From fit to function

WORKPLACE SAFETY advances rarely happen overnight; they’re built through steady, incremental improvements. In personal protective equipment (PPE), even small upgrades over time have significantly helped lower the number and impact of accidents.

This guide has now been published for 11 years. While I’ve served as editor for only half that time, I’ve seen how ongoing safety campaigns and innovations from manufacturers have contributed to a safer workplace and better protection for workers across the industry.

To gain deeper insight, Health and Safety Matters conducted a PPE Survey to hear directly from those on the front lines – the PPE users themselves. We explored not just what they wear, but how they select, source, and even dispose of their essential gear. We also shared our findings with manufacturers and industry leaders to get their perspectives on the results.

To better understand current attitudes and practices around personal protective equipment (PPE), Health and Safety Matters conducted a wide-reaching survey targeting professionals across various sectors and roles. The results offer valuable insight into who is making decisions around PPE and the diverse industries they represent.

It’s fantastic to see such a diverse and engaged group of respondents taking part in our survey. With a strong representation from health and safety managers in both industrial (26%) and non-industrial sectors (18%), as well as health and safety officers (25%), the insights gathered truly reflect the perspectives of those deeply involved in workplace safety. Contributions from consultants, engineers, facilities managers, and OHS directors add valuable expertise, making this a well-rounded snapshot of the PPE landscape. We’re grateful for their time and input—it’s their voices that make this survey meaningful and impactful.

The survey captured insights from a broad spectrum of industries, highlighting the widespread importance of PPE across the UK workforce. While Construction (24%) and Manufacturing (22%) remain the most prominent sectors, a significant 34% of respondents identified as working in ‘other’ industries - highlighting that PPE usage and responsibility extends beyond the traditional sectors into areas such as energy, utilities, local government, and professional services. Contributions from Education, Medical, Transport, Warehousing, and Food & Beverage sectors further underscore how essential workplace safety and protective equipment are across diverse environments.

We wanted to know what our respondents' relationship is with PPE and found that 24% specified PPE, 20% used it, 12% purchased and 44% fit in to all of these categories. 

A new question was added this year as we wanted to find out if the surveyor was responsible for buying their own PPE, how this was managed by their company. Some 76% said the company issued the PPE to them, while 23% acquired their own. Of this number, 10% are reimbursed for their purchases, while 13% are given an allowance.

Performance matters

Now we have a better picture of the surveyors, we can take a look at what their thoughts and opinions are on the PPE they specify and use. The first question we asked was 'What 4 considerations are important to you when sourcing PPE?' We asked the individuals to number the fields in order of importance, with 1 being the most important and 4 the least. This then gave each field an overall score, which is converted into a percentage score. The results are as follows:

• Performance to claims 21%

• Female fit 18%

• Functionality 14%

• Comfort 13%

• Through life cost 12%

• Compatibility 12%

• Range 11%

While performance to claims secured it's place at the top for the fourth year running, comfort has climbed the ranks, which could be due to the warmer weather we have experienced this year, as everyone notices discomfort when they are hot. Last year, comfort was ranked last, with only 3% prioritising comfort over the other fields.

Clair Weston, head of marketing at uvex says, “At uvex, we are pleased to see that the top priorities when sourcing PPE, performance to claimed standards, functionality and comfort, align closely with our core product development principles. We are committed to delivering PPE that not only meets but exceeds certified standards, ensuring both safety and reliability in real-world conditions.

“We also note the growing emphasis on female fit and through-life cost, which reflects a broader shift towards inclusive design and long-term value. uvex offers a broad range of styles and fits to accommodate diverse wearer needs and to support cost-effective solutions that are both durable and high-performing.”

Jonathan Prest, MD at Wonder Grip UK said, “It’s no surprise that performance leads the way, it’s central to both safety and day-to-day productivity. It’s also encouraging to see female fit ranking highly, reflecting the growing demand for inclusive, ergonomically designed PPE. Functionality and comfort remain key priorities too. Together, these insights point to a clear shift across the industry: PPE must go beyond basic compliance and deliver across multiple criteria to truly meet user needs.”

Supply and demand

Our next question was 'what do you look for from your supplier?' and the results are as follows:

• Quality products 28%

• Ethically concerned 27%

• Capable/Well informed staff 15%

• Availability 15%

• BSIF/Registered Safety Supplier Scheme Member 14%

Cost and the reputation of the supplier were mentioned in the 'other' field a few times. It is great to see 14% of our responders look to see if their supplier is a Registered Safety Supplier Scheme member, but I think this should be higher ranked.

For those who aren't aware of this scheme, the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) created the Registered Safety Supplier (RSS) scheme and companies displaying the scheme’s logo have signed a binding declaration that the safety equipment they offer meets the appropriate standards, fully complies with the PPE regulations and is appropriately CE marked. By using a RSS scheme member you can be sure you are being supplied with genuine, appropriately approved products.

Clair Weston commented, “We are encouraged to see that quality products, availability and capable, well-informed staff are key decision factors. As a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier, uvex takes pride in offering ethically produced PPE built to endure resulting in fewer replacements, less product going to landfill and backed by expert guidance and dependable service.”

Jonathan Prest added, “The emphasis on quality speaks volumes. Buyers are looking beyond price; they want reliability, consistency, and products that perform as promised. A genuine commitment to quality helps reduce waste and product failures and extend the lifespan of PPE. That not only supports sustainability credentials but also reduces long-term cost. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that well-designed, durable PPE plays a crucial role in long-term value, and offers end users peace of mind, giving them the confidence that their equipment will perform, job after job.”

Our next question called for respondents to cite their obstacles when sourcing PPE. There were no surprising answers here with cost, stock levels and availability cropping up most. Many acknowledged that fake products are becoming an increasing obstacle, which is why we recommend purchasing from reputable suppliers. Sizing was another obstacle, with more choice wanted for extra small and extra large sizes.

One OHS director in the pharmaceutical industry commented, “I specify the PPE, then procurement buy the cheapest items that they can get away with regardless of the specification, and act dumb when caught out. They are bonused on cost saving against budget.”

A health and safety officer in construction said he wanted “Guidance without pushing sales of particular brand/product.”

While a construction director added, “Finding good fitting modern items. Too often the PPE range available is 'cheap' and one size fits all where the item is simply too large, ill fitting and unprofessional in appearance.”

So, we wanted to find out 'what more could your PPE suppliers be doing to make the procurement process smoother?' To summarise responses, you want greater availability, simpler ordering with records for repeat orders as well as staff who can explain the needs for the PPE they are selling. Many also feel that having product trials could better help them with sizing issues and some suggested site visits.

Inclusivity

When we asked 'Is there enough of a selection of inclusive PPE and what progress would you like to see?', 66% said yes and 34% said no.

Let's take a look at some of the comments from our respondents:

“I personally believe there is enough choice at variable price points to meet the relevant needs.”

“This still needs much more progress. Construction and rail have seen improvements but this has not yet passed through to lower-risk general industry products. we struggle to get very small male items just as much as very small female (UK dress size 4 as an example!)”

“There has been a real increase in PPE designed specifically for females, which is a really good thing, but why is it so expensive?”

Clair Weston commented, “uvex is committed to the design and production of PPE solutions that can be tailored to individual requirements delivering absolute consistency of protection and performance levels. To ensure your employees have the best fit from their PPE, uvex have developed a fit programme to accompany its wide range of PPE solutions. It is important that all individuals find PPE that fits for maximum protection, comfort and performance, regardless of gender. While a wide range of PPE is available from manufacturers, many wearers and buyers are unaware of their options and often put up with a one size fits all approach. Access to properly fitting PPE should be made available to all individuals via their employers.

Our next section moved on to training and we asked 'do you train staff using PPE and if so how?' Only 32% of respondents said yes to this question. 

One commented, “During the induction training, the workmen and staff are trained on how to use the PPE correctly being the last control measures towards the health and safety of the individuals. Importance is given in the training session to explain about the correct uses.”

E-learning, a mixture of internal and external courses, Toolbox talks and training workshops were all methods mentioned for the training that is taking place. However, it is concerning that such a large proportion do not train.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) states that, 'If PPE is required, employers must ensure workers have sufficient information, instruction and training on the use of PPE.' 

Let's take a look at the results of our next question, 'If you use or supply RPE, do you understand the need for face fitting?'. Pleasingly, 92% said yes, which is similar to last year's result (93%).

Tracy Vernon, marketing manager at Shawcity said, “In terms of RPE, it is great to see that the survey suggests there is a 92% awareness of the need for face fit testing. But with 8% still unaware, there is still work to be done in terms of education. It’s also important that people understand the different types of fit testing options available to them and choose the most appropriate for their workforce. The threat of airborne, respirable hazards in the workplace is ever-present and employers have a legal responsibility to ensure their workers are protected. Inhalable dust can be breathed into the nose or mouth and cause irritation and other health problems, while respirable dust is made up smaller-size particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause serious long-term health problems. It’s so important to get RPE right.” 

We next wanted to know where you expect to see the most innovation in PPE. Here are the results: 

• RPE 27%

• Gloves 23%

• Protective clothing 21/%

• Safety footwear 15%

• Ear protection 15%

Given the leaps and bounds RPE has come along in recent years – largely driven by covid, but also driven the fashion of facial hair driving advances in powered air purifying respirators (PAPR), I am not surprised this remains the top choice for where respondents see innovation happening. I agree that there will still be much development to come in this area and look forward to seeing this develop further.

Jonathan Prest said, “Gloves ranking second in PPE innovation highlights the pace of development in hand protection. From advanced materials and coatings to strides in ergonomic and sustainable design, glove innovation continues to evolve in response to the changing needs of today’s workforce. It’s great to see this recognised in the market. ”

We wanted to know where you go to find information on PPE. Here's what we found:

• Manufacturer/distributor/supplier of your PPE 37%

• Industry magazines and their websites 15%

• Webinars 15%

• Membership associations 13%

• BSIF 12%

It is great to see many of so many of you using magazines and webinars to stay up to date, and we at Health and Safety Matters see strong demand for our publication and all of the webinars that you join. It is worth pointing out that we get our information from suppliers and membership organisations, such as the BSIF, and with their expert knowledge we are able to help you get the information you need.

Standards and legislation

The next question we asked was, 'Are there any areas in PPE where you think standards and legislation could be improved?' Some 61% of responders said yes – but let's take a look into what they said.

“Several areas within PPE standards and legislation could be improved, focusing on accessibility, maintenance, and the integration of emerging technologies. Specifically, ensuring PPE is readily available, promoting proper care and maintenance, and exploring the use of augmented reality for improved training and real-time guidance could enhance overall safety.” - health and safety engineer.

“Provision of chemical breakthrough data for nitrile and latex gloves and for this to be readily available.” - health and safety manager, NHS pathology department.

“Across all areas - there should be sturdier regulatory requirements around PPE, and clear punishments for non-compliance with legal standards. Additionally, there should be better and more comprehensive guidance on what employers are expected to ensure they have in place (using RPE as an example, guidance is to vague saying fit-tester most be competent - without clarifying route for competency).” - health and safety manager, medical industry.

“RPE face fitting, because I still find operatives with beards holding face fit certificates.” - health and safety consultant, construction industry.

You also want cheap imports better-controlled, a stronger hard hat renewal policy, better clarity on cut resistant gloves, more enforcement and as one person summarises …. there's always room for improvement. 

We next asked, 'do you know what the UKCA mark is, and when it will be used in the context of PPE?' This year, 77% of responders said they do, which is down slightly from 81% last year. 

The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark is a mandatory certification for personal protective equipment (PPE) placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales). It indicates that the PPE meets the relevant UK legislation for health, safety, and environmental protection, following the UK's exit from the European Union. For most PPE, this means compliance with the UK version of Regulation (EU) 2016/425, which outlines essential requirements for design and manufacture. The UKCA mark effectively replaces the CE mark in Great Britain, and for higher-risk PPE (such as respirators or fall protection), conformity assessments must be carried out by a UK-approved body. The mark must be clearly displayed on the product or its packaging, accompanied by appropriate documentation such as a Declaration of Conformity.

Sustainability challenges

The survey moved on to find out about thoughts and practices around sustainability. Only 25% are seeing green claims, which is exactly the same as last year, with only 19% of those challenging the veracity of these claims. These are being challenged by asking the supplier to support their claims. 

“It’s encouraging to see that 25% of buyers are now encountering green claims on PPE products, but concerning that 80% don’t question their validity,” says Clair Weston. “As sustainability becomes a growing priority, we urge buyers to go beyond the label. Ask for evidence: What’s the carbon footprint of this product? Is the manufacturer reducing harmful substances in production? Are environmental claims backed by third-party certification?

Jonathan Prest said, “It’s telling that one in five respondents would challenge the validity of Green Claims. Greenwashing remains a challenge in the PPE sector, making it harder for buyers to separate marketing from measurable impact. Sustainability credentials should be transparent, evidence-based, and truly meaningful; that’s the only way to build genuine trust and progress.”

There is still an issue surrounding the recycling of PPE at the end of its life, and we asked what you do with yours. A lot of used PPE is going straight in the bin as there isn't another option for them in their line of work, although some are not happy about this and are going to look into recycling options. Only 9% recycle, although an additional 13% recycle where possible.

While some used PPE is going back to the supplier, others keep hold of their old items to use for training and educational purposes where possible.

Some of our respondents think that sustainability will drive trends going forwards. One said, 'Sustainability will increasingly drive PPE trends towards eco-friendly materials, reusable designs, and circular economy models, reducing waste and promoting responsible production and consumption. This includes a shift to biodegradable and recycled materials, innovative manufacturing processes, and rental/subscription models for PPE.' While another said 'It will move forward as it does in all areas. However, performance will always be first.' Less single use items will become available, hoped some. 

A health and safety manager in the cleaning and facilities industry commented: “We are already seeing developments such as sustainable re-usable gloves using alternatives to plastics, and I can see this developing further into footwear and clothing.” 

Comfort and fit

A new question this year was, 'Do your staff or workforce ever complain or raise concerns about their PPE?' and an alarming 59% said yes. Comfort and fit were the most common complaints, which could explain why comfort shot up the table on our earlier question on what is important when sourcing PPE.

Georgina Bisby, health and safety industry PR and founding editor of PPE Insight, says: "The fact that 59% of workers report concerns or complaints about their PPE may reflect a positive shift toward higher expectations and greater awareness. However, it also highlights the ongoing presence of poor-quality products in the market. We must all remain vigilant and continue to guard against the flood of substandard PPE sold online, which all too often offers little to no real protection—especially when there are so many responsible, high-performing suppliers already out there doing things the right way.”

Clair Weston commented, “It’s no surprise to see that 59% of staff have raised concerns about their PPE. Gaining workforce acceptance is critical for ensuring compliance and the key to this is involving wearers from the outset. At uvex, we address this through personalised fit clinics, giving employees the opportunity to have direct input into the PPE they receive. This ensures it not only fits properly but also takes into account individual needs and preferences. We consistently see that this approach leads to significantly higher compliance, improved morale, and greater overall employee satisfaction.

Our final two questions looked at user instructions. This year, 59% of you believe that user instructions are still required with every piece of PPE – which is down from 67% last year.

One commented, “Yes, written user instructions are crucial with every piece of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). These instructions, provided by the manufacturer, outline how to use, maintain, and store the PPE correctly.”

Another pointed out, “Some PPE use can be a coat or vest. This doesn't need instruction. If it does, you have a different problem to deal with.”

So the majority want easily read and understood instructions with diagrams explaining the use. QR codes linked to videos could also be helpful. This is not surprising in this digital age, and when we asked, 83% would welcome user instructions being provided digitally with the PPE. 

It’s always fascinating to review the results of the PPE Insight Survey and reflect on how attitudes and priorities evolve year by year.

Georgina Bisby says: "It’s always interesting to see how feedback shifts with each new survey. It’s encouraging to see that quality is being prioritised by many companies.The PPE sector is in a strong position in that most people now recognise the importance of PPE, and the younger generation entering the workforce clearly values high-quality, well-designed products. They’ve also embraced the inclusivity agenda and are rightly expecting more from employers, which is a hugely positive development for the industry.”

Alan Murray, executive chairman of the BSIF, viewed the results of our survey and commented: “Each year I eagerly await the opportunity to see the results of the PPE Insights Survey, it being the chance to hear the opinions of the stakeholders and job holders from a broad section of the market. It is heartening to see the priority that responders gave to PPE being fit-for-purpose, meeting performance claims and being compliant with the regulations. PPE is vital, it saves lives and good well-fitting PPE does more than just protect of course, it improves the whole work experience along with the wellbeing and morale of the wearer. 

“BSIF is always available to help duty-holders and specifiers in their PPE journey and our Registered Safety Supplier Scheme (RSS) toils endlessly to keep bad PPE off the market, with the biggest threat currently being product sold through digital channels and online marketplaces. It is in that vein that I was surprised with the response to the question “Are you responsible for acquiring your own PPE”. The response was 76% stated that the company were responsible but 24% stated that they as individuals, were responsible for acquiring their own PPE either through an allowance or through reimbursement! I must admit I find that very surprising and something that is an employer’s responsibility is to that extent delegated to the individual. I couple this with the high volume of PPE that is sold online through marketplaces, and I would argue that much of that (in addition to the self- employed) is being bought by those where the company is allowing the individual to source their own! I think this is a practice that leaves individuals very open to acquiring non-compliant and often dangerous product.

“Another question where the answers caused me consternation was 'Do you train your staff using PPE' there was a very significant number where responders said 'no'. It is the law that training is provided, a responsibility of the employer. This situation needs addressing!

“So in closing I really see some interesting factors and trends within the survey and note the surprising responses on some very current elements such as the questions/responses on 'Sustainability' and on 'Inclusivity'. I hope that you found the survey similarly interesting.”

That wraps up this year’s PPE Survey, which has become a key part of this guide. It’s always valuable to hear directly from the people PPE is designed to protect. Encouragingly, performance remains the top priority when selecting PPE—as it should be—but it’s clear that comfort is gaining importance. After all, PPE is only effective when it’s worn properly, and comfort plays a crucial role in ensuring consistent use.

Gaps in knowledge around PPE can have serious consequences. As the last line of defence, correctly selected and properly used PPE can significantly reduce injuries and even save lives in the event of an accident. That’s why ongoing training and education are essential—to ensure everyone stays safe and returns home healthy at the end of the day.

Kelly Rose is editor of Health and Safety Matters magazine. For more information, visit www.hsmsearch.com