The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has revealed that an alarming 90% of personal protective equipment (PPE) sourced from non-registered suppliers fails safety testing. It highlights how important it is to buy from a trusted BSIF registered supplier like GS Workwear & Tools
In response to these concerning results, the BSIF has issued a critical alert to those responsible for acquiring PPE and safety products, highlighting the outcomes of their recent independent evaluations.
The findings underscore the widespread circulation of low-quality and potentially hazardous products within the market. From December 2023 to December 2024, the BSIF evaluated 161 products from suppliers that are not members of the organisation, checking for advertised performance, accuracy of labelling, and compliance with applicable standards. Disturbingly, only 10% (16 products) achieved full compliance, while a staggering 90% (138 products) failed to meet the essential criteria, with seven test results still pending.
Of particular concern is the fact that in certain categories (including head protection, eye and face protection, and fall protection), every product tested from non-member suppliers (100%) did not pass the assessments. Furthermore, many of these inadequate products remain on the market, placing users at considerable 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 test outcomes for non-member products show significant disparities compared to those from BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers, who are dedicated to offering only certified PPE and conducting their business with integrity. Out of 399 tests carried out on products from these Registered Safety Suppliers between December 2023 and December 2024, 86%—which amounts to 322 products—passed successfully. For the 14%—or 51 products—that did not meet the standards, all identified issues were swiftly resolved. Additionally, 24 results remain under review.
Check For The BSIF Shield
The results of product testing reveal a significant distinction between items supplied by BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers and those from non-member entities. BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers are dedicated to providing only certified personal protective equipment (PPE) and upholding ethical business practices.
From December 2023 to December 2024, a total of 399 tests were conducted on products from these registered suppliers, with an impressive 86%—equivalent to 322 products—achieving passing results. Among the 14%—or 51 products—that initially did not meet the necessary standards, all identified deficiencies were promptly addressed and resolved. Additionally, there remain 24 test results that are currently pending review. In contrast, the outcomes for non-member products indicate a marked disparity.
“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.”
At GS Workwear & Tools, we’re proud to be a BSIF Registered Safety Retailer. Don’t gamble with safety and trust GS Workwear & Tools to deliver only the highest‑quality, fully compliant equipment.
