Foreword

PURCHASING PPE is a serious task, after all, having compliant PPE can ensure workers are adequately protected, and in the worst case scenarios, can be the difference between life and death. The British Safety Industry Federation has warned that you have to be vigilant about sub-standard products as its latest non-member product tests they have carried out has highlighted that there a still a lot of non-compliant products being made.

Some 127 non-member products were tested, which included checking their compliance with relevant standards and testing whether they perform as advertised. Only 18 (15%) of these products were fully compliant. This means 108 products (85%) failed to meet the regulatory criteria, many of which are still available and being sold to unsuspecting users.

The findings around non-member products are in contrast with the results of tests carried out on products supplied by BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers who are committed to only selling certified PPE and trading honestly and ethically. 

By specifying that your supplier holds the BSIF shield, which means it is a Registered Safety Supplier, buyers and end users can be assured their PPE and safety equipment meets the correct standards.

Visitors to The Health and Safety Event at the NEC, Birmingham on the 25-27 April can follow the Registered Safety Supplier Trail. All suppliers of this trail are BSIF members and have signed a binding declaration that the safety equipment and services they offer meet the appropriate standards, are fully comply with the PPE regulations and are appropriately marked. You can follow the trail and be assured that the PPE you are sourcing, is from a Registered Safety Supplier. 

We have a full preview of the event in the back of this issue, and after reading this, I am certain you will register for your free badge to attend the event. You'll also find the shortlist of the Safety & Health Excellence Awards, in this section. 

Championing excellence

The winners of the Safety & Health Excellence Awards, sponsored by EcoOnline, will be announced at a gala awards ceremony at the Vox in Resorts World, NEC Birmingham on 26 April 2023. The ceremony will encompass the long-established British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) Awards that promote the importance of innovation and underline the highest standards of excellence within occupational safety and health.

We are delighted that television presenter Tess Daly will be the first female host of the Awards and guests will also enjoy a comedy set from Alasdair Beckett-King, who is an award-winning comedian. 

I'm urging you to move fast if you would like to attend as we have already surpassed last year's ticket sales and there are only a limited number of places still available. You can purchase your ticket at www.she-awards.com

I hope you enjoy the issue, and I look forward to meeting many of you later this month at The Health & Safety Event.

Kelly Rose

Editor