Last year we reported on the findings of a BSIF report looking into un-registered retailers selling PPE.

Today, the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has released the results of its latest independent tests (2025), and the findings are nothing short of alarming.

In their comprehensive assessment of personal protective equipment (PPE) procured from non-registered suppliers between December 2023 and December 2024, a staggering 90% of products failed to meet essential safety standards.

A Sharp Rise in PPE Failures

Compared to last year’s report, where 79% of non-member products failed, the situation has worsened significantly. Of the 161 products tested, only 16 met full compliance requirements, leaving 138 products failing critical safety benchmarks. Seven results are still pending, but the trend is already clear—substandard PPE is flooding the UK market.

Key Findings:

  • Head Protection (100% failure rate – 6 products): Every helmet tested failed to withstand penetration and shock absorption assessments. This means impacts could break through the outer shell or transfer dangerous force directly to the wearer's head, increasing the risk of traumatic injuries.
  • Eye & Face Protection and Fall Protection (100% failure rate – 13 products): None of the tested items provided adequate defence against particle impacts or fall-related stresses. This exposes users to severe risks such as eye injuries from flying debris or catastrophic failure of fall arrest equipment.
  • Safety Footwear (86% failure rate – 31 products): A concerning number of safety shoes, often promoted on platforms like TikTok, failed key safety benchmarks. Issues included poor toecap compression resistance, inadequate protection against impact and midsole penetration, insufficient slip resistance, and failure to meet electrical hazard safety standards.
  • Hearing Protection (90% failure rate – 28 products): Deficiencies in cushion and headband pressure compromised the protective seal needed to block hazardous noise levels effectively, leaving wearers vulnerable to long-term hearing damage.
  • Safety Gloves (95% failure rate – 21 products): These gloves did not deliver on claims related to cut resistance, abrasion durability, or puncture protection. This dramatically increases the likelihood of hand injuries in hazardous environments.
  • Hi-Vis Clothing (85% failure rate – 11 products): Many garments failed chromaticity and luminance tests, meaning they were not bright enough to ensure visibility in low-light conditions. This defeats the primary purpose of hi-vis apparel, which is to keep workers seen and safe.
  • Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) (88% failure rate – 22 products): Tested masks and respirators fell short in filter penetration tests, failing to block hazardous dust and fumes effectively, potentially putting wearers at risk of inhaling dangerous airborne contaminants.

These products failed critical tests, including resistance to impact, compression, abrasion, penetration, and filter effectiveness—posing significant risks to users across industries.

Real Risks Behind the Statistics

Failures weren’t just technicalities; they represented genuine threats to life and limb. From safety helmets unable to withstand impacts to RPE filters that don’t block hazardous dust and fumes, the potential for tragedy is high.

Roy Wilders, BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme Manager, stated:

"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 Safer Choice: BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers

The contrast with BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers is stark. Of 399 products tested from registered suppliers, 86% passed, and any issues found were promptly rectified. This highlights the effectiveness of stringent quality controls within the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme.

BSiF Registered Safety Supplier Logo

Alan Murray, BSIF CEO, emphasised:

"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."

Protect Your Workforce: Choose Wisely

When safety is on the line, there's no room for compromise. XAMAX® is proud to be a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier. We only source PPE from trusted, compliant manufacturers and distributors who are also BSIF members. This ensures a secure supply chain, giving you peace of mind that the PPE protecting your team meets the highest UK safety standards.

Always look for the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier shield when purchasing PPE. It’s your assurance of quality, compliance, and commitment to safety.

"Remember, anyone can sell safety, but you shouldn't buy safety from just anyone; always check for the BSIF shield." - BSIF

Final Thought

As these test results show, cutting corners on safety can have dire consequences. Don't take unnecessary risks with your workforce's wellbeing. Trust BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers like XAMAX® to provide PPE that performs when it matters most.

Mark Rogers
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