Christian Halford, Technical Quality Director at Arco, explains why selecting the best personal protective equipment (PPE) forms a fundamental foundation of workplace safety.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is one of the most visible signs of workplace safety. Whether it's a safety helmet, cut-resistant gloves, protective footwear and eyewear, hearing and respiratory protection, fall arrest, or arc flash, workers rely on PPE every day to help keep them safe. But important questions are often overlooked: where has that PPE come from, and can it be trusted?
In today's challenging economic climate, it's understandable that businesses are looking for ways to reduce costs. However, PPE should never be viewed as a commodity purchase. Choosing products based solely on price can create significant safety risks, particularly when equipment fails to meet the standards employers believe they are buying.
Unfortunately, not all PPE on the market offers the same level of protection. Recent testing by the British Safety Industry Federation found that 82% of PPE sourced from non-registered suppliers failed one or more checks relating to certification, documentation, product marking or technical performance. For employers, that's a stark reminder that buying cheaper can sometimes prove far more costly in the long run.
That's why choosing the right supplier matters just as much as choosing the right product. A trusted safety partner should provide more than equipment alone. They should offer expert guidance, help organisations understand the risks their workers face and recommend products that are appropriate for the task, environment and hazard.
At Arco, our approach goes beyond supplying products. From safety helmets, respiratory protection, gloves, footwear, eyewear, to fall arrest, hearing protection, arc flash, and sun protection, every product is backed by rigorous quality assurance and compliance processes. We also operate the UK's only UKAS-accredited PPE testing laboratory run by a safety distributor, providing customers with confidence that products have undergone robust testing before reaching the workplace.
Quality PPE also delivers wider business benefits. Equipment that is comfortable, durable and fit for purpose is more likely to be worn correctly, helping improve compliance, reduce disruption and support productivity. Workers who trust their equipment can focus on the task at hand, knowing they are properly protected.
Ultimately, PPE is an investment in people. While cost will always be a consideration, the true value lies in selecting products and suppliers that deliver reliable protection, expert support and long-term confidence.
To support organisations in strengthening workplace safety, Arco is currently offering up to 40% off selected PPE ranges across its extensive portfolio of safety equipment, workwear and specialist protective solutions.
The offer includes discounts across head protection, eye protection, gloves, working at height, arc flash, workwear clothing, footwear, and hygiene.
For organisations looking to review their PPE provision, Arco offers a comprehensive range of PPE, alongside expert safety advice and training services to help create safer workplaces.
