FEATURE


RAISING THE BAR FOR WORKER PROTECTION


In April 2025, the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) launched PPE Saves, a campaign urging organisations to take greater care when selecting these safety-critical products and to involve the people who use them in every step of the process.


Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is often underestimated but it can mean the difference between life and death, safety and serious injury, long-term health and irreversible harm. While other safety controls are essential, PPE remains a vital line of defence when risks cannot be eliminated.


Every day, millions of workers rely on PPE not just for protection but for peace of mind. When it’s well- designed, fit for purpose, correctly certified, and correctly fitted, PPE supports comfort, confidence, and a stronger safety culture.


PPE SAVES LIVES!


PPE is far more than just a precaution, in some cases lives depend on it. While it’s often difficult to prove when PPE has directly saved a life, there are consistently high levels of serious workplace accidents where the right protective equipment could have made a critical difference.


“OVER ONE MILLION PEOPLE ATTEND A&E IN ENGLAND AND WALES WITH A HEAD INJURY ANNUALLY (NICE).”


For instance, incidents involving moving vehicles remain one of the leading causes of workplace deaths. Wearing high-visibility clothing can help workers stay seen and safe and reduce such incidents. Meanwhile, fall protection can help prevent and lessen the impact of falls which are another leading cause of workplace fatalities. Another serious hazard is asbestos exposure, which the WHO identifies as the top cause of work-related deaths globally. Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is crucial in protecting workers from inhaling these deadly fibres.


EVERY PART OF THE BODY MATTERS


PPE not only saves lives but also saves heads, eyes, faces, hearing, lungs, hands, bodies, and feet. From head to toe, it prevents injuries, reduces severity, and improves recovery outcomes:


Footwear: In a study of occupational use, the correct non-slip footwear reduced falls by 49% (BMJ). Eye protection: 90% of eye injuries could have been prevented by wearing the correct eye protection (Manchester Royal Eye Hospital). Head protection: Over one million people attend A&E in England and Wales with a head injury annually (NICE). Many incidents could be prevented or their severity reduced with the right safety helmets. Hearing protection: Noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable with properly fitted hearing protection (HSE).


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Head protection: Traumatic brain injuries can result in memory loss, cognitive difficulties, or permanent disabilities. Properly rated helmets can mean the difference between walking away from an accident or facing lifelong consequences.


Hearing protection: Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and progressive, often leading to social isolation and cognitive decline. Proper hearing protection prevents irreversible damage.


Eye protection: A single eye injury can result in partial or total blindness. Protective eyewear shields against chemical splashes, flying debris, and hazardous light exposure.


Foot protection: Injuries such as fractures, burns, or punctures can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues. Non-slip, impact-resistant footwear reduces workplace falls and injuries.


Respiratory protection: Inhaling hazardous substances can lead to chronic lung diseases, impacting long-term health. Proper respiratory protection, correctly fitted minimises these risks.


Hand and skin protection: Severe burns, chemical exposure, and deep lacerations can cause permanent damage, affecting daily activities and work performance. The right gloves and protective clothing safeguard against these hazards.


WHEN PPE PERFORMS, PEOPLE THRIVE Properly specified, well-fitting, quality PPE not only enhances safety but also allows workers to carry out their jobs effectively and remain in the industries they enjoy for longer. Work can be demanding but the right PPE does more than just protect, it enables people to work safely and comfortably. Beyond protection, great PPE improves comfort, confidence, and morale and even staff retention. To achieve this, it’s vital to involve the


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Hand protection: Hand injuries account for 25% of all non-fatal injuries in workplaces (HSE), yet these can be prevented with the correct hand protection.


THE LONG-TERM IMPACT OF PREVENTABLE INJURIES We rarely consider how life-changing an injury can be until it happens.


Even minor injuries can have lasting consequences, while severe ones can alter everything. Let’s consider some of the consequences of injuries that could have been prevented with proper PPE:


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