State of the market

The State of the UK Health and Safety Market Survey 2024 provided some interesting results. Before we explore the results, let’s take a look at who the respondents of this survey are: We asked each respondent about their job role and 51% were Duty Holders - responsible for end users’ safety and health at work. 14% were purchasers of PPE, while 9% specified PPE. 

To get an insight into the company size of each respondent, we wanted to know how many staff the company employed. 27% employed 50-199, 25% employed 200-999, 22% employ less than 50, 16% were in the 1000-4999 category while 10% were part of a much larger company which employ more than 5000. 

When it came to which industry the company of the respondent was in 21% were from construction, 17% from private industries (nuclear decommissioning and paper manufacturing were a few that were mentioned here) manufacturing/heavy industry made up 15% of the survey and 11% from the public sector (local government and museums). We had a smaller representation from eduction (7%), transportation (6%), oil gas and mining (5%) and healthcare (5%).

So our results offer a real overview across the spectrum of the health and safety industry with a variety of job roles from many different size companies.

It is really promising to see that 55% of respondents have recruited within their team in the past 12 months and 35% have recruited apprentices and it is great to see that so many companies are investing in these training based roles, which are a cost-effective way of supporting and developing a business.

When we asked whether diversity was actively promoted in the workplace, 93% said yes. Promoting diversity within companies isn't just a ‘nice-to-have’ anymore—it's essential for thriving in today’s world.

When you bring together people from diverse backgrounds—whether it’s race, gender, age, socio-economic background, or even just different ways of thinking—you end up with a broader range of perspectives. a diverse and inclusive workplace helps retain employees, as people are more likely to stay in environments where they feel respected and valued.

Our survey found that 72% of respondents feel that professional and trade bodies are providing enough support for the health and safety industry. This indicates a strong level of satisfaction among respondents and can be seen as a reflection of these organisations' effectiveness in offering guidance, resources, and advocacy in an ever-evolving field.

The survey results provide valuable insight into the key pain points businesses face when selecting PPE, safety equipment, and related services. We asked, ‘What are the biggest challenges involved in selecting PPE/Safety Equipment/Safety Services?’ Here's a breakdown of the implications:

1. Fit for Purpose (44%)

Nearly half of respondents identify “determining the fit for purpose" as their biggest challenge. This highlights a critical concern: many businesses struggle to ensure that the PPE or safety equipment they choose is suitable for their specific needs or environments.

2. Price (18%)

Although price is always a factor, it ranks second, with only 18% viewing it as their primary concern. This suggests that while budget constraints are present, businesses are willing to invest more if they feel confident in the product's suitability and performance.

3. Understanding Technical Information (17%)

Technical specifications can be overwhelming, especially if they are not presented clearly. Nearly one-fifth of respondents found it challenging to navigate this information, indicating a gap in product communication.

4. Knowing Where to Purchase Compliant Products (16%)

This concern, chosen by 16% of respondents, suggests a lack of clarity in identifying trustworthy suppliers who offer compliant products. In an industry where compliance is critical, this presents a significant barrier.

5. Lead Times (6%)

Lead times are seen as a challenge by only a small portion (6%) of respondents. This suggests that, for most buyers, timely availability is not as pressing a concern as other factors.

Assessing suppliers for competence and product quality is crucial to ensure that they meet your quality, safety, and regulatory standards - so we asked how they assess suppliers to confirm their competence/compliance. Here’s the results:

• 44% use information provided by the supplier, such as certificates, Declaration Of Conformity
• 24% use a checklist of requirements
• 15% use selection from a recognised source – such as BSIF
• 14% look for ISO accreditation (E.G., ISO 9001)
• 4% ask for references

The majority (44%) rely on supplier-provided documentation, which can be efficient but requires a level of trust or additional validation. A combination of these methods, rather than relying solely on one, might offer the best assurance. For example, using ISO certifications for initial filtering, then employing a checklist, and finally verifying with references could ensure thorough vetting.

Choosing suppliers recommended by reputable organisations (like the British Safety Industry Federation - BSIF) provides assurance that suppliers are compliant with recognised industry standards and will surely make specifiers’ decisions easier.

When we asked if our participants are aware of the level of non-compliant and potentially unsafe PPE that is available for sale in the UK I was quite surprised that only 72% are.

This result is shocking and highlights a significant awareness issue among participants regarding non-compliant and potentially unsafe PPE in the UK market. Despite the heightened focus on safety and compliance, especially in recent years, the fact that only 72% are aware means nearly one in four participants remains unaware of the risks associated with substandard PPE products.

Those who are aware of the issue could correctly identify that the largest sources of substandard PPE is online sites and second hand sales.

We really wanted to pinpoint which types of PPE participants are least confident about selecting - so we asked them and the results are as follows:

• RPE 32%
• Safety footwear 17%
• Protection from electrical hazards 15%
• Eye and face protection 11%
• Hearing protection 10%
• Protective clothing 8%
• Hand protection 7%

The areas with the highest levels of uncertainty (RPE and electrical protection) generally involve more specialised knowledge. This suggests a need for improved training and guidance for workers on selection, and the critical nature of this PPE increases the pressure to make the correct selection.

We asked how difficult is it for you to accommodate inclusivity requirements when providing PPE to your workforce? We asked respondents to score it based on the level of difficulty. The feedback from respondents indicates that while a small portion (16%) find it relatively easy to meet inclusivity requirements when providing PPE, the majority face noticeable challenges. The fact that only 7% selected the highest level of difficulty suggests that, while it's not overwhelmingly difficult for most, it still presents significant obstacles for many. 

We asked respondents if they would benefit from independent advice on the selection of PPE/Safety Equipment & Safety Services and 40% said yes. Only 2% of our respondents are BSIF members and 18% are a member of another Trade Association related to PPE or safety.

This data suggests that while there is significant interest in independent advice, the respondents are not tapping into the knowledge and support that can be gained by joining a trade association. 

The State of the UK Health and Safety Market Survey 2024 provides valuable insights into the current landscape, challenges, and areas of progress within the industry. By examining responses from various professionals, this survey offers a comprehensive overview of key issues, such as recruitment, diversity, PPE selection, and industry support.

Overall, the survey paints a picture of an industry that is actively addressing challenges but still faces gaps in areas such as compliance awareness, technical clarity, and inclusivity in PPE provision. By focusing on better guidance, education, and outreach, the health and safety industry can continue to advance, ensuring that businesses are well-equipped to protect their workforce in an ever-evolving landscape.

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