The difficulties of deciding which safety equipment is ‘suitable’ for you

The increasing attention to health & safety must eventually contribute to safer working practices but the BSIF has serious concerns about the ability of purchasers of safety equipment to gain accurate information in a simple and easily understood form at the point of sale. Larger companies have dedicated safety officers who will research their needs on websites and those trading with specialist safety distributors have access to informed advice sources.

However, the fact remains that smaller businesses purchase their requirements from local factors, wholesalers and merchants who rely purely on the user information provided by the manufacturer. This information tends to be generic and states what protective products will do rather than how this relates to the specific hazards or the unique workplace circumstances where these safety products will be used. This challenge will need to be addressed and may take some time to achieve.

Through its awareness campaigns, the BSIF is constantly seeking ways to improve the situation. The success of the ‘Clean Air? Take Care!’ campaign and the Registered Safety Supplier scheme will ultimately be demonstrated by a reduction in workrelated injuries. For the time being, the BSIF will use every opportunity to persuade purchasers of safety products to trade with Registered Safety Suppliers who have evidenced their supply credentials and to avoid “one-stop shopping” through outlets that only pay cursory attention to the application of the products which they sell.