Are delayed PPE deliveries putting your workforce at risk?

Waiting on your next PPE delivery means more than just delays and downtime.

You often end up:

• Chasing orders
• Holding up jobs 
• Risking compliance 
• Spending more than planned
• Scrambling for last-minute swaps

Worst of all, you might even send your team out without proper personal protective equipment. 

The good news? It doesn’t need to be this way. 

Read on to discover the real cost of delayed PPE deliveries and how to find a safety supplier who delivers on time.

THE PROBLEM WITH LATE PPE DELIVERIES

PPE delays aren’t just a compliance problem. Without the correct PPE, your teams aren't protected.

This is risky. 

It’s only a matter of time before there’s:

• More injuries on the job
• Falling safety standards
• Exposure to health hazards

What might start as a short-term problem soon turns into a long-term compliance issue.

NO PPE MEANS NO PROTECTION

One missed delivery is all you need to put someone at risk. 

The result? Workers end up working with the wrong PPE, or none at all.

This leads to:

• Downtime when one team holds up another.
• New starters at risk on day one or unable to start.
• Making decisions that risk compliance and safety.

THE SCRAMBLE FOR LAST-MINUTE FIXES

When there’s no PPE delivery, panic can set in fast. 

The result? Managers waste time and money they don’t have hunting for alternatives.

These last-minute fixes might mean:

• Losing time chasing suppliers for updates.
• Paying too much for emergency replacements.
• Ordering from unfamiliar or unreliable suppliers.
• Teams making do without safe and compliant gear.

SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE AT RISK

When PPE deliveries don’t arrive on time, safety suffers. Then, so does your site’s compliance.

Here’s why:

• Audits and inspections get harder to pass.
• Increased risk of fines, claims, or insurance issues.
• Staff lose trust in the process and start taking risks.
• Safety standards slip, and unsafe practices creep in.

The fix? Avoid all this with a safety supplier you can rely on.

WORRIED ABOUT PPE DELAYS?

Get advice from our friendly team today.

FIND A PPE SUPPLIER THAT ACTUALLY DELIVERS

Choosing a trusted, single-source supplier doesn’t just make your PPE procurement process easy. It also protects your teams and business. 

Here’s what to look for:

STOCK WHEN YOU NEED IT

You can’t plan ahead if you don’t know what’s coming in. 

The solution? Find a supplier with consistent stock levels for fewer delays, more safety and smoother operations.

Look for a partner with:

• High, reliable stock availability 
• A broad range of PPE kits in one place
• A proven track record of delivering on time
• Proactive updates for when things go wrong

Did you know? SMI has over 25,000 products with 97% stock availability - so you can get what you need, when you need it!

FAST, RELIABLE PPE DELIVERY

When PPE arrives late, it costs time, money, and trust. 

Keep your business moving with a safety supplier who delivers on time, every time.

Look for:

• SLAs you can count on
• A single point of contact 
• Fast, trackable delivery and own vans
• Support for last-minute or urgent orders

Did you know? SMI offers its own van deliveries in key areas, next-day delivery, and a dedicated account manager to help you stay on track!

ONE SUPPLIER, ONE LESS THING TO WORRY ABOUT

Using several suppliers for gloves, boots, safety clothing, and PPE?

That’s too much admin - and too much risk.

Instead, choose one trusted partner who can supply everything in one place.

They should offer:

• Easy ordering, reordering, and tracking 
• Custom catalogues of approved products
• Smart portals for fast, user-friendly ordering
• Better spending and health and safety visibility
• Support from a dedicated account manager who knows your business

Did you know? MY-SMI® lets you track orders, monitor spends, and reorder in a few clicks – all in one place.

A PARTNER WHO PLANS AHEAD

The best suppliers don’t just respond to problems - they help you stay ahead of them.

Look for a partner who offers: 

• Stock available when you need it
• Full ESG transparency and advice 
• Stock forecasting tools to plan ahead 
• Hands-on support tailored to your sector
• Reliable stock levels for smoother operations

DITCH DELAYS WITH SMI

Reliable PPE delivery isn’t a luxury - it’s a legal must.

Without the right PPE, your business can’t be compliant or efficient. Even worse, your teams can’t do their job safely.

SMI can help with:

• Own van delivery for faster fulfilment
• 97% stock availability and 98% OTIF
• Fast, reliable supply when you need it
• Easy, user-friendly ordering with MY-SMI®
• SLAs that deliver with no gaps and no guesswork

Want to know more? 
Explore our full PPE or workwear ranges today.

NEED ADVICE?

Chat to our friendly team today.

FAQs

What are the consequences of not wearing PPE?

Not wearing any safety clothing or PPE while on site is a risk.

This often leads to team frustration, unsafe working conditions, accidents, injuries, legal issues, and much more.

Will PPE protect against health and safety risks art work?

Yes. But only when it’s the right PPE, and it’s used correctly. Make sure it’s fit for the job, the risk, and the environment. 

Discover the 9 types of PPE that prevent injuries.

What steps should shops take to ensure employees are using the correct PPE?

Here’s a few simple steps:

• Keep PPE stock within easy reach on-site.
• Train team leaders and staff on proper use.
• Monitor usage through a smart system like MY-SMI®.
• Carry out regular spot checks and compliance reviews.

When assessing risks and the need for PPE, what should be considered?

Always factor in:

• The job task and location
• Other safety controls in place
• Known hazards or exposure risks
• Type of protection your teams need

SMI keeps your workforce protected - without the delivery drama. Get in touch today!