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BSIF exposes dangerous PPE: Laboratory tests reveal critical failures in online Safety shoes 22/04/2026

A LEADING safety industry body has released a hard-hitting exposé revealing that several products marketed online as "safety shoes" are failing to meet basic protective standards, potentially leaving workers at risk of severe injury.

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

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

Watch the Video Here

Key findings from the BSIF laboratory tests include:

  • Nail Penetration Test: FAILED — [00:15]
  • Compression Test: FAILED — [00:21]
  • Impact Test: FAILED — [00:25]

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

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

Look for the shield

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

www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk

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BSIF testing reveals 82% of non-member PPE failed safety and compliance checks in 2025 28/05/2026

The British Safety Industry Federation has reported high levels of non-compliance in PPE sourced outside its Registered Safety Supplier Scheme. Testing indicates that technical failures, missing certification, and incorrect marking are combining to create avoidable procurement and safety risks

THE BRITISH Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has revealed that 82% of personal protective equipment (PPE) products sourced from non-registered suppliers failed to meet required standards during testing in 2025, according to findings published in its new white paper, Combatting Substandard PPE in the UK.

The results are based on testing and compliance assessments carried out between January 2025 and January 2026, during which BSIF assessed 88 PPE products sourced from suppliers outside the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme. In total, 116 individual tests were conducted, alongside detailed reviews of certification, technical documentation, and product marking.

Compliance shortfalls exposed in testing

Only 18% of the products tested met all applicable regulatory requirements. The remaining 82% failed due to technical performance failures, missing or invalid certification, inadequate documentation, incorrect product marking, or a combination of these issues.

While 43% of products tested resulted in a direct technical performance failure, the overall non-compliance rate rose sharply once documentation and marking issues were included. Under UK PPE regulations, products that lack valid certification, Declarations of Conformity, or correct CE/UKCA markings are deemed non-compliant regardless of laboratory performance.

BSIF warns that missing or misleading documentation removes any reliable assurance that PPE has been tested against the correct standards or hazard categories, leaving buyers and users unable to confirm whether equipment is suitable for the risks it claims to protect against.

Failure rates across PPE categories

Testing revealed consistently high failure rates across almost every PPE category, with some reaching 100% non-compliance for selected products among non-registered suppliers:

  • 100% of hearing protection products tested failed to meet required standards
  • 100% of fall protection equipment failed to meet test criteria
  • 94% of head protection products did not meet required test criteria
  • 86% of eye and face protection products failed tests
  • 84% of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) had ineffective filters
  • 84% of protective clothing, including flame-retardant and chemical garments, failed tests
  • 84% of high-visibility jackets failed brightness and visibility requirements
  • 83% of hand protection products left workers inadequately protected
  • 79% of safety footwear failed overall compliance checks
  • 91% of sports and motorcycle protective equipment did not pass testing

How products failed

The white paper details repeated and serious failure modes identified during testing, spanning multiple categories of personal protective equipment. These included respiratory products exceeding permitted particle penetration limits; safety helmets transmitting excessive impact force or failing chin-strap anchorage tests; and eye protection lenses shattering on impact rather than resisting it. Hearing protectors were found to crack under drop testing, while safety footwear failed to meet toecap compression, impact, penetration and slip resistance requirements. Protective clothing marketed as flame-retardant burned aggressively during testing, and some chemical protective garments were sold without verified chemical resistance data. In many instances, products failed against more than one criterion, compounding the level of risk faced by users.

Statistics underscore procurement risk

"These findings should concern anyone responsible for worker health and safety. PPE is often the last line of defence against serious injury or harm. When 84% of products from non-registered suppliers fail to meet regulatory requirements - whether through performance failure or missing certification - it highlights a clear compliance gap in the market," said BSIF CEO John Hooker. "This is not about minor administrative issues; it is about ensuring that equipment relied upon to protect lives is genuinely fit for purpose. Buyers must verify what they are purchasing and ensure they can evidence compliance."

Roy Wilders, RSS scheme manager, emphasised that "what we are seeing in testing is not isolated or technical nuance, it is fundamental failure". "We saw respiratory filters that did not filter effectively, helmets that transmitted excessive force, and protective garments that burned so aggressively testing had to be stopped," he explained. 

"Equally concerning is the volume of missing or misleading documentation. Without valid Declarations of Conformity, correct markings, and clear user instructions, there is no reliable assurance that a product has ever been properly assessed. That leaves workers exposed and employers vulnerable."

A call for verification and trusted supply chains

By contrast, PPE sourced from BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers demonstrated a 96% compliance rate, with any issues typically limited to minor documentation matters that were addressed promptly.

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

The full white paper, Combatting Substandard PPE in the UK, is available at: tinyurl.com/yefhnrzd

For more information: 

www.bsif.co.uk

Tel: 01442 248744

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BSIF urges PPE users and buyers to review PPE stock and purchasing processes for the year ahead as scrutiny on online marketplaces intensifies 05/01/2026

THE BRITISH Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) is urging organisations across the UK to use January to review their PPE stock and the processes they use to source it, as concerns continue to grow around the safety and compliance of products sold through online marketplaces.

With major legislative changes approaching and early indications from BSIF’s latest testing programme suggesting that substandard PPE remains widespread on online platforms, the Federation warns that employers must take extra care to ensure the equipment they rely on is appropriate, compliant and safe.

Online marketplaces remain a key area of concern

Provisional findings from the BSIF’s 2025 product testing - set for full publication at the end of January 2026 - indicate that unsafe and non-compliant PPE continues to be widely available from online marketplaces. Early trends suggest these platforms remain a significant source of high-risk, poor-quality products.

Examples identified during the testing period include safety helmets failing impact absorption tests, fall arrest equipment not meeting essential strength requirements, and protective footwear purchased online that lacked basic mandatory protective components.

"These early results reinforce what we have consistently seen in previous years," said BSIF CEO John Hooker. "Online marketplaces pose a persistent risk, with unsafe and misleading products far too easy for buyers to encounter. January is the ideal moment for organisations to review what they already have on site and how they are sourcing it."

Regulatory scrutiny is increasing

The Product Regulation and Metrology Act (PRaM Act) brings online marketplaces into scope for product safety for the first time, requiring them to take on new responsibilities for ensuring the products they host are safe and traceable. Secondary legislation is now being drafted, and the BSIF will be engaging with associated consultations.

To further help buyers, the BSIF is developing new guidance and checklists aimed at supporting safe online procurement and helping organisations identify red flags in product listings.

Review PPE with new standards in mind

The BSIF is also reminding employers that annual PPE reviews should consider not only product condition and compliance, but also suitability for every worker.

The introduction of The Provision of Inclusive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Guide (BS 30417), highlights the importance of selecting PPE that fits a diverse workforce and ensuring procurement processes are inclusive by design.

Trusted sourcing matters more than ever

To reduce risk, the BSIF continues to encourage organisations to specify and procure PPE from Registered Safety Suppliers (RSSS) who are regularly assessed and are committed to ongoing product testing, legal compliance and staff competence.

"When businesses purchase outside the regulated supply chain, they significantly increase the chance of unknowingly introducing unsafe PPE into the workplace," added Hooker. "Sourcing from Registered Safety Suppliers is the most reliable way to ensure compliance and protect workers."

A New Year call to action

As 2026 begins, the BSIF urges employers, safety professionals and procurement teams to:

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

2. SELECT appropriate, certified and approved products that align with latest standards. 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

"Protecting workers starts with making informed choices," stated Hooker. "A January review of PPE and sourcing processes is a simple but powerful way to ensure safety and compliance for the year ahead."

www.bsif.co.uk

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Managing electric battery risk on your premises 02/03/2026

Lithium-ion batteries are now common across UK workplaces, but their rapid rise has brought a sharp increase in fire incidents. As thermal-runaway events become more widespread, organisations must strengthen their safety practices, update risk assessments and adopt robust controls to protect people, assets and operations

LITHIUM-ION batteries are now a fixture of modern life. For UK workplaces, this ubiquity brings opportunity but also risk. Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries surged by 93% between 2022 and 2024, according to research from insurer QBE with UK fire brigades now responding to more than three lithium-ion battery fires every day. 

Understanding the risk

Lithium-ion batteries offer high energy density but are inherently volatile. Under conditions such as overcharging, exposure to heat, or physical damage, they can enter a self-sustaining process known as thermal runaway, resulting in fire or explosion. While some batteries include built-in safety mechanisms, these are not foolproof; even well-designed units can fail if stored or handled improperly.

The risk is not confined to any one sector. It spans the entire battery lifecycle, from manufacturing and prototype testing, through transport and storage, to end-of-life disposal.

Where risks arise on premises

1. Personal transport and employee behaviour: Many workplaces now see staff arriving with e-bikes and scooters. If charging occurs indoors, sometimes even under desks, the potential for fire is significant. These devices are often fitted with aftermarket or uncertified batteries, which may lack robust safety features.

2. Operational equipment: Handheld tools, portable power packs, drones, and automated machinery often rely on lithium-ion technology. Heavy daily usage, rough handling, and rapid charging cycles increase the likelihood of battery degradation and failure.

3. Onsite manufacturing or storage: Facilities that assemble, test, or store battery-powered products hold higher volumes of cells. Bulk storage without appropriate environmental controls or fire-rated segregation dramatically raises the stakes if a single unit fails.

4. Electric vehicles: EV adoption introduces new risks in car parks, depots, and loading areas. Vehicles may be left charging overnight or stored in close proximity to one another, creating a scenario where one thermal runaway event could escalate rapidly. Damaged or removed EV batteries are especially hazardous and can reignite days after an incident.

Best practice for battery safety

While regulations are tightening, compliance alone is not enough. A proactive approach based on best practice is essential. Key measures include:

1. Safe Storage - Store batteries in cool, dry conditions, ideally between 5–27°C, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and sources of heat. Use fire-rated cabinets or enclosures to isolate batteries from other materials and prevent fire spread. Basic fire-resistant options are insufficient  – units should be fire-rated which means they have been tested and certified for sustained fire exposure. 

2. Handling and Charging - Provide designated charging areas for e-bikes, scooters, and portable equipment. Prohibit “ad hoc” charging at desks or in storage rooms. Use thermal cameras or sensors to detect overheating. Early intervention is critical in preventing escalation. Remove and isolate damaged batteries immediately and have a plan for their safe removal from site. 

3. Fire Protection and Response - Install sprinklers or have lithium-ion appropriate suppression media—such as water mist, dry powder, or CO₂—readily available. Flooding with water remains the most effective method for controlling lithium-ion fires. Rapid-response tools such as fire blankets or containment units can also help prevent escalation. Staff training in evacuation procedures and fire safety is essential.

4. Risk Assessment & Culture - Conduct routine condition checks for swelling, corrosion, or other signs of battery degradation. Update fire risk assessments to explicitly include lithium-ion risks. Build a resilient safety culture that assumes failures will occur and ensures systems are in place to contain them.

Insurance industry guidance

Insurers have begun issuing detailed guidance on lithium-ion risks. Providers such as Aviva and Lockton now expect businesses to integrate battery hazards into formal fire risk assessments and establish designated storage and charging areas. 

From a legal perspective, under the duty of fair presentation in the Insurance Act 2015, it is likely that insurers would regard battery-related hazards as material circumstances requiring disclosure. A failure to demonstrate adequate management of such risks could have implications for cover in the event of a fire. For many organisations, following industry guidance not only mitigates the underlying hazard but also supports compliance with disclosure obligations and strengthens their position in relation to liability and claims.

Conclusion

The shift to electrification is irreversible but with innovation comes responsibility. Lithium-ion batteries are not just another fire risk; they are a complex, evolving hazard that demands specialist knowledge and robust safety culture.

Organisations that act early and adopt best practice by drawing on guidance from regulators, safety bodies, and the insurance sector, will be well placed to protect people, safeguard assets, and ensure business continuity in an environment where expectations are rising rapidly.

For more information: 

www.bsif.co.uk

Tel: 01442 248744

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Recall of safety shoes sold on TikTok exposes substandard PPE crisis 09/07/2025

The BSIF has issued a stark warning following the recall of safety shoes sold via TikTok which failed to meet basic protective standards. The case further highlights the growing risk of substandard PPE being sold online

THE BRITISH Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has warned that a recent recall of safety shoes sold via TikTok highlights the alarmingly wide availability of substandard personal protective equipment (PPE) in the UK market.

The recalled product, listed on TikTok Shop under multiple descriptors including: "Men’s Anti-smash and Anti-puncture Shoes"; "Breathable Non-slip Work Shoes"; "Comfortable Safety Shoes for Men"; "Fashionable Shoes for Daily Wear, Boy", was advertised as offering protection despite failing to meet essential safety requirements.

TikTok Removal Follows OPSS Enforcement Action

The recall was issued by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) following the intervention of Lewis Collantine, a product safety consultant specialising in trading standards who brought the issue to light. 

According to the OPSS the product, "presents a serious risk of injuries because although advertised as 'anti-smash' and 'anti-puncture,' there is no evidence it has undergone conformity assessment as PPE and it is not CE or UKCA marked."

The OPSS also states: "The product does not meet the requirements of the Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment or the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018."

While the shoes have now been removed from TikTok following enforcement action by the OPSS, at the time of writing, similar - if not identical - footwear remained for sale on platforms such as Temu.

Calls for Tighter Regulation of Online Sellers

"No surprises here. The BSIF has been aware of a burgeoning volume of substandard footwear available on platforms such as TikTok for some time, but we are pleased to see Trading Standards take action and we must applaud the work of Lewis Collantine, who has been instrumental in bringing this example to light," said , BSIF CEO Alan Murray. 

"This is exactly why the new Product Safety and Metrology Bill needs to ensure there are real ramifications for online suppliers who fail to provide properly certified products. Employers and users deserve confidence that PPE described as protective genuinely meets standards and offers the protection it claims."

The BSIF warns that many of these products are purchased by unsuspecting individuals who have been given budgets to buy their own PPE but may not fully understand the rules, regulations, and certification requirements surrounding safety products.

Alan Murray continued: “We suspect that many of these products are being bought directly by workers - including limb (b) workers who are not direct employees but for whom employers still have a legal duty to provide PPE under recent updates to the PPE Regulations. These individuals are often given a budget to buy their own PPE but may not fully understand the regulations or certification requirements surrounding safety products. The reality is that substandard PPE advertised as protective simply does not protect workers, and it can put lives at risk.”

The BSIF reiterates the importance of buying PPE only from BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers, who are committed to supplying certified and compliant products that keep workers safe.

For more information:

www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk

Tel: 01442 248744

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Shocking 90% of PPE from non-registered providers fails tests 17/06/2025

With failures spanning a range of critical categories, the BSIF's findings highlight the urgent need for buyers to verify their PPE sources and prioritise certified, trustworthy suppliers to safeguard workers effectively

THE BRITISH Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has issued an urgent warning to those responsible for procuring personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety products following the results of its latest independent tests. 

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.

Key problem areas

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

  • Head Protection100% 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 Protection100% 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 Footwear86% 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 Protection90% failure rate (28 products) Issues included incorrect cushion and headband pressures, compromising effectiveness against hazardous noise levels.
  • Safety Gloves95% failure rate (21 products) Products failed claims for cut protection, abrasion resistance, and puncture resistance, leaving wearers exposed to mechanical injuries.
  • Hi-Vis Clothing85% 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.

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. 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, choosing a Registered Safety Supplier helps to ensure not only genuine products fit for purpose but also authentic information and guidance.

"By verifying the credentials of their PPE and safety equipment suppliers, buyers can help eliminate the market for substandard goods and prioritise safety above all," said BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme manager Roy Wilders.

Resources for buyers

For more information: 

www.bsif.co.uk

Tel: 01442 248744

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Shocking 90% of PPE from non-registered providers fails tests 28/03/2025

An eye-opening 90% of personal protective equipment (PPE) from non-registered suppliers failed safety compliance tests in a recent investigation by the BSIF. With failures spanning a range of critical categories, the findings highlight the urgent need for buyers to verify their PPE sources and prioritise certified, trustworthy suppliers to safeguard workers effectively

THE BRITISH Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has issued an urgent warning to those responsible for procuring personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety products following the results of its latest independent tests. 

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 and 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.

Key problem areas

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

  • Head Protection100% 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 Protection100% 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 Footwear86% 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 Protection90% failure rate (28 products) Issues included incorrect cushion and headband pressures, compromising effectiveness against hazardous noise levels.
  • Safety Gloves95% failure rate (21 products) Products failed claims for cut protection, abrasion resistance, and puncture resistance, leaving wearers exposed to mechanical injuries.
  • Hi-Vis Clothing85% 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.

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. Choosing a Registered Safety Supplier helps to ensure not only genuine products fit for purpose but also authentic information and guidance.

"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," said BSIF CEO Alan Murray.

"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  said the findings were "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," he warned.

"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," Wilders affirmed.

Resources for buyers

For more information: 

www.bsif.co.uk

Tel: 01442 248744

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BSIF urges businesses to review PPE stock for the year ahead 27/02/2025

As 2025 gets underway, the BSIF urges UK workplaces to review and replace outdated or damaged PPE after a recent survey revealed widespread use of substandard equipment

THE BRITISH Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) is urging buyers and wearers of PPE to review their PPE stock and replace old and damaged items after a member survey showed outdated and poorly maintained personal protective equipment (PPE) is in use across UK workplaces. 

Substandard PPE still too common in UK workplaces

The survey of BSIF members, made up of manufacturers and distributors of PPE who frequently visit workplaces across the UK, highlighted the prevalence of substandard products in use in Britain’s workplaces. The findings emphasise the urgent need for employers and workers to prioritise PPE evaluation and renewal as they prepare for the year ahead. 

The survey highlights a worrying trend in the state of PPE and safety equipment across industries. Examples include:

  • Hi-Vis not so visible: Many workers are using high-visibility clothing that is so dirty or worn that it no longer meets safety standards or functions as intended
  • Damaged helmets: Safety helmets with severe wear and tear are said to be a common sight in UK workplaces 
  • Ripped clothing: Poorly maintained and ripped clothing are in regular use
  • Defunct respiratory protection: Members frequently came across examples of disposable respiratory protection that should have been replaced still in use

Other insights from the survey: 

  • Cost over compliance: Respondents noted that buyers often prioritise cost over fit and performance, leading to the use of non-compliant products that compromise safety.
  • Misuse and poor fit: Issues like workers wearing PPE incorrectly—such as helmets dangling loosely or gloves not being secured properly—pose significant risks to their effectiveness.

Ensuring PPE is fit for purpose

Commenting on the findings of the survey, BSIF CEO Alan Murray, said: "Its not enough for PPE to simply meet basic standards - it must be maintained and fit for purpose at all times to ensure worker safety. As one of the survey respondents highlighted the misconception that 'any PPE is good enough' is a dangerous mindset that leads to preventable injuries.”

As 2025 gets underway, the BSIF is calling on organisations to make a New Years resolution to thoroughly review and refresh their PPE stock. Employers and safety professionals are urged to ensure their equipment is compliant, well-maintained, and fit for purpose. Only source PPE from responsible suppliers such as BSIF Registered Safety Supplier who are committed to selling only certified PPE and safety products that perform to claims made.

The BSIF will release its latest findings around non-compliant PPE and safety equipment at the beginning of February 2025. The federation will also be turning up the focus on the essential role of PPE in 2025 with its 'PPE Saves Lives' campaign to launch in the spring. 

For more information: 

www.bsif.co.uk

Tel: 01442 248744

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BSIF urges businesses to review PPE stock for the year ahead 02/01/2025

The British Safety Industry Federation is calling on UK workplaces to review and replace outdated PPE after a recent survey revealed widespread use of damaged and non-compliant equipment

THE BRITISH Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) is urging buyers and wearers of PPE to review their PPE stock and replace old and damaged items after a member survey showed outdated and poorly maintained personal protective equipment (PPE) is in use across UK workplaces. 

The survey of BSIF members, made up of manufacturers and distributors of PPE who frequently visit workplaces across the UK, highlighted the prevalence of substandard products in use in Britain’s workplaces. The findings emphasise the urgent need for employers and workers to prioritise PPE evaluation and renewal as they prepare for the year ahead. 

The survey highlights a worrying trend in the state of PPE and safety equipment across industries. Examples include:

  • Hi-Vis not so visible: Many workers are using high-visibility clothing that is so dirty or worn that it no longer meets safety standards or functions as intended
  • Damaged helmets: Safety helmets with severe wear and tear are said to be a common sight in UK workplaces 
  • Ripped clothing: Poorly maintained and ripped clothing are in regular use
  • Defunct respiratory protection: Members frequently came across examples of disposable respiratory protection that should have been replaced still in use

Other insights from the survey: 

  • Cost over compliance: Respondents noted that buyers often prioritise cost over fit and performance, leading to the use of non-compliant products that compromise safety.
  • Misuse and poor fit: Issues like workers wearing PPE incorrectly - such as helmets dangling loosely or gloves not being secured properly - pose significant risks to their effectiveness.

Commenting on the findings of the survey, BSIF CEO Alan Murray, said: "It’s not enough for PPE to simply meet basic standards—it must be maintained and fit for purpose at all times to ensure worker safety. As one of the survey respondents highlighted the misconception that 'any PPE is good enough' is a dangerous mindset that leads to preventable injuries."

As 2025 gets underway, the BSIF is calling on organisations to make a New Year’s resolution to thoroughly review and refresh their PPE stock. Employers and safety professionals are urged to ensure their equipment is compliant, well-maintained, and fit for purpose. Only source PPE from responsible suppliers such as BSIF Registered Safety Supplier who are committed to selling only certified PPE and safety products that perform to claims made.

The BSIF will release its latest findings around non-compliant PPE and safety equipment at the beginning of February 2025. The federation will also be turning up the focus on the essential role of PPE in 2025 with their ‘PPE Saves Lives’ campaign to launch in the spring. 

For more information: 

www.bsif.co.uk

Tel: 01442 248744

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The benefits of BSIF membership for professionals 18/12/2024

For the first time, the British Safety Industry Federation is inviting health and safety professionals, duty holders, and compliance managers to join as members in their own right as part of a free membership pilot

FOR THE first time BSIF are now asking health and safety professionals/duty holders/category managers/buyers, employers and or employees to become members of BSIF in their own right.

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
  • Standardisation 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 and Duty Holder (Pilot) members.

BSi COMMITTEES

BSIF are a nominating body for BSI. We can refer our members directly into BSI PH/Horizonal 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]

For more information: 

www.bsif.co.uk

Tel: 01442 248744

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