PERSONAL PROTECTIVE Equipment (PPE) is sometimes undervalued, yet it can mean the difference between life and death, safety and injury, long-term health and preventable harm. While other safety controls are essential, PPE remains a vital line of defence when risks cannot be eliminated.

Every day, millions of workers rely on PPE not just for protection but for peace of mind. When it’s well-designed, fit for purpose, correctly certified, and correctly fitted, PPE supports comfort, confidence, and a stronger safety culture.

The PPE Saves campaign urges organisations to take great care and involve their employees when selecting these safety critical products.

PPE Saves Lives!

PPE is far more than just a precaution—in some cases lives depend on it. While it's often difficult to prove when PPE has directly saved a life, there are consistently high levels of serious workplace accidents where the right protective equipment could have made a critical difference.

For example, incidents involving moving vehicles remain one of the leading causes of workplace deaths. Wearing high-visibility clothing can help workers stay seen and safe and reduce such incidents. Another serious hazard is asbestos exposure, which the WHO identifies as the top cause of work-related deaths globally. Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is crucial in protecting workers from inhaling these deadly fibres. 

Every part of the body matters

PPE not only saves lives but also saves heads, eyes, faces, hearing, lungs, hands, bodies, and feet. From head to toe, it prevents injuries, reduces severity, and improves recovery outcomes.

In a study of occupational use, the correct non-slip footwear reduced falls by 49% (BMJ).

• 90% of eye injuries could have been prevented by wearing the correct eye protection (Manchester Royal Eye Hospital).
• Over 1 million people attend A&E in England and Wales with a head injury annually (NICE). Many incidents could be prevented or their severity reduced with the right safety helmets.
• Noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable with properly fitted hearing protection (HSE).
• Hand injuries account for 25% of all non-fatal injuries in workplaces (HSE), yet these can be prevented with the right hand protection.

When PPE performs, people thrive 

Properly specified, well-fitting, and high-quality PPE not only enhances safety but also allows workers to carry out their jobs effectively and remain in the industries they enjoy for longer. Work can be demanding but the right PPE does more than just protect—it enables people to work safely and comfortably. Beyond protection, great PPE improves comfort, confidence, and morale and even staff retention. 

When sourced responsibly, well-designed, fit for purpose, correctly certified, and correctly fitted, PPE contributes to a safer, more productive workforce. PPE isn’t just about compliance, it’s about keeping people well, engaged, and performing at their best. 

Commenting on the launch of PPE Saves, BSIF CEO Alan Murray says: “PPE is vital for protecting lives across Britain every single day. But not all PPE performs well, and that’s a serious problem.

“PPE Saves is a campaign dedicated to making sure workers have access to suitable and reliable PPE because investing in quality products isn’t just about safety, it shows you value your people.

“There’s a wide range of innovative, comfortable, and sustainable PPE on the UK market. Yet poor-quality products are still in widespread use, compromising worker comfort and putting lives at risk. That’s why we’re raising awareness of what good PPE looks like, where to find it, and how to make sure it performs.” 

For PPE that protects people and helps workers and businesses to thrive, visit: www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk

For support in specifying PPE, find out more about the BSIF’s Sourcing Safety course as well as the Duty Holder Membership Scheme, which includes access to a PPE Helpline, visit: bsif.co.uk/join-bsif/

Share your PPE story

The PPE Saves campaign highlights real-life impact. We invite workers, employers, and safety professionals to share their experiences. Has PPE saved your life, prevented an injury, or improved your working conditions? Join the conversation and help raise awareness by sharing your story using #PPESaves.

Find out more about the campaign at BSIF's seminar at HSM Live Coventry, or visit www.bsif.com

ON THE 8 April 2025 BSIF launched the PPE Saves Campaign during the Health and Safety Event at the NEC, urging organisations to take greater care when selecting these safety-critical products and to involve the people who use them in every step of the process.

Why did we take this step? The answer is simple! Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is such a common sight that its’ importance can sometimes underestimated or undervalued, but when you think about it, it can mean the difference between life and death, safety and serious injury, long-term health and irreversible harm. While other safety controls are essential, PPE remains a vital line of defence when risks cannot be eliminated. We felt that it was time for a strong reminder of the vital role that PPE plays ensuring safety, health and the contribution that it can make to wearer’s feelings of wellbeing.

I have had the privilege to serve the BSIF membership for over 11 years and in that time we and the membership have made best endeavours to ensure that non-compliant and dangerous PPE is removed from the market and that workforces are provided with PPE that performs as it should so that it can save when called upon to do so. Let’s remember that every day, millions of workers rely on PPE not just for protection but for peace of mind. When it's well-designed, fit for purpose, appropriately certified, and correctly specified against the hazard and properly fitted, PPE supports comfort, confidence, a stronger safety culture and better outcomes for both the wearer and the business..

PPE Saves Lives!

PPE is far more than just a precaution, in some cases lives depend on it. While it's often difficult to prove when PPE has directly saved a life, there are consistently high levels of serious workplace accidents where the right protective equipment could have made a critical difference. 

For instance, incidents involving moving vehicles remain one of the leading causes of workplace deaths. Wearing the correct high-visibility clothing and other protective equipment can help workers stay seen and safe and reduce such incidents. Another serious hazard is asbestos exposure, which the WHO identifies as the top cause of work-related deaths globally. Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is crucial in protecting workers from inhaling these deadly fibres. In addition to asbestos and other breathable toxins the threat from Silica is becoming ever more recognised. . /,

Every part of the body matters

PPE not only saves lives but also saves heads, eyes, faces, hearing, lungs, hands, bodies, and feet. From head to toe, it prevents injuries, reduces severity, and improves recovery outcomes:

• Footwear: In a study of occupational use, the correct non-slip footwear reduced falls by 49% (BMJ).
• Eye protection: 90% of eye injuries could have been prevented by wearing the correct eye protection (Manchester Royal Eye Hospital).
• Head protection: Over 1 million people attend A&E in England and Wales with a head injury annually (NICE). While these figures include domestic injuries it is clear that many incidents could be prevented or their severity reduced with the right safety helmets and head protection.
• Hearing protection: Noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable with properly fitted hearing protection (HSE).
• Hand protection: Hand injuries account for 25% of all non-fatal injuries in workplaces (HSE), yet these can be prevented with the correct hand protection.

All of the above statistics refer to protection from direct harm but we should also reflect on the fact that PPE is worn over long shifts and must be comfortable for the wearer during that time 

The long-term impact of preventable injuries

We rarely consider how life-changing an injury can be until it happens. Beyond the pain of the injury itself, treatment and time off work, even minor injuries can have lasting consequences, while severe ones can alter everything. Let's consider some of the consequences of injuries that could have been prevented with proper PPE: 

Head Protection: Head and brain injuries can result in memory loss, cognitive difficulties, or permanent disabilities. Properly rated correctly worn helmets can mean the difference between walking away from an accident or facing lifelong consequences. 

Hearing Protection: Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and progressive, often leading to social isolation and cognitive decline. Well performing correctly used hearing protection prevents irreversible damage. 

Eye Protection: A single eye injury can result in partial or total blindness. Protective eyewear protects against chemical splashes, flying debris. Correctly fitted eyewear prevents ingress damage and properly thought out selection of lenses will prevent damage from hazardous light exposure.

Foot Protection: Injuries such as fractures, burns, or punctures can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues. Non-slip, impact-resistant footwear reduces workplace falls and injuries. Comfort is vital across all PPE but perhaps most obvious in footwear (and protective clothing) as these items are often worn continuously through long work-shifts. Comfort and fit is vital for the wearer.

Respiratory Protection: Inhaling hazardous substances can lead to chronic lung diseases, impacting long-term health. Good fit for purpose respiratory protection, correctly fitted, minimises these risks. 

Hand and Skin Protection: Severe burns, chemical exposure, and deep lacerations can cause permanent damage, affecting daily activities and work performance. The right gloves and protective clothing safeguard against these hazards but again these must be well fitted, comfortable and must not impair the wearer in their duties.

Proper fall protection builds trust and reduces risk. Whether we are talking about permanent fall protection systems or PPE worn while working at height, The correct equipment properly specified and installed protects and reduces physical and mental strain, letting workers move confidently and work productively at height. 

When PPE performs, people can thrive Properly specified, well-fitting, quality PPE not only enhances safety but also allows workers to carry out their jobs effectively and remain in the industries they enjoy for longer. Work can be demanding but the right PPE does more than just protect, it enables people to work safely and comfortably. Beyond protection, great PPE improves comfort, confidence, and morale and even staff retention. To achieve this, it's vital to involve the workforce in PPE selection, because those who wear it know best what works and what doesn’t.

So, through the PPE Saves Campaign BSIF are urging duty holders to look beyond the basics and specify PPE that can make a difference to wearer protection through specifying in conjunction with wearers PPE that is right for the hazard and suitable for their workforces.

Alan Murray is CEO of BSIF. For more information on PPE Saves please go to PPE Saves Campaign – BSIF

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We would like to congratulate all of the Commended, Highly Commended and Winners across our four categories:

Product Innovation Award PPE

Winner: Hunter Apparel Solutions – Flexguard

Highly Commended – Elten Safety Shoes – Lakers XXT BTG Boot

Highly Commended – Ansell UK Ltd – AlphaTec® 53-003

Commended – Univet SRL – 5X2 OTG eyewear

Commended – 3M – Peltor PIC-100

Product Innovation Award Safety Products (Non PPE)

Winner: Chemstore – ionGuard

Commended: Seton – EasyExtend Max Retractable Barrier

Commended: Eave – Eaveolution

Customer Service Award Winners

Guardsman Safety Solutions – Winner

The Caley Group – Winner

Lee Brothers – Highly Commended

Eave – Highly Commended

Zero Gravity Safety – Commended

Leo Workwear – Commended

Safety Solution Award

Winner – Hunter Apparel Solutions – Deconology

Highly Commended – EAVE – EAVEOLUTION

Highly Commended – Sundstrom SR – Sundstrom Safety Academy RPE Training

Commended – Staysafe PPE – PPE Laundry and Recycling

Commended – Total Safety UK – Two Tiered Monitoring

I’M EXCITED to share that the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) will be introducing ‘PPE Saves’ at the Health & Safety Event 2025, a brand-new campaign highlighting the critical role of high-quality PPE in protecting people at work.

BSIF membership, as a lot of people now know, comprises companies dedicated to excellence in PPE production and supply, consistently exceeding minimum standards - many of whom feature regularly within this publication. 

The PPE Saves campaign aims to emphasise the critical role it plays in saving lives and ensuring safety while emphasising the value of investing in high-performing quality PPE – as is available from many of our members.

Why PPE Saves matters

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can sometimes be undervalued, yet it can mean the difference between life and death, safety and injury, long-term health and preventable harm. While other safety controls are essential, PPE remains a vital line of defence when risks cannot be eliminated.

Millions rely on PPE daily for protection, comfort, and well-being. Properly designed and fitted PPE enhances morale, promotes a culture of safety, and helps businesses maintain a healthy, engaged workforce. The PPE Saves campaign stresses the importance of investing in certified, fit for purpose quality PPE that meets safety standards and delivers real performance.

The statistics speak for themselves: PPE Saves Lives

PPE is not just a precaution—lives depend on it. Workplace safety statistics show its impact:

•   Falls from height caused 36% of workplace fatalities in 2023/24 (HSE). Proper fall protection can help prevent these tragedies.

•   Moving vehicle incidents remain a leading cause of workplace deaths (HSE). High-visibility clothing mitigates these risks.

•   Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of work-related deaths worldwide (WHO). Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is essential protection.

Despite these figures, PPE quality varies significantly. PPE Saves aims to change this by advocating for high-performance protective equipment.

Every part of the body matters

PPE not only saves lives but also saves heads, eyes, faces, hearing, lungs, hands, bodies, and feet. From head to toe, it prevents injuries, reduces severity, and improves recovery outcomes.

We rarely consider how life-changing an injury can be—until it happens. Even minor injuries can have lasting consequences, while severe ones can alter everything.

When PPE performs, people thrive

Properly specified, well-fitting, and high-quality PPE not only enhances safety but also allows workers to carry out their jobs effectively and remain in the industries they enjoy for longer. Work can be demanding but the right PPE does more than just protect—it enables people to work safely and comfortably. Beyond protection, great PPE improves comfort, confidence, and morale and even staff retention. 

When sourced responsibly, specified, fitted, and suitable PPE contributes to a safer, more productive workforce. PPE isn’t just about compliance—it’s about keeping people well, engaged, and performing at their best. 

Find out more at the Health & Safety Event 2025 

Come and visit us on Stand: 3/P30 at the Health & Safety Event 2025 being held from the 8-10 April at NEC, Birmingham, to find out more about how to source PPE that not only saves lives but helps workers and businesses to thrive. The BSIF team will be on hand throughout the event and would be delighted to discuss this important new campaign. 

The BSIF represents trusted suppliers dedicated to delivering protective equipment that meets the highest safety standards. These suppliers provide certified PPE designed for protection, comfort, and performance. Many of them will be present at the Health & Safety Event 2025, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore their offerings firsthand. 

Share Your PPE Story

The PPE Saves campaign highlights real-life impact. We invite workers, employers, and safety professionals to share their experiences. Has PPE saved your life or that of a colleague, prevented an injury, or improved your working conditions?

Join the conversation and help raise awareness by sharing your story on social media using #PPESaves.

For PPE that protects lives and helps workers and businesses to thrive, visit: www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk

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

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 [email protected]

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