Health and Safety update - When a PPE ‘bargain’ becomes a costly mistake

Health and Safety update – When a PPE ‘bargain’ becomes a costly mistake

When a PPE ‘bargain’ becomes a costly mistake

In today’s cost-sensitive industrial landscape, finding a bargain can seem like a small victory, especially when it comes to essential operational expenses like Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). However, there is a growing concern that managers in our sector should be aware of related to non-compliant and uncertified PPE being sold online. Some of what may seem good value are in fact poor purchases and may even be an accident waiting to happen.

With online marketplaces like TikTok Shop, Amazon, and Temu expanding their product offerings, PPE has found its way into the wide selection of low-cost goods. Whilst it may be tempting for procurement teams or even individual workers to grab quick deals that promise the same protection at a fraction of the price, it’s important to consider that the real cost, should that PPE fail, can be devastating, both financially and ethically.

The Hidden Dangers of Uncertified PPE

Recently, several recalls have brought this issue to the forefront:

A ‘Double Gas Mask Protection Filter Chemical Respirator Mask’ was among the PPE products withdrawn from sale after it was discovered that it had not undergone the legally required conformity assessment. The UK government’s recall warning was blunt: “The product has been assessed as presenting a serious health risk.” Without any credible evidence of certification to British or European standards, the use of such equipment could lead the user exposed to harmful gases or airborne particulates.

Similarly, safety footwear sold under labels like ‘Anti-smash’ and ‘Anti-puncture Shoes’ or ‘Breathable Non-slip Work Shoes’ were also recalled. Despite being marketed with claims of robust protection, these products lacked any certification, such as CE or UKCA markings. They had never been tested to meet the minimum safety requirements. According to the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), the shoes presented a “serious risk of injuries” and were misleadingly advertised to suggest they could be relied upon in hazardous working conditions.

The Role of Safety Standards: Not Optional

In the UK, all PPE must comply with Regulation 2016/425 and the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018. These laws exist to ensure the health and of workers that rely on these products every day in environments where a single equipment failure can result in serious injury, or worse.

The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has been a vocal advocate for compliance and the importance of sourcing from BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers. Their statistics speak for themselves:

90% of PPE products from REGISTERED suppliers PASSED compliance tests

90% of PPE products from NON-REGISTERED sources FAILED compliance tests

BSIF CEO Alan Murray said: “The reality is that substandard PPE advertised as protective simply does not protect workers, and it can put lives at risk”

Roy Wilders, also of BSIF, pointed out that it has often been the workers that have purchased PPE unaware of what certification looks like or why it matters, however, it is the responsibility of management to ensure that all PPE used on-site meets established standards, regardless of where or how it was purchased.

A Manager’s Responsibility: Diligence Over Discounts

Managers in engineering and manufacturing are instrumental in ensuring to workplace safety, and that goes beyond checking that employees are wearing PPE. Businesses must also ensure that the PPE employees are issued or provided to use is genuinely fit for purpose. This means verifying certification, sourcing from BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers, and establishing clear procurement policies that eliminate the temptation of potentially non-compliant goods”

The UK government site has an extensive list of current recalls in place for various pieces of PPE equipment, including climbing rope and lifejackets, we encourage members to check the list to ensure that none of the PPE presently used by their employees is featured: https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls?product_category%5B%5D=personal-protective-equipment-ppe

If you have any concerns about your PPE or what course of action to take should it not be compliant, please contact us.