From the CEOs Desk

The recent British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) white paper, ‘Combatting Substandard PPE in the UK’, has shed light on the persistent and dangerous issue of non-compliant PPE continuing to flood the UK marketplace. The BSIF conducted substantial market surveillance work during 2025 including product testing and assessments. Products supplied by BSIF members as part of the Registered Safety Suppliers Scheme (RSSS), achieved a 96% assessment pass rate compared to just 18% for non-member products selected from the marketplace.  This difference is stark and proves that unsafe products continue to reach end users, putting workers, who think they are protected when they are not, at risk. The consequences of inadequate protection can be very severe, whether through injury or longer-term health impacts.

The persistent problem of online marketplaces

One of the most pressing concerns outlined in the BSIF report is the proliferation of dangerous and non-compliant PPE being sold through online marketplaces. These products often bypass regulatory scrutiny, entering the market without proper certification, testing, or quality assurance. Online marketplaces, while convenient, have become conduits for unsafe items that threaten the integrity of workplace safety standards.

The authorities’ responses to these violations have been ineffective. The Health and Safety Executive and Trading Standards, constrained by resource limitations and jurisdictional challenges, struggle to keep pace with the volume of listings. Upstream checks by online platforms are frequently insufficient and, inexcusably, even when unsafe products are identified and removed, they are often relisted under new names or sellers, perpetuating the cycle of risk.  We see new company names, often unintelligible, springing up just days after a delisting, selling exactly the same products with the same images.

Alarmingly, the rate of product removals from online marketplaces is declining. The Office for Product Safety and Standards’ (OPSS) own database across all product categories shows that product delistings from online marketplaces, as a result of corrective actions from the authorities, fell steadily year-by-year a massive 85% between 2022 and 2025! This downward trend suggests an inability to address the evolving tactics of unscrupulous sellers. The result is an online marketplace where dangerous PPE is readily available and buyers must exercise heightened vigilance. 

We see many examples of products that make claims of protection that are completely unsubstantiated.  They are often supported by fantastical video’s, augmented by AI, showing workers being protected against extreme risk. These adverts can be very persuasive to an unknowing buyer. As part of our mission to help buyers make informed choices that prioritise safety the BSIF will soon be releasing the first in a series of short social media videos. The videos will counter these misleading PPE advertisements with real-life video testing evidence that exposes these products for what they really are.

Thankfully legislative reform is also underway. The Product Regulation and Metrology Act, that gained royal assent last year, represents a critical step forward, establishing a framework for more robust oversight of product safety in the UK. Consultation on secondary legislation is imminent and the BSIF will push for practical measures to govern product compliance and market accountability that reflect the realities of modern supply chains and the complexities of online commerce.

‘It’s In Your Hands’ skincare campaign

Spring is here and as the weather improves it serves as a great reminder that the importance of skin protection in the workplace cannot be overstated. Exposure to harsh conditions, chemicals, and irritants can lead to a range of dermatological issues, severely affecting comfort, productivity, and long-term health.

BSIF’s ‘It’s In Your Hands’ skincare campaign has just launched and addresses this critical area of workplace safety. The campaign materials, available on the BSIF’s website, provide practical guidance on selecting appropriate skin protection products, implementing effective routines, and raising awareness of common risks. ‘It’s In Your Hands’ came out of a Special Interest Group project for members and serves as a further testament to BSIF’s wide-ranging approach to worker welfare, ensuring that every aspect of health and safety is prioritised. I encourage you to read the materials and review your workplace skincare arrangements.

Join BSIF at the NEC in April

BSIF will be prominently featured at the upcoming Health and Safety Event at the NEC this April. Attendees are invited to participate in the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier trail, an interactive experience designed to showcase best practices and highlight the advantages of purchasing from accredited sources.

This event presents a valuable opportunity for professionals to network, exchange ideas, and stay abreast of the latest developments in PPE standards and workplace safety. Please visit the BSIF stand where our experts will be on hand to answer questions and support the industry’s ongoing commitment to excellence.

John Hooker is CEO of BSIF. For more information, visit www.bsif.co.uk