The UK continues to face significant challenges in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) procurement, even years after the pandemic’s peak.
- Recent data shows nearly £10 billion was wasted on defective or unusable PPE during the Covid-19 crisis.
- The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) highlights ongoing issues with non-compliant PPE still circulating in the market.
- BSIF urges for improved procurement practices to prevent future health and safety risks.
- A new ‘Sourcing Safety’ course aims to better educate procurement officials on PPE standards.
Despite the pandemic’s peak being four years ago, the UK still grapples with persisting issues in the procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This is highlighted by financial disclosures from the Department of Health and Social Care, which reveal that almost £10 billion was expended on defective or unusable PPE during the Covid-19 pandemic. Such revelations underscore the critical nature of effective procurement practices.
The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) continues to stress the importance of adhering to procurement regulations and ensuring market oversight. There remains a substantial presence of substandard and non-compliant PPE products in circulation, posing potential risks to users. The BSIF’s advocacy for greater procurement competency aims to address these risks by enhancing safety standards and averting possible crises in the future.
The BSIF’s rigorous testing over a year, from December 2022 to December 2023, provides alarming insights. Out of 123 PPE items sourced from non-member companies, a mere 21% met the required safety and regulatory standards, leaving a concerning 79% non-compliant. Such statistics translate to more than mere financial losses, highlighting the risks to health and safety.
Case examples include a Flame Retardant Parka purchased online, which catastrophically failed flame spread tests, and safety glasses from a high street retailer, lacking impact resistance and essential CE markings. These cases expose the grave implications of poor procurement practices.
The BSIF offers a Registered Safety Supplier Scheme as a credible solution, ensuring that buyers have access to trusted and compliant suppliers. With a noted 91% compliance rate among registered suppliers, the scheme provides a framework for enhancing procurement standards and reliability.
To further aid procurement officials, the BSIF is introducing the ‘Sourcing Safety’ course, designed to impart crucial knowledge on PPE specifications and compliance. This initiative seeks to equip duty-holders with the necessary expertise to make informed purchasing decisions, thereby safeguarding health and safety.
It is imperative that PPE procurement practices are strengthened to ensure safety and prevent future crises.
