Tests expose failures in online ‘safety’ shoes

Following the publication of the BSIF white paper, Combatting Substandard PPE in the UK, the federation is now releasing a series of striking social media videos. These videos provide a side-by-side comparison between the “indestructible” claims made in online advertisements and the reality of rigorous laboratory testing.

The first video in the series focuses on safety footwear, showcasing popular products marketed as lightweight, comfortable, and indestructible. However, when subjected to official British standards in a controlled laboratory environment, the results were “shocking.”

Watch the Video Here

Key findings from the BSIF laboratory tests include:

•          Nail Penetration Test: FAILED — [00:15]

•          Compression Test: FAILED — [00:21]

•          Impact Test: FAILED — [00:25]

The footage demonstrates that despite bold marketing claims, these products provide inadequate protection, leaving workers vulnerable to life-altering injuries.

BSIF CEO John Hooker comments: “Workers using substandard PPE are exposing themselves to significant workplace risks under the false impression that they are protected. A shoe that fails in a lab is a foot crushed on a construction site. We are urging everyone to look past the price tag and prioritise certified protection.”

Look for the shield

BSIF is urging anyone sourcing PPE, including buyers, specifiers, and dutyholders to verify supplier credentials, scrutinise documentation, and look for the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier shield as a clear indicator of compliance, transparency, and a commitment to high standards.

A full list of suppliers can be found at: https://www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk/