Bunzl Greenham: Anyone can sell safety, but you shouldn’t buy safety from just anyone

At Bunzl Greenham, worker safety is our top priority. Recent findings from the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) highlight the alarming number of substandard personal protective equipment (PPE) products in the market, reinforcing the critical importance of purchasing from trusted suppliers like us.

Shocking Test Results

Between December 2023 and December 2024, BSIF tested 161 PPE products from non-member suppliers. The results were staggering: only 10% (16 products) met full compliance standards, while 90% (138 products) failed critical safety tests. Even more concerning, some categories—including head protection, eye and face protection, and fall protection—had a 100% failure rate. Many of these unsafe products remain on the market, putting workers at serious risk.

Key Problem Areas:

The tests revealed widespread failures across multiple PPE categories:

• Head Protection (100% failure rate): 6 Products were tested and failed - helmets failed resistance and shock absorption tests, meaning they could allow dangerous impacts.
• Eye & Face Protection & Fall Protection (100% failure rate): 13 products were tested and failed - products failed to withstand particle impacts and fall safety measures.
• Safety Footwear (86% failure rate): 31 products were tested - many shoes failed tests for toecap compression, impact resistance, slip resistance, and electrical hazard protection.
• Hearing Protection (90% failure rate): 28 products were tested - issues with cushion and headband pressures compromised their ability to reduce hazardous noise levels.
• Safety Gloves (95% failure rate): 21 products were tested - gloves failed cut protection, abrasion resistance, and puncture resistance tests.
• Hi-Vis Clothing (85% failure rate): 11 products were tested - many garments lacked adequate brightness and failed visibility assessments.
• Respiratory Protective Equipment (88% failure rate): 22 products were tested - filters did not provide sufficient protection against hazardous dust and fumes.

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Why Choose Bunzl Greenham?

As a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier, Bunzl Greenham is committed to providing only certified, high-quality PPE. The BSIF also tested products from its Registered Safety Suppliers, with 86% (322 products) passing compliance tests. For the 14% (51 products) that initially fell short, corrective action was immediately taken to ensure compliance. None of Bunzl Greenham’s products were included in the failed category. This stark contrast underlines the importance of buying from reputable sources like us.

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The BSIF Shield: Your Assurance of Safety

When purchasing PPE, always look for the BSIF Shield—an industry-recognised mark that guarantees compliance with CE safety standards. At Bunzl Greenham, we proudly display this mark, assuring customers that our products meet the highest safety requirements.

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A Call for Vigilance

BSIF CEO Alan Murray underscores the urgency of proper procurement:

"People are continually surprised by the sheer volume of PPE and safety products that fail to meet basic safety standards. What's even more shocking is that, despite vendors being informed of these deficiencies, such products often remain on the market, continuing to expose unsuspecting buyers and users to significant risks.

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“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.???

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"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."

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BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme Manager Roy Wilders adds:

"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."

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"The dedicated RSSS team works tirelessly year-round, assessing members of the scheme to ensure compliance with stringent requirements and actively monitoring the market to identify and address substandard products. However, buyers also have a critical role to play. By verifying the credentials of their PPE and safety equipment suppliers, they can help eliminate the market for substandard goods and prioritise safety above all.”

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"Checking for the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier shield is the easiest way to ensure you only deal with compliant, competent and trustworthy suppliers. Remember, anyone can sell safety, but you shouldn't buy safety from just anyone; always check for the BSIF shield."

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Partner with Bunzl Greenham for Safety

The BSIF’s findings reinforce the need for businesses to prioritise employee safety by choosing reliable suppliers. At Bunzl Greenham, we ensure that all PPE we supply is compliant, effective, and fit for purpose. Don’t take risks with safety—partner with us and always look for the BSIF Shield to guarantee high-quality protective equipment.