From the CEO's desk

Each year, the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) tests and assesses a wide variety of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety products available in the UK to check products perform as advertised. These evaluations cover products from both BSIF members and non-member suppliers, checking for compliance with the requirements of the PPE Regulation which is critical for guaranteeing that only safe and effective products reach consumers.

Consistently, these tests reveal a worrying number of non-member products failing to meet the necessary safety standards. However, this year’s results are particularly alarming. Between December 2023 and December 2024, the BSIF tested 161 products from non-member suppliers, with a shocking 90% failing to comply with safety requirements. Only 10% of the products met the required standards, highlighting a deeply concerning trend and underscoring the urgent need for increased scrutiny and enforcement within the industry.

This is not an isolated occurrence. The failures were evident across multiple categories of PPE, including head protection, eye and face protection, and fall protection, where every product tested failed to meet the necessary requirements. It is sobering to consider the potential consequences of these failures. Let’s not forget that faulty helmets, ineffective fall arrest systems, and inadequate protective eyewear are not just regulatory issues; they represent real risks to the safety and wellbeing of workers.

In categories such as safety footwear and hearing protection, failure rates stood at 86% and 90% respectively. Alarmingly, many of these products are aggressively marketed on popular platforms, appealing to buyers with promises of comfort and protection without the necessary backing of rigorous safety testing.

In contrast, the results from tests conducted on products supplied by BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers present a markedly different picture. Of 399 products tested from these suppliers, 86% passed the assessments. For the 14% that initially fell short, corrective actions were promptly implemented. This reflects not only the commitment of these suppliers to safety and compliance but also the effectiveness of robust quality assurance processes.

The BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Shield serves as a clear indicator of credibility. Companies displaying this mark have made a binding commitment to provide products that meet stringent safety standards and comply with all relevant regulations. The BSIF shield represents a supplier's dedication to safety, quality, and responsible trading practices.

The presence of substandard PPE on the market pose tangible risks to health and safety. Ineffective respiratory protective equipment can lead to serious occupational illnesses, while inadequate high-visibility clothing can result in preventable accidents. Substandard gloves, footwear, and hearing protection expose workers to unnecessary hazards.

With substandard products so prevalent, procurement professionals, safety managers, and end-users adopt a more cautious and informed approach to sourcing PPE. This includes scrutinising the credentials of suppliers. Are they registered with reputable industry bodies like the BSIF? Do they have a proven track record of compliance? What quality assurance measures do they have in place?

Education and awareness play a crucial role in addressing this issue. Procurement teams must be trained to identify potential red flags, such as vague certification claims or suspiciously low prices.

While the BSIF continues to monitor the market and advocate for higher standards, the responsibility for ensuring safety does not rest solely with regulatory bodies. Buyers and specifiers have a pivotal role to play. By choosing Registered Safety Suppliers, you can drive positive change and help eliminate substandard products from the market.

Don’t forget the BSIF offers valuable resources to support buyers, including the "Check Your PPE" purchasing checklist and a comprehensive directory of Registered Safety Suppliers. These tools are designed to help organisations make informed decisions and maintain high safety standards.

The BSIF is dedicated to challenging the supply of substandard PPE and safety products in the UK. As part of this commitment, the Federation will be launching the "PPE Saves Lives" campaign in April. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the critical importance of sourcing and using suitable PPE, reinforcing the message that safety should never be compromised.

Alan Murray is chief executive of BSIF. For more information, visit www.bsif.co.uk