBiG – Training materials
Training companies must provide trainees free of charge with the training materials, in particular tools and materials.
§ 2 PSA-BV – PPE Use Ordinance
The employer must provide personal protective equipment that, among other things, meets the requirements.

What you can do

  1. PPE = ANY protective equipment — whether expensive (safety shoes) or cheap (gloves).
  2. Cleaning and replacement due to wear are also paid by the company.
  3. If refused: complain to the safety officer, the works council, the employers' liability insurance association.
  4. Working without PPE: you may refuse the work (§ 14 AGG by analogy).
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