To facilitate this, BSIF have launched a free membership pilot. The Pilot seeks to deliver a structure by which BSIF can engage, embrace and support duty holders and safety professionals/ compliance managers in all things in PPE/Safety products.

There is no cost for Pilot membership, during the Pilot we will forge a form of membership that works for you, the BSIF and the wider safety industry within the UK.

The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) is the Trade Association for the safety industry and acts as a leading voice for the sector. Set up in 1994 the Federation has some 400 members representing the complete supply chain including manufacturers, importers and distributors of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety products, through to test houses, certification bodies and specialist safety service providers.

The following give a brief overview of the Pilot membership benefits.

PPE Helpline

The BSIF Members PPE Helpline has been set up to reduce the complexities of PPE & Safety Products and to become the ’Go To’ for information not always easily obtainable in the market place.

The BSIF PPE Helpline is administered by PPE & Safety experts ready to assist with any questions relating to a variety of areas including product queries, standards information and help in understanding compliance of different products.

The pandemic shone a light on the need for people to be able to access free non commercially biased information. BSIF’s new helpline will cover areas such as:

• PPE Regulation 2016/425 
• Respiratory face fit testing 
• PPE EN standards 
• Product/documentation compliance checking 
• Height Safety 
• Non-compliance reporting 
• Membership enquiries/help

ACCESS TO BSIF MAILINGS

BSIF communicate information that keeps you ahead of the curve. Our mailers arrive into your inbox and cover:

• Government updates

• European PPE/Safety Information

• Standard changes

• BSIF member events

• Industry opportunities

BSIF INDUSTRY CAMPAIGNS

BSIF have produced campaigns to raise awareness of H&S issues. They highlight what can happen when personal safety is not taken into account. BSIF want to engage with Pilot members to develop new campaigns and posters to help people avoid hazards that can affect their life now and in the future.

BSIF SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (SIG’s)

BSIF have a structure of PPE/ Safety product SIGs focusing on all relevant issues within the sector. Working directly with Pilot members we will be introducing a new user group to collaborate and support the existing. The user group will receive pertinent information from the SIG’s and feedback valuable opinion and industry experience.

BSIF QUALIFICATIONS

BSIF Pilot membership gives access to industry courses & qualifications at discounted rates. For example a new publicly recognised qualification for specifiers/buyers of PPE/Safety products. This qualification will help provide the tools needed to procure compliant & safe product. It includes:

• Legal requirements

• Standardization processes (EN/ISO

standards) for PPE/Safety Products

• Market Surveillance

• Safety In the Workplace

• PPE EN standards information

BSIF EVENTS

BSIF will run Pilot member events designed to inform, educate and network. Giving the opportunity to meet with BSIF Economic Operator members from within the supply chain and other HSEQ members & Duty Holder (Pilot) members.

BSi COMMITTEES:

BSIF are a nominating body for BSI. We can refer our members directly into BSI PH/Horizontal committees. These committees plug into CEN/ CENELEC/ISO working groups. If you want to get more involved in technical standards in PPE you can do so through a BSIF – Bsi referral.

If the BSIF Pilot Scheme sounds of interest to you please contact us by email to enquiries@bsif.co.uk

Between December 2023 and December 2024, the BSIF tested 161 products from non-member suppliers, assessing their advertised performance, labelling accuracy, and compliance with relevant standards. Alarmingly, only 10% (16 products) met full compliance requirements, while an overwhelming 90% (138 products) failed to meet the necessary criteria with seven test results still pending.

Particularly troubling was the finding that in some categories, including head protection, eye & face protection and fall protection, every non-member product tested (100%) failed the assessments. Even more concerning is the fact that many of these substandard products are still available for purchase, placing unsuspecting users at significant risk.

Key problem areas

Failures were identified across all product categories, with some showing particularly alarming issues:

• Head Protection: 100% failure rate (6 products) Products failed resistance to penetration and shock absorption tests, potentially allowing impacts to penetrate the helmet or transfer excessive force to the wearer's head.
• Eye and Face Protection & Fall Protection: 100% failure rate (13 products) Products failed to resist particle impacts, risking severe injuries from foreign objects entering the eyes or compromising fall safety mechanisms.
• Safety Footwear: 86% failure rate (31 products) A growing number of safety shoes, often marketed on social media platforms like TikTok, promise comfort and protection but fail critical tests such as toecap compression, impact resistance, midsole penetration, slip resistance, and electrical hazard protection.
• Hearing Protection: 90% failure rate (28 products) Issues included incorrect cushion and headband pressures, compromising effectiveness against hazardous noise levels.
• Safety Gloves: 95% failure rate (21 products) Products failed claims for cut protection, abrasion resistance, and puncture resistance, leaving wearers exposed to mechanical injuries.
• Hi-Vis Clothing: 85% failure rate (11 products) Many garments lacked sufficient brightness and failed chromaticity and luminance tests, rendering them ineffective in low-visibility conditions.
• Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE): 88% failure rate (22 products) Filters in these products did not adequately protect against hazardous dust and fumes.

The tests and assessments were conducted in accordance with the requirements of the PPE Regulation and are vital for ensuring that only safe and effective products are placed on the market.

BSIF member test results

The non-member test results are vastly different from the results of tests conducted on products supplied by BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers, who are committed to selling only certified PPE and trading honestly and ethically. Of the 399 tests completed on products from Registered Safety Suppliers between December 2023 and December 2024, 86% – 322 products – passed. Even for the 14% – 51 products – initially falling short, all issues were promptly addressed and rectified, while 24 results are still pending.  

Check for the BSIF Shield

For buyers and end users seeking assurance, the BSIF Shield is a respected mark of credibility. Companies displaying this shield have pledged a binding declaration that their PPE and safety equipment meets the correct performance standards, fully complies with regulations, and bears the necessary UKCA and/or CE markings. Choosing a Registered Safety Supplier helps to ensure not only genuine products fit for purpose but also authentic information and guidance.

Commenting on the latest statistics, BSIF CEO Alan Murray says: "People are continually surprised by the sheer volume of PPE and safety products that fail to meet basic safety standards. What's even more shocking is that, despite vendors being informed of these deficiencies, such products often remain on the market, continuing to expose unsuspecting buyers and users to significant risks.

"Our latest test results have once again brought to light a deluge of problem PPE, from substandard safety helmets to safety shoes that fall a long way short of the required standards for keeping wearers safe.   

"Buyers and specifiers must urgently review their procurement processes and consider what assurances they have that the PPE and safety equipment they are being supplied with is fit for purpose.”

BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme manager Roy Wilders adds: "The findings are deeply concerning. When protective—and sometimes life-saving—equipment fails to meet standards, it's not just a statistic; it's a potential tragedy waiting to happen."

“The dedicated RSSS team works tirelessly year-round, assessing members of the scheme to ensure compliance with stringent requirements and actively monitoring the market to identify and address substandard products. However, buyers also have a critical role to play. By verifying the credentials of their PPE and safety equipment suppliers, they can help eliminate the market for substandard goods and prioritise safety above all.

“Checking for the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier shield is the easiest way to ensure you only deal with compliant, competent and trustworthy suppliers. Remember, anyone can sell safety, but you shouldn't buy safety from just anyone; always check for the BSIF shield."

Resources for buyers

•    Download the BSIF's PPE purchasing checklist: Check Your PPE

•    Find a full list of Registered Safety Suppliers: Registered Safety Supplier Scheme

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

Where historically, innovation in the PPE world has been predominantly focused on functionality, in the last 5-10 years there has been a general shift where brands have acknowledged the need to stock a wider range of products, addressing the needs of more people. Today, there are more products available that take into consideration a person's size, body shape, gender, or religious beliefs. There are even products that address the needs of pregnant women as they move through maternity, brands have realised that pregnant people do need to work and yes, they still need protecting (perhaps more so!).

But we’re not there yet. In HSM PPE Insights Survey results, many replies cited that sizing was an issue, with “a lack of options for women” across the whole PPE spectrum being a continual issue, with comments such as “Sizing for women – pink it and shrink it doesn’t work”.

With movements such as Bold as Brass and the work of organisations such as the National Association of Women in Construction (and many more) resonating so well recently, the frustrations are clearly there and have been building for the people who wear PPE day-to-day for their whole careers.

And it’s not just damaging for those who have suffered over the years, a lack of appropriate safety equipment can only affect recruitment in a negative way, whether that be through people not seeing that they are already represented in these industries or whether they quickly realise that they are not provided for once in the role. 

So, with the ongoing progression of manufacturing brands and with more products coming to market all the time, we must now address why these survey responses persist and address the additional barriers.

Firstly, just because these new products exist, it doesn’t mean that they immediately meet the needs of the wearer. As products become less generic, it becomes more difficult for manufacturers to meet their requirements, manufacturers that create poor products with a “diverse message” will soon be found out; those who have been frustrated for decades will not stand for it.

Extended research and development time and an understanding that products may not be perfect the first time, coupled with an attitude of continual improvement from wearer feedback is essential. 

Feeding information up and down the chain is the key to ensuring the progression of PPE for those currently marginalised. Only by receiving constructive feedback from wearers can the manufacturer know that improvements need to be made, only by having a culture of listening and action, can a manufacturer make these changes a reality.

Manufacturers must work tirelessly to make sure their distributors know that these products exist, but also effectively convey their benefits to users as well, alongside engaging with end users where possible.

Distributors must ensure they are aware of these products and actively make them available to their customers, championing them over the generic and encouraging purchasers that the personal approach to PPE is the best one.

Again, this argument isn’t a hard one to make. Someone who is given a product that meets their needs knows that their employer cares, and knows they are valued and respected. 

This makes it a sustainable approach too. As businesses continue to scrutinise their impact on the environment, they need to not only look at the way in which the products are made but also ensure that wearers are actually getting products that fit them and meet their needs. The proverb ‘respect begets respect’ comes in here; people who are given products that show they are safer, respected, cared for and valued are more likely to respect the products they are given. They are more inclined to care for that product in line with a user information sheet and less likely to request a replacement before it's necessary. This way products will last longer and be replaced less frequently.

Availability is another barrier. Unless manufacturers invest in products that meet the needs of a smaller cohort, they cannot expect that cohort to grow, the onus is on them to push progression and for the rest of the chain to follow suit. 

Manufacturers and distributors must do everything they can to strive for price equity. Ordering more products in smaller quantities will inevitably cost them more but they must not use niche as an excuse for profiteering.

Employers must see the value in tailoring their PPE to their employees or the whole system falls down. Great things are happening, which must be celebrated, but not without a huge dose of humility from all members of the supply chain that they all haven’t yet done enough.

So, whilst many barriers still exist to getting the right products worn by the right people for the right environment, many great advances are happening throughout the supply chain. The vital key to ongoing progression is an attitude of feedback that leads to action at all touchpoints within the chain. If we all stay committed, our industries will have happier workers, a more diverse future and we can consign these remaining barriers to the bin.

This forum offers a perfect platform for buyers to meet industry-leading suppliers, gain insights through educational seminars, and forge valuable connections—all in a highly efficient and engaging format. Best of all, attendance is completely free for buyers.  

What’s in it for you? As a registered buyer, you’ll enjoy a host of benefits, including:  

- Tailored 1-2-1 meetings: We will design for you a customised itinerary of one-to-one meetings with suppliers that match your specific needs and interests.

- Educational seminar sessions: Expand your knowledge with expert-led sessions on the latest industry trends and best practices, hosted by the industry’s leading minds.  

- Meals & refreshments: Build new connections whilst enjoying a complimentary lunch. Refreshments will also be provided throughout the day.  

- Dedicated networking breaks: Opportunities to interact with peers and industry experts in a relaxed setting.  

Registering is simple — secure your free spot now by clicking here

A unique opportunity for suppliers  

Suppliers have the chance to showcase their products and services directly to key decision-makers in the occupational health sector. This event is designed to help you:  

- Generate valuable leads: Connect with buyers actively seeking solutions for their projects.  

- Maximise ROI: Engage with a handpicked audience of potential clients through a personalised itinerary of one-to-one meetings.  

As a supplier, your package includes:  

- Pre-built meeting stand: You will host buyers at your very own hassle-free meeting stand, including electrics and internet access. 

- Extensive branding exposure: Gain increased visibility for your brand through social media promotion, before, during, and after the event.

- Curated buyer meetings: Our team will design a personalised schedule to match you with buyers aligned with your offerings, to ensure no time is wasted. 

- Networking opportunities: Network with senior decision-makers and develop connections that can drive future collaborations.

Learn more information about supplier attendance to the event here

Event details

Date: 5th February 2025 | Venue: Hilton London Canary Wharf  

Whether you’re a buyer looking for innovative solutions or a supplier eager to expand your network, the Occupational Safety & Health Forum 2025 promises to be an unmissable event.  

For further information or assistance, please reach out to our team. We look forward to welcoming you!

The groups are central to the relationship between the Federation and the membership, where networking and the sharing of non-commercial intelligence promotes good practice and better occupational safety and health for all. While much of the workload of the SIGs is often around product standards and the regulatory landscape, the groups also produce very valuable independent guidance designed to help duty holders with information and solutions to their safety and PPE challenges. All of the SIG Guidance is available from the download centre in the BSIF website.

As our membership includes manufacturers, importers, distributors and specialist service providers the groups provide a unique forum facilitating debate across the entire supply chain. The only component that is arguably missing is direct “user opinion” and we are trying to accommodate that through embracing employers and duty holders in our current membership expansion pilot scheme.
The groups will typically meet 3 times per year on a combination of face to face and remote/hybrid sessions. In 2024 there will have been close to 30 SIG meetings attended by up to 600 individuals They are open to all Federation members. 

The SIGs are chaired by individual members who provide a fantastic service for their colleagues across the industry. The groups are defined by their areas of particular interest and include ……

• The Height Safety Group
• Test and Certification
• Eye, Face Head and Hearing
• Respiratory Protection Group
• Spill Prevention and Control
• Protective Glove and Clothing
• The Electrical Hazard Group
• The Safety Footwear Group
• Measurement and Instrumentation

I shall try and give a brief overview of the work of each SIG but, in addition, there are some challenges which each group, to a greater or lesser extent are working on, these include but are not limited to issues around inclusivity and sustainability.

The Height Safety Group:
This group has been led for some time by Graham Willmott, driving the need for competency in the industry and we now have many delegates (under the trailblazer initiative) who have commenced industry registration & training through Smart Awards and 8point8 training to achieve the qualification as permanent fall arrest technicians. Standards Working Groups have been writing and revising standards to improve the industry and in particular the BS8681 was published on the 30^th of November 2024. 
The new BS8681 standard will continue the competency improvements in the industry and the BSIF SIG and a wide group of industry experts have a webinar explaining the standard and its’ impacts scheduled to go out in January 2025. This SIG has been an exemplar in the provision of guidance for an industry which they care deeply about. Do please have a look at some of the materials on the BSIF website.

The Test and Certification Association:
The Test and Certification Association, chaired by Nathan Shipley, is the forum which brings together all of the Approved Bodies who are scoped to give decisions enabling PPE to be placed on the GB market under PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and the subsequent UK incarnations. The group is currently 21 strong and the meetings are also attended by representatives of the regulators HSE, Trading Standards and the Department for Business and Trade. UKAS also attends, providing a unique platform for the implementation of the applicable regulations. In addition to those mentioned above the chairs of all of the other SIGs, along with those members of BSIF who have UKAS approved laboratories are welcomed guests at the meetings. This all adds up to an instrument, more wide reaching than ever existed under the EN structures.
So, talking of EN we know that the one time ambition of UKCA replacing CE as the cornerstone of our product safety regime has hit the buffers and while one can still apply UKCA, CE, which gives a much wider market access, has been accepted for the UK ongoing and is now entrenched in law. This chaotic saga has occupied much of the group’s work over the last 3 years and the continued acceptance of CE now undermines the very existence of the “Approved Bodies” who have little or no UKCA demand. This of course extends beyond PPE and the entire UK product certification industry is under existential threat, due to our European exit and the failure to accommodate these elements in the UK/EU withdrawal agreement. 

The Eye Face Head and Hearing Group:
This is one of the SGs which embraces and looks after the interests of a range of complementary products. Not only are these products worn in close physical proximity they are often used as ensembles and can be required to be “approved” for use in combination. So, while it is a combined group there are specified rapporteurs from head, face, hearing and eye categories who attend and report back on the happenings at the relevant UK and International standards meetings. In the last 2 years we have seen major developments in hearing standards and significant debate on the value of “fit testing” for hearing protection. Recently we saw the launching of EN16321 to replace the long established EN166. This new standard takes the market forward but, it also introduces some new test methods which has necessitated a longer than normal transition period to allow testing capacity to become established. Head protection, from a standards view point has been quieter but action has still been undertaken engaging with stakeholders specifically on equestrian headgear. This group has in the past produced fantastic hearing guidance “Listen Today – Hear Tomorrow” and essential support pieces on approvals of ensembles such as head and hearing protection in combination “Just because it Fits”. The group is chaired by Mo Saleem.
 

The Respiratory Protection Group:

Mike Clayton has chaired this group over many years and his dedication and expertise is a major component of the group’s success. Always a key working group but with a higher profile than ever following the PPE challenges during and since the pandemic. The pandemic saw ear loop FFP respirators arrive on our shores (I think) for the first time. They have had safety warnings placed against them by the HSE and in early 2024 the Department for Business and Trade restricted their approval under EN149 as designated by the UK which along with the restriction meaning that the EN standard is no longer aligned these products can no longer be placed on the market under EN149. 
Members of the SIG also worked diligently on the ISO committee attempting to provide a standard for an “Infection Control” mask.
The Respiratory SIG has worked for much of the year on the updating of Clean Air Take Care which we hope to see re-launched in early 2024. This key guidance is aimed at supporting and informing duty holders who have specified RPE as part of their risk mitigation.
The RPE SIG has strong relationships with other stakeholder groups such as the International Society for Respiratory Protection and indeed the Fit2Fit competency assessment community. Respiratory protection as evidenced by recent HSE statistics is a very serious challenge in occupational health and the SIG plays a major part helping to make a difference.

The Spill Prevention and Control Group:

The Spill prevention group is somewhat different to other SIGs not least because its first consideration is environment and not safety, as such. Here the regulator is the Environment Agency (EA) as opposed to the HSE but again I’m pleased that representative from the EA attend and contribute to the work of the group. Very much along the lines of the Height Safety Group the “Spills” SIG is focussed on competency and promotes and runs the BSIF approved “First Responders to Liquid Spills” qualification. This course also carries CPD approvals and it will in the future be complimented by an approved “Hazmat Awareness” qualification.

The group are working on the publication of further support through Environmental Safeguarding Advice (ESA) where we will eventually have 11 sector specific ESAs which will replace the original Pollution Prevention Guidance published by the EA. In the Spills sector there are not EU product standards but there exist British Standards where the group contribute. This SIG has been chaired for many years by Miles Hillmann who retired at the end of the summer, 2024.

The Protective Glove and Clothing Group:

As very busy, well attended SIG with a broad scope, covering products from chemical and heat resistant articles to high visibility clothing to hand protection across a very broad range of hazards. There are a vast range of standards that affect these product categories and many of the products are themselves subject to multiple individual standards all of which are subject to review at different times.
The group is led by Ross Constable and has over the years provided guidance covering diverse topics from laundering and logos to knife and cut prevention. The group are about to revisit skin protection originally catered for in the “In Your Hands” publication. Amongst other risks to the skin the guidance will focus on prevention of harm caused by UV radiation. Inclusivity and diversity provision is high on the agenda for the Glove and Clothing group.

The Electrical Hazard Group:

The Electrical Hazard Group was launched for the first time in 2024 and such is the appetite for improvement in this area it has met 3 times since May ’24. While many of the other SIGs are defined by product type this group covers all products in the field where the hazard exists. 
The group seeks to address issues across electrical arc flash, electrical shock protection (where there is exposure to AC and or DC current) and electrical hazard protection. The range of injuries that can occur in this area are varied and they can be significant leading to fatalities and major fire incidents.
It is fair to say that this is an area where as BSIF we had some knowledge gaps which are now filled through the leadership of Ian and Adrian Thorp. In addition to some of the items referenced above there is an ingoing challenge to recognise insulating tools sold with very specific personal protective claims to be recognised and included within the PPE regulation. 

The Safety Footwear Group:

Safety footwear is perhaps the largest single PPE product category in the market at this time and our SIG has been extremely active over recent years in dealing with the challenges of diversity and inclusion with some fantastic female specific products coming on to the market in response to the needs of our diverse workforce.
The group led for several years by Lloyd Preston has also provided thought leadership and key corrective direction on the categorisation of safety footwear which provides claims of protection from electrical hazard. The work done in this area, supported by the HSE has been more than effective in alerting duty holders to the information and limitations on product that they are specifying. The SIG has in the past been responsible for the “Jargon Buster” which explains the array of markings that accompany footwear. Another key value adding active special interest group. 
Safety Footwear seems to be plagued more than some other PPE categories by unsafe product sold through online marketplaces. The article on the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme goes into more detail on this but it is noteworthy to see the volume of supposed “safety” footwear available online. BSIF has over the past year been successful in removing some of the offending product from sale.

The Measurement and Instrumentation Group:

The measurement and Instrumentation Group deals with safety product other than PPE, product which is essential in effective risk assessment and safety management. As the title suggests the products will measure the level of hazards such as noise, dust and other contaminants including the presence of gases and allow mitigation to be put in place.
In the past the group has focused on gas detection and the need for equipment testing. Moving into the future months it will look to update guidance on managing hand and vibration risks (HAVs). 
HAVs as an occupational disease, does not appear to have the same profile as it once had within HSE reporting but it remains an area of acute concern and much can be done to manage and mitigate the risks in this area.

For more information, visit www.bsif.co.uk

This is the 10^th year in which I have had the privilege to write this introduction and while our industry is always forward-facing in providing solutions it is also somewhat timely that we take a retrospective.

In the last 10 years our industry, and society in general, has been greatly affected by macro events. Between 2016 and 2018 we had the evolution of the original PPE Directive becoming PPE Regulation 2016/425 which saw new responsibilities for suppliers embedded in law. The PPE Regulation was a very positive development setting out to ensure that those specifying PPE could rely on the products and the suppliers. Unfortunately, enforcement of the legislation has been wanting and BSIF through the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme has had to take up a great deal of the very necessary market surveillance. 

So, in April 2016 we had the new EU Regulation (coming into effect in 2018) only to have the UK/EU referendum in June 2016, when the UK voted to leave. With no direction to the contrary BSIF members all began to update their product offerings in line with the new EU Regulation.

In early 2020 we had the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and the global shortage of PPE. This as we know brought utter chaos with the rupturing of international supply chains coupled with the explosion in demand for (initially) respiratory and eye and face protective equipment. The shortages of PPE supply had the government asking UK industry to switch production away from their normal product to PPE, a safety critical and highly regulated product category. During this time there were a series of “regulatory easements” published, some 14 of them, in an attempt to bring products to market quickly. Frankly, despite best of intentions this was not, and was never going to be a successful endeavour. In parallel of course we had the influx a great deal of PPE that was not fit for purpose.

While all the upheaval in PPE supply was going on, the Government put their hands up and admitted they had failed to agree an EU exit agreement which would cover PPE regulation, and in September 2020 the Department for Business and Trade (BEIS at the time) announced that in January 2021 we would begin the move away from CE to a new UKCA regime. How then would this work and under what conditions and timelines. We mustn’t forget that from the start we had a baked in complication in that there had to be a separate structure for Northern Ireland (as in UKNI) in order to protect the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement.  

The last three years has seen guidance after guidance, amendments to conditions and timelines to apply UKCA, with in May 2024 a Statutory Instrument confirmed that instead of moving away from CE the UK would continue, without limit of time, to recognise CE for PPE and many other product categories. So, with millions spent by PPE manufacturers on compliance it was now clear that what they had, had originally would suffice into the future and that the money spent was needless. A pretty sorry tale!

It should be noted that the UK Test and Certification industry who currently cannot give CE approvals are suddenly without demand for UKCA and their existence is at risk.

If we stay on the theme of looking back over the last 10 years we see that in that time we have had six Prime Ministers and 10 Secretaries of State for Business, all from the same party, hardly a blueprint for regulatory efficiency or stability.
So that was yesterday, what about today and tomorrow in our industry. We now have a new government who, while cautious on being explicit, certainly give out a more positive vibe on European collaboration and cooperation. Some readers of this column may wonder why the Labour party were so quiet during the run up to the referendum in 2016! 

Notwithstanding, the history they do appreciate that what we have in our product safety and regulatory regime would benefit from new legislation. Perhaps the most obvious need is for the legal structures to recognise the changing dynamic of the digital commercial landscape, and ensure that the legal framework can accommodate “Online Marketplaces” and stop them from selling non-compliant and potentially unsafe product, including PPE and Safety Equipment in the UK. I’m pleased to say that the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, designed to have that effect, was in the King’s Speech and is currently making progress in parliament. 

The Bill will be very important in establishing the legal principles however, legislation is one thing but enforcement is quite another. The two agencies responsible, the HSE and Trading Standards departments countrywide are already stretched so it will be difficult to see them able to get on the front foot on this.

This then reinforces the value of the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme which has grown in importance over the last decade. The scheme plays a vital role in calling out non-compliant/unsafe PPE and Safety products and signposting duty holders to capable competent suppliers. Please see the separate article on the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme for more information. BSIF will continue to protect the integrity of PPE and PPE Suppliers and in 2025 we will give further profile to the cause under the upcoming “PPE Saves Lives” campaign, do look out for it and get behind it.

2024 saw BSIF launch a pilot scheme to embrace duty holders and employers and that has now got traction and is growing well. Amongst other benefits members can access a free to use helpline ppehelpline@bsif.co.uk to find answers to a range of queries on PPE.

BSIF has for the last 30 years supported occupational safety and health in the UK and beyond and I’m pleased to tell you that the Fit2Fit Face Fitting Competency Accreditation Scheme has now been adopted and run in 7 European countries seeking to improve respiratory health across the continent.

I sincerely hope that you enjoy the Guide and find it both interesting and informative.

Alan Murray, CEO of BSIF

HSE is a vital agency in maintaining health and safety and with their resources being stretched they are progressing at some pace with efforts to effect collaboration with occupational sectors to encourage focus on health in the workplace. On the 20^th of November HSE held a Prevention Summit in London to encourage collaboration amongst industry groups to share in the challenge of mirroring the UK’s success in 'safety' with equivalent success in 'health'. Of course, this is a laudable objective and a very worthwhile initiative. This reorientation of focus away from safety to health is not new but it can lead to 'group think' that 'safety is sorted', a done deal. It also misses the key, and in my opinion, vital link between safety and health which is that good safety is a crucial control and mitigation against a negative health outcome.

Let’s look at some examples of what I’m talking about from the latest (November 2024) HSE statistics. 600,000 workers suffered a non-fatal workplace injury. There was also a rise of over a 1,000 RIDDORs, with the costs of workplace injury in the year put at £7.1 billion! So is our record on safety, given that we don’t have much left in the high-risk industries of mining, steel or shipbuilding, that good? 

On health, HSE includes lung and musculoskeletal disease. The numbers are troublesome and not down year on year. HSE reports 12,000 deaths from lung disease linked to past exposures as well as over 2,000 mesothelioma deaths. These are terrible numbers and though linked to the past the numbers are not reducing yet. We also have the growing appreciation that silica is a widespread hazard where we haven’t yet really seen the impact in the statistics. Safety controls in the past and into the future would and will have an effect on these health outcomes. Effective respiratory protection as part of a duty holder’s safety management policy will support the reduction of lung disease occurrences.

Similarly, when we consider musculoskeletal disease (MSD), the HSE statistics for the year tell us that 500,000 workers are still suffering from the effects of this condition. Good safety management policies including the sourcing and specification of effective PPE will reduce this 'health' burden. To round off the safety statistics, tragically there were 138 deaths last year from work related accidents, a small increase from the previous year. So, safety is part of health and we lose that connection and understanding at our peril.

Turning now to health as identified by the HSE. The report tells us that 1.7 million people were suffering from a new or long-standing work related, ill health condition last year. While this number is huge, it is also an improvement of 100,000 from the previous year, so progress (indeed too slowly) is being made on health. The mental health agenda is now almost ubiquitous and the HSE stats tell us that stress, anxiety and depression accounted for 776,000 cases once again that is an improvement on the previous year of 100,000 cases so clearly the initiatives are having an effect. This annual improvement while welcome still puts the number much, much higher than 10 years ago, so more needs to be done. 

What is not improving year on year are the MSD numbers, these grew by 15%. So, as I said higher up in my report I firmly believe this is a health outcome which should be mitigated, at least in significant part, by good safety management.

So ill health, which accounts for nearly 30million lost working days each year, seems to be, understandably, a strong focus for HSE activity affecting individuals and the productivity of the country and, the ever-present conversation on mental health is obviously very necessary. However, it is also complicated with so many potential causes or contributors being, arguably, from outside of the workplace. And here one should also remember that these figures are mainly drawn from industries which the HSE regulates, they would not include potentially high stress areas such as financial services. Leaving that aside, society and workplace productivity, the economy, would obviously be better off if we could find an answer to the problem. 

I do feel that the answers will not come entirely from workplace management of mental health. Occupational programmes are vital and being alert to colleagues mental health challenges and ensuring that work does not exacerbate the situation is vital and there are good practical guidelines available for supporting mental health in the workplace such as ISO 45003 and the HSE’s own ”Management Standards” both of which I commend to you. Many businesses now run fantastic mental health initiatives so surely with continued focus, mental health in the workplace will continue to improve. I would though, at this point refer again to the HSE’s report which shows that the three higher than average industry sectors reporting cases of stress, anxiety and depression are Public Administration, Human Health and Social Work and Education, arguably government agencies.

So, our occupational safety and health challenges are obvious and through this article I want to have communicated, that from my point of view, while health is rightly high on the agenda, we must not assume that 'safety is sorted'.

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

Despite increasing awareness of the importance of quality PPE, non-compliant and substandard products continue to endanger workers across the UK. From December 2022 to December 2023, the BSIF assessed 123 products from non-member suppliers. Startlingly, only 21% met compliance standards, leaving 79% falling short—a grim reminder of the risks posed by unscrupulous suppliers.

Real-world failures

Examples of products that failed BSIF tests that illustrate the danger posed by substandard products include:

Flame Retardant Parka: Purchased online, this coat failed flame-spread testing catastrophically. Its outer layer burned through, igniting the inner layer and consuming the entire garment. It also lacked proper documentation and markings, violating PPE regulations.

Safety Boots: Also bought online, these boots failed toe-cap compression tests, were over a decade old, and came with outdated certifications. Critical documentation and markings were missing.

Safety Spectacles: Acquired from a high-street retailer, these spectacles cracked during impact testing and lacked the required markings and documentation. Despite promises to remove the product, it remained available for over two months.

Protective Gloves: Testing revealed these gloves performed at just half their claimed abrasion resistance. Incorrect markings and missing documentation compounded the issue. Again, the product stayed on shelves months after concerns were raised.

Respiratory Protective Mask (FFP3): Sold by a PPE distributor, this mask performed at only half the required standard during filter penetration tests. The supplier failed to act when informed.

Trust the RSS Shield 

In stark contrast to the alarming failings of non-member suppliers, BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers who can be recognised by the BSIF Shield demonstrate a consistent commitment to compliance and ethical trading. Between December 2022 and December 2023, the BSIF conducted 348 tests on products from Registered Safety Suppliers, with 91% passing on the first attempt. For the 9% that initially fell short, all issues were swiftly resolved to ensure full compliance.

The BSIF Shield is a recognised and trusted mark of compliance, assuring buyers that products meet regulatory requirements and adhere to high standards of quality and reliability. By choosing suppliers displaying the Shield, procurement professionals can have confidence in their purchasing decisions.

The BSIF therefore advocates for a simple three-step approach to PPE and safety product procurement:

1. CHECK your supplier is BSIF Registered. BSIF-audited suppliers are compliant, competent and trustworthy.

2. SELECT appropriate, certified and approved products. Registered Safety Suppliers can support the product selection process through their competence, capability and knowledge.

3. PROTECT your people, your most precious asset, and help your business to thrive.

This Check-Select-Protect framework simplifies procurement processes while safeguarding workers and enhancing workplace safety.

Spotlight on online retailers

The rise of online retail has introduced additional challenges in controlling the sale of substandard PPE. As illustrated by the examples above, the BSIF frequently encounters unsafe products from online retailers, often struggling to get these issues addressed and we are not alone. 

A 2024 Channel 4 Dispatches documentary, The Truth About Temu, revealed widespread falsification of safety certifications on the popular Temu app. One particularly alarming case involved pliers falsely advertised as electrically insulated and certified by VDE. In reality, the tools were uncertified and posed a severe risk of electric shock.

Such incidents emphasise the critical need for vigilance when sourcing safety products, particularly from online platforms. Unsafe items jeopardise lives and erode trust in safety standards, reinforcing the importance of initiatives like the RSS Scheme.

Looking ahead

Looking ahead to 2025, the BSIF is dedicated to further raising the profile of the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme. A key focus will be the launch of our “PPE Saves Lives” campaign, designed to emphasise the critical importance of high-quality, certified PPE in safeguarding workers and enhancing workplace safety.

PPE Saves Lives will underscore the importance of quality PPE as part of a holistic safety strategy. While elimination, substitution, engineering, and administrative controls remain critical, PPE provides essential protection when other measures fall short and this will be a key message of the campaign. 

We will also use the campaign to emphasise that PPE does more than protect—it empowers. High-quality, well-fitting PPE enhances worker confidence, morale, and productivity. By choosing reputable suppliers, organisations can create safer, more effective workplaces.

Focus areas

The campaign will spotlight key categories of PPE, including:

• Head, Eye, and Face Protection
• Hearing Protection
• Hand Protection
• Protective Clothing
• Footwear
• Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)
• Fall Protection

The BSIF aims to demonstrate that PPE isn’t just a last line of defense—it’s an enabler of health, safety, and wellbeing.

Support the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme in 2025

The Registered Safety Supplier scheme continues to gain traction, with growing support from public and private sector organisations. Many now mandate RSS membership for PPE suppliers, recognising its role in mitigating risk and ensuring quality.

By supporting the BSIF’s Registered Safety Supplier scheme and adopting the Check-Select-Protect approach, buyers can ensure they are making informed choices that safeguard lives. Supporting the scheme not only enhances workplace safety but also demonstrates a commitment to ethical procurement practices.

Alan Murray is CEO of the BSIF. For more information, visit www.bsif.co.uk/contact/ or visit the RSS scheme website: www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk

FALL PROTECTION equipment plays a crucial role in safeguarding workers from the risks associated with working at height, which remains one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and injuries in the UK. The use of proper fall protection systems, combined with rigorous training and adherence to safety standards, is essential in mitigating these dangers.

The introduction of the new British Standard, BS 8681, marks a significant step forward in this area. Officially titled " BS 8681 - Personal fall protection equipment – Anchor systems – Specification for provider competence" this standard sets out clear guidelines for the industry, emphasising competence and safety across all aspects of fall protection systems. By focusing on the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience required at every stage of fall protection—from design to installation, inspection, and training—BS 8681 aims to enhance safety and reduce the high number of accidents and fatalities associated with working at height.

A complement to BS 7883

BS 8681 has been designed to work in tandem with the existing BS 7883 standard, which focuses on the technical aspects of designing, installing, and inspecting personal fall protection anchor systems. While BS 7883 addresses the hardware and structural integrity of these systems, BS 8681 broadens the focus to include the competence of all professionals involved. This new standard emphasises that every person in the safety chain—from system designers to installers, inspectors, and trainers—must have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to ensure that fall protection systems are safe and effective.

BSIF has produced an overview of BS 7883 to help the understanding of best practice for those designing, installing, maintaining and inspecting anchor devices and systems. This can be viewed visiting www.bsif-heightsafetygroup.org

Competence and responsibility

One of the key objectives of BS 8681 is to raise the competence levels across the industry. The standard aims to ensure that those involved in the design, installation, and inspection of fall protection systems are thoroughly qualified. For instance, system designers, whose role was first introduced in BS 7883, are now expected to take on even greater responsibility. They must ensure that the systems they design are not only compliant with safety standards but also fit for purpose throughout their operational life. This includes considering factors such as safe construction, use, rescue, and inspection.

Manufacturing and testing

Manufacturers also play a crucial role under BS 8681. The standard provides clear guidelines on the necessary steps to ensure that anchor devices and other components meet stringent safety requirements. This involves rigorous testing, certification, and documentation to guarantee that these products can withstand the demands of real-world use in high-risk environments.

Training and qualifications

Training and competency are central themes in BS 8681. The standard supports the development of qualifications, such as the Level 3 apprenticeship for permanent fall arrest technicians, which is part of a broader effort to professionalise the industry. This initiative, driven by the BSIF Height Safety Group, aims to close the skills gap and ensure that all workers in the fall protection industry are equipped with the necessary knowledge and experience to perform their roles safely.

Inspection and auditing

BS 8681 emphasises the importance of thorough inspection and auditing processes to maintain the integrity of fall protection systems. Inspectors must be highly skilled and knowledgeable, capable of identifying potential hazards that could compromise safety. Regular audits, both internal and external, are recommended to ensure ongoing compliance with the standard, thereby ensuring that systems remain safe throughout their operational life.

Summary of BS 8681 key features

• The duty holder:

The duty holder has the right to expect that their property is designed, built, and maintained in a way that is safe. Persons who need to access and maintain parts of the property need to have confidence and trust in the providers responsible for manufacturing/fabricating, specifying, designing, installing, inspecting and training the access equipment and that safety is a priority.

• Competence:

Competence of all who provide services and products throughout the life of a building is key to achieving this outcome. This British Standard formulates minimum bench marking for duty holders to establish providers capability and competence.

• Behaviours:

The role of all involved in fall protection (i.e. the providers) is about behaviours as much as competency. The approach taken in BSI Flex 8670, which is reflected in this British Standard, is to embed behaviours in the functions, activities and tasks that are required to manage the provision of personal fall protection systems.

• The Functional Roles:

Each of the functional roles are defined with the requirements and responsibilities including competence and behaviours, to fulfil their roles. These are defined under the following headings:-

a) duty holders;

b) manufacturers and fabricators;

c) system designers;

d) installers;

e) inspectors;

f) Trainers; and

g) other interested parties, e.g. specifiers, architects and structural engineers, and those who are responsible for the design of safe access and egress on buildings and structures.

• Requirements:

There are a number of requirements within the Standard. A selection of just a few are listed below:

a) Competence;

b) Supervision;

c) Mentoring;

d) Assessment;

e) Process Audit;

f) Management System;

g) Record Keeping;

h) Trainers;

i) Assessment and certification of trainees on completion of the course;

j) Minimum information to be given on the certificate, or other documentary evidence, issued for the course.

A positive impact on the industry

The introduction of BS 8681 is expected to have a profoundly positive impact on the fall protection industry. By setting higher standards for competence and safety, it aims to drive a cultural shift towards greater accountability and professionalism. Duty holders can now have greater confidence that they are working with competent professionals who can deliver safe, compliant, and effective fall protection systems. 

Alan Murray is CEO of the British Safety Industry Federation. For more information, visit www.bsif-heightsafetygroup.org/