February 11, 2025
A survey by the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has revealed widespread issues with personal protective equipment (PPE) in UK workplaces. The survey, conducted among manufacturers and distributors who regularly visit workplaces, uncovered concerning examples of substandard and poorly maintained PPE being used across various sectors.
Some of the issues identified included high-visibility clothing that no longer met safety standards, damaged safety helmets, ripped protective clothing, and expired disposable respiratory protection. These failures could potentially compromise worker safety, especially in high-risk environments.
BSIF CEO Alan Murray commented on the findings: “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.” This underscores the importance of not only meeting regulatory requirements but also ensuring that the equipment remains effective throughout its use.
The BSIF is pushing for a renewed focus on compliance and workplace safety in the coming year. Further findings from the survey will be shared in February 2025, along with the launch of the PPE Saves Lives campaign in the spring, which aims to raise awareness about the critical role of PPE in preventing workplace injuries.
As part of this campaign, the BSIF is urging businesses to take a proactive approach to PPE management, ensuring that all equipment is regularly checked, maintained, and replaced as needed to guarantee that workers remain protected.
