Testing undertaken by the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has revealed that a significant amount of safety footwear produced by non-members is failing to perform as advertised.
Safety footwear is used to protect against hazards including slips, sharp objects, heavy loads, extreme temperatures and chemicals. It is therefore an essential part of personal protective equipment (PPE) and it is vital that it meets expectations.
However, BSIF tests show an alarming number of products on the UK market do not provide the protection they promise. Between December 2021 and December 2022, the BSIF assessed 42 items of safety footwear produced by non-registered safety suppliers and found that just five passed its tests covering the regulatory requirements on both product performance claims and on the required supporting documentation.
BSIF CEO Alan Murray said:
“Foot injuries are commonly suffered by workers and it is crucial that all safety footwear is correctly tested and certified to meet the required standards. A significant amount of footwear on the UK market currently is not fit for purpose – including many products that claim to be ‘unbreakable’ or ‘indestructible’ but failed key tests.”
Safety regulations
In the UK, safety footwear used at work must comply with regulation (EU) 2016/425 and follow the relevant approval procedures to qualify for a UKCA or CE mark.
PPE designed to protect against anything more than minor injury is classified as Category II or III. These products must undergo a type-examination by an accredited testing body to ensure they meet their ‘Essential Health and Safety Requirements’ (EHSR). Category III products, which protect against permanent damage and death, additionally require ongoing, at least annual, independent quality assurance through either Module C2 Product Verification or Module D Product Quality Assurance.
Manufacturers are obliged to provide the Declaration of Conformity along with user instructions and technical documentation to sell and distribute Category II and III safety footwear in the UK, demonstrating that products meet all the necessary regulations and safety requirements.
RSSS tests
The BSIF offers membership of its Registered Safety Supplier Scheme to manufacturers that commit to producing PPE that is fully compliant with all relevant standards and regulations and is appropriately UKCA or CE marked.
The BSIF monitors registered suppliers to check they are only selling certified safety products that perform to claims made and meet all responsibilities of Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
Of the 108 tests the BSIF carried out on RSSS members' footwear between December 2021 and December 2022, 90% met all requirements on product claims and documentation. RSSS members whose products failed to meet the test criteria were required to rectify issues immediately to remain part of the scheme.
Murray added:
“PPE used at work must carry a UKCA or CE mark that shows the product meets the minimum legal requirement for its design as well as basic requirements for health and safety. Sadly, non-compliant and, on occasions, even counterfeit products are on the rise. We advise anyone responsible for buying and specifying safety footwear to look for the RSSS shield to help keep their staff safe and healthy in the workplace.”
A full list of registered suppliers is available to view at www.bsif.co.uk/rsss/.
