As a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier, PWS is pleased to support the British Safety Industry Federation’s (BSIF) new ‘PPE Saves’ campaign, which aims to highlight the importance of compliant, correctly used Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in protecting lives.
This campaign aligns closely with our commitment to empowering businesses with PPE and workwear solutions that meet the highest safety standards, helping to create safer, more confident working environments.
Why the ‘PPE Saves’ Campaign Matters
The ‘PPE Saves’ campaign highlights a pressing concern in our industry: the continued use of non-compliant or unsuitable PPE in the workplace. From expired respiratory protection to inadequate high-visibility clothing and worn-out safety helmets, these failings compromise worker safety every day.
Alan Murray, CEO of BSIF, explains:
“The idea that ‘any PPE is good enough’ is a dangerous misconception. PPE must be appropriate, maintained, and properly used. Anything less is not protecting your workforce.”
From head to toe, compliant, correctly used PPE helps prevent injuries, reduce their severity, and support better recovery outcomes. When it comes to worker safety, every part of the body matters:
- Head: Over 1 million people attend A&E in England and Wales each year with a head injury (NICE). Many incidents could be prevented or mitigated with proper safety helmets.
- Eyes: 90% of eye injuries could be avoided by wearing the correct eye protection (Manchester Royal Eye Hospital).
- Feet: The use of non-slip footwear can reduce workplace falls by 49% (BMJ).
- Ears: Noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable with properly fitted hearing protection (HSE).
- Hands: Hand injuries account for 25% of all non-fatal injuries in the workplace (HSE) – most of which can be avoided with appropriate hand protection.
- Lungs and respiratory system: Effective respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is critical in environments with airborne risks, particularly in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and maintenance.
This data, provided by BSIF, reinforces our belief at PWS: that investing in high-quality, properly fitted PPE isn’t just about meeting standards, it’s about protecting people. We’re here to support businesses in making informed, proactive safety choices that have real impact.
#PPESaves: Real Stories That Make a Difference
One of the most powerful elements of the campaign is the invitation for individuals and organisations to share personal stories of how PPE has made a difference, or even saved a life, using the hashtag #PPESaves.
At PWS, we encourage our customers and industry partners to take part. By sharing your experiences, you help others understand the real-world impact of investing in the right protective equipment. These stories bring the message home and inspire others to act.
Highlighting a Leading Risk: Asbestos Exposure
As part of the ‘PPE Saves’ campaign, BSIF is amplifying awareness of one of the most serious ongoing risks to worker health: asbestos exposure.
According to the World Health Organisation, asbestos remains the leading cause of work-related deaths worldwide, responsible for thousands of preventable fatalities each year. Despite being banned in the UK since 1999, asbestos-containing materials still exist in many older buildings, placing workers in construction, maintenance, and refurbishment roles at continued risk.
Ensuring the right PPE is in place is vital to protect workers who may come into contact with asbestos. To support employers and teams operating in these environments, we’ve created a practical guide on the correct PPE for asbestos-related work: Asbestos Safety: Choosing the Right PPE
How Employers Can Take Action
The ‘PPE Saves’ campaign is not just about raising awareness; it’s a practical call to action. As a trusted safety partner, we urge employers to:
- Audit your current PPE stock. This includes checking for signs of wear, expiry or damage.
- Replace non-compliant or inadequate equipment. It’s vital to ensure all workwear and PPE meets current safety standards.
- Review your supply chain. Choosing a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier helps to ensure that you are receiving compliant, certified products.
- Share your PPE stories. Use the #PPESaves hashtag to help spread awareness and inspire others.
Our Ongoing Commitment to Safety
As a leading PPE and workwear supplier, PWS remains committed to equipping businesses with dependable, innovative solutions that protect their most valuable asset: their people. We work closely with our customers to ensure safety isn’t just a tick-box exercise, but an embedded part of a strong and resilient workplace culture.
To learn more about the BSIF ‘PPE Saves’ campaign and how your organisation can participate, visit www.bsif.co.uk.:
