Use January to take stock of PPE, urges industry body
The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) says logistics organisations should use January to review PPE stock as concerns grow around the safety of products sold through online marketplaces.
BSIF’s TESTING programme suggests substandard PPE remains widespread on online platforms. The Federation warns employers must take extra care to ensure the equipment they rely on is appropriate, compliant and safe.
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.
BSIF CEO John Hooker says: “These early results reinforce what we have consistently seen in previous years.
“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 consultations.
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.
