And just like that, February is over. As we progress into the new year, worksites across the UK are being urged to take a closer look at the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure it remains fit for purpose. This comes as the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) sounded the alarm on the widespread use of outdated, damaged and non-compliant PPE across workplaces, posing serious safety risks for workers.
A recent BSIF survey has highlighted some alarming trends about the state of PPE in UK workplaces. With responses received from PPE manufacturers and distributors across the country, the survey revealed that the use of substandard products is highly prevalent. The finds of the survey are clear: PPE stock needs urgent review.
In the latest learning resource from Bryson, we highlight the steps you should take to properly review PPE inventory on your worksite, keeping you and your team safe, compliant and on top of your game.
Why Bother Reviewing Your PPE Stock?
PPE is the first line of defence against many of the hazards on your worksite. But over time - and especially over winter - this equipment can wear out, become less effective, and even fail to meet evolving safety standards. As a decision-maker on-site, the buck stops with you.
The BSIF survey revealed several worrying trends, highlight the crucial importance of regular PPE reviews:
- Not-so-visible Hi-Vis: The survey found that many workers are using high-vis clothing that is either too dirty or too worn to meet safety standards. With workers still working in dark mornings and evenings, the risks here are significant.
- Damaged helmets: Many helmets were found to show severe wear and tear, compromising their safety benefits.
- Ripped clothing: The use of torn and poorly maintained workwear was found to be highly common across UK worksites. This presents a number of safety risks, including catching and snagging on heavy machinery.
- Defunct respiratory protection: Disposable respirators that should have been replaced are still in circulation, putting workers at risk of inhaling hazardous substances.
However, the findings of the survey didn’t end there. It also found that many buyers are prioritising low prices over fit and performance, frequently leading to the purchase of non-compliant products. Meanwhile, workers were found to be wearing their PPE incorrectly, such as loose-fitting helmets or poorly secured gloves.
This month, we’re joining the BSIF in urging construction professionals to take a proactive, rather than reactive approach to reviewing their PPE. Conducting regular reviews should be a top priority - but what does the law actually say about it?
PPE Inventory Review: What Does the Law Say?
PPE regulations in the UK are strict, and for good reason. Failure to comply can result in legal action, fines or worse - injuries to the workers who depend on you. Below is a breakdown of the essential regulations that worksites must adhere to when auditing PPE and ensuring effective PPE training.
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The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (Amended 2022): You must provide suitable, well-maintained PPE and ensure employees are trained on how to use it correctly. Regular PPE audits should check for damage, expiry, and proper storage.
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The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Employers are responsible for protecting workers’ health and safety, which includes providing and enforcing PPE use where risks cannot be controlled by other means. Employees must also wear PPE correctly and report defects.
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The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: Risk assessments must identify when and where PPE is required. PPE should be regularly reviewed to ensure it aligns with evolving workplace risks and employees must be trained in its proper use.
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The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998: All PPE must be suitable for its intended use, properly maintained, and included in regular safety inspections to ensure compliance with British Standards (BS) and CE/UKCA certification.
Speaking following the results of the survey, BSIF CEO Alan Murray warned “It’s not enough for PPE to simply meet basic standards—it must be maintained and fit for purpose at all times to ensure worker safety. The misconception that ‘any PPE is good enough’ is a dangerous mindset that leads to preventable injuries.”. Alan Murray’s warning highlights that compliance is just a starting point. In the next section, we outline steps you can take to ensure you go beyond those expectations in your PPE audit.
How to Conduct a Comprehensive PPE Review: A Checklist
- Step 1 - Safety Helmets & Head Protection: Your PPE inventory review should begin with safety helmets and head protection. You should inspect for cracks, dents or UV damage, all of which can weaken their protective ability. Aside from these basic checks, you should ensure chin straps and visors are secure and functional. Finally, expiry dates should be checked, with most helmets offering a lifespan of 5 years.
- Step 2 - Eye & Face Protection: Your PPE inventory check should involve comprehensive checking of eye & face protection, including goggles and visors. Your kit should be thoroughly checked for scratches, cracks and loose fittings that may affect vision, or allow flying materials to cause damage to the eye. At this point, it is also important to check whether your goggles and visors provide the anti-fog and UV protection your workers need on-site.
- Step 3 - Hearing Protection: All hearing protection, including ear defenders and earmuffs should be checked for cracks or worn out padding. You should also check that your stock of disposable earplugs is topped up.
- Step 4 - Respiratory Protection: It is important to note that the BSIF survey highlighted the prevalent use of disposable masks that have exceeded their usage limits. When checking your respiratory protection, this should be your first port of call, organising replacements if necessary. Aside from that, you must ensure that tight-fitting masks provide a proper seal.
- Step 5 - Hi-Vis Clothing & Workwear: The value of your Hi-His gear depends on its reflectivity levels, and worn or dirty products can reduce their visibility. You should conduct checks on this, and also ensure that products are replaced if they are ripped, damaged, or no longer provide full-body coverage.
- Step 6 - Gloves & Hand Protection: Firstly you should check your gloves and hand protection solutions for tears, worn-out grip or stiffness. You should also ensure that your team is using the correct material type; for example cut-resistant, heat-resistant, or chemical-resistant gloves.
- Step 7 - Footwear: Finally, you should check all protective footwear for wear and tear, which reduces their slip resistance. Meanwhile, they should be checked to ensure steel-toe caps and metatarsal guards remain intact.
Beyond the Checklist: Creating a Culture of Safety
Regular PPE audits are essential, but they’re only part of the equation—proper use is just as critical. Even the highest-quality protective gear won’t provide adequate safety if it’s worn incorrectly or neglected. The BSIF survey highlighted worrying examples of misuse, such as loose-fitting helmets, unsecured gloves, and high-visibility clothing so dirty it no longer functions as intended. These aren’t just equipment failures; they indicate a lack of awareness and training.
Employers have a legal duty to ensure workers know how to wear, adjust, and maintain their PPE correctly. Without proper training, compliance slips, risks increase, and even compliant equipment becomes ineffective. A well-stocked PPE supply is meaningless if workers don’t understand how to use it properly. Combining regular audits with hands-on training will help businesses stay compliant while keeping workers safe.
PPE That Fits: A Step Towards Safer Worksites
Properly fitted PPE isn’t just about comfort: it’s about safety, compliance and performance. When protective gear is too loose, too tight, or simply not designed for a diverse workforce, it can compromise its effectiveness and put workers at risk.
At Bryson, we’re leading the charge in tackling this issue head-on. We’re committed to raising awareness about the importance of well-fitting PPE, ensuring that every worker - regardless of body type, gender, or role - has access to protective gear that meets both safety standards and individual needs.
We understand that one-size-fits-all doesn’t work in PPE, which is why we offer a range of ergonomically designed, properly sized PPE for all workers, including women. From high-visibility jackets and polo shirts to maternity wear, we help businesses ensure their teams are both protected and comfortable. Because PPE that fits is PPE that protects.
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