uvex Safety (UK) Ltd

In: Clothing and Workwear

Contact: Lucie Mitchell

uvex House, Farnham Trading Estate, Farnham, Surrey. GU9 9NW

https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk

uvex safety eyewear, safety gloves and safety helmets

Inclusive PPE. Woman wearing safety eyewear and safety gloves

uvex 3 quatro safety boots. uvex safety gloves

uvex logo

uvex safety eyewear, safety gloves and safety helmets

Inclusive PPE. Woman wearing safety eyewear and safety gloves

uvex 3 quatro safety boots. uvex safety gloves

uvex: protecting people since 1926

uvex is an internationally renowned manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE). Our mission of protecting people guides everything we do.

Why organisations choose uvex

International reputation for quality and innovation
Comprehensive PPE portfolio for diverse industries
Strong focus on comfort, fit and all day wearability
Solutions designed to enhance health, wellbeing and productivity

PPE designed for real people

All uvex products are developed to protect against workplace hazards while working in harmony with the body. This results in:

Exceptional comfort
High levels of wearer acceptance
Reliable, consistent protection

Inclusivity and the importance of fit

Every worker deserves PPE that fits correctly. uvex achieves this through:

Investment in anthropometric data and ergonomic research
Designs that support a wide range of body shapes and sizes
Inclusive solutions that provide the same level of protection for every individual

Our product portfolio

Safety eyewear
Prescription safety eyewear
Safety footwear
Safety gloves
Hearing protection
Head protection
Respiratory protection

All products are built for durability, comfort and long lasting performance.

Support beyond the product

uvex provides a range of services that help organisations select and implement the right PPE strategy:

Consultative workplace audits and PPE reviews
Fit education and training
Product rationalisation

These services ensure maximum protection and issue free wearability for every PPE wearer.

Creating safer, healthier and more inclusive workplaces

By combining advanced technology with a people focused approach, uvex helps businesses build working environments where every individual is properly protected and able to perform at their best.

To find out more visit: WEARABILITY | PPE compliance | uvex safety

How uvex helped a global technology manufacturer address foot health and PPE consistency across multiple sites

By introducing a tailored, long-lasting footwear solution, uvex worked with a leading technology manufacturer to reduce employee fatigue, resolve persistent foot health issues, and establish a consistent PPE standard across operations.

Background
A global technology manufacturer operates a major production site in Telford with additional facilities in Scotland. The company applies Six Sigma principles to maintain clean, efficient, and highly organised workplaces which is a practice deeply rooted in its Japanese heritage and operational strategy.

Despite this structured approach, the business was experiencing a steady rise in foot health concerns, including plantar fasciitis and general fatigue, particularly among employees working long hours on hard concrete floors. The problem persisted despite trials with various brands.

The opportunity for change came at The Safety and Health Show at the NEC, Birmingham in 2024, where the company engaged with uvex to explore a more precise, needs-based approach to workplace footwear.

Identifying the problem
The manufacturer’s production and assembly lines require prolonged standing and manual handling in a clean, dry environment. While some anti-fatigue matting was installed, it was limited due to concerns over trip hazards and interference with the movement of palletised goods.

A site assessment highlighted:
• Persistent cases of plantar fasciitis and fatigue among workers.
• Inconsistent footwear quality and performance across suppliers.
• Limited ability to use anti-fatigue matting.
• The need for a single, high-performance PPE standard to ensure compliance and minimise risk.

The solution
uvex began with a focused trial for three employees with specific foot health needs:
• Two workers with plantar fasciitis were fitted with uvex 1 G2 safety shoes and uvex arch support insoles.
• One worker with a foot deformity was provided with a width-specific fitting.

The immediate improvement in comfort and reduced fatigue led to a wider rollout. On-site fitting clinics were held, and uvex footwear was adopted for all 400 employees at the Telford site, with the Scottish site following suit.

The footwear was selected based on individual requirements, with insoles scheduled for replacement every 6 - 8 months to maintain support and performance. While the initial investment was higher, uvex footwear lasted three times longer than the previous brand’s products, delivering significant long-term savings.

Results
• Improved wellbeing: Noticeable reduction in foot-related discomfort and fatigue.
• Cost efficiency: Footwear lifespan tripled, offsetting the higher initial cost.
• Full adoption: Positive feedback drove uptake across the entire workforce.
• Operational compliance: Clean floor policy upheld without relying on anti-fatigue matting.

Next steps
The manufacturer has begun a full PPE tender with the aim of becoming a 100% uvex-specified site. Current trials include:
• uvex xact-fit hearing protection.
• uvex gloves and eyewear to follow.

Procurement and health and safety teams are receiving uvex-led product training to ensure informed selection and sustained value. Distribution is managed through Shropshire Welding Supplies in partnership with BeeSwift, with uvex maintaining specification oversight to guarantee consistency and quality across all PPE categories.

Conclusion
Starting with targeted footwear support, this global technology manufacturer has moved towards a unified, high-performance PPE strategy. The initiative has improved employee comfort, reduced recurring costs, and set a foundation for consistent safety standards across multiple locations. With leadership backing and a clear rollout plan, the business is positioned to become one of the first in the region to adopt uvex PPE across all categories.

Clair Weston

How uvex delivered task-specific eyewear solutions for a specialist sterilisation facility

By conducting a detailed on-site assessment and providing a range of fit-for-purpose eyewear options, uvex helped a specialist sterilisation site improve comfort, address operational challenges, and boost employee engagement with PPE.

Background
A specialist sterilisation facility in Doncaster provides applied sterilisation solutions for industries where hygiene, safety and precision are critical. The workforce operates in a variety of controlled environments, from sterile laboratories with bright overhead lighting to warehouse areas with high racking and intense glare.

The company’s welfare committee identified discomfort with existing eyewear as a recurring concern among employees. Many reported poor fit, particularly for smaller face sizes, as well as issues with glare, fogging and compatibility with prescription glasses.

Identifying the problem
uvex was first contacted by the site’s lab manager after he found the company’s contact details online while researching prescription eyewear options. Their initial discussion covered uvex’s UK prescription range and its online ordering portal, which impressed the manager with its ease of use and same-day account setup.

This led to a wider conversation about safety eyewear in general, culminating in an invitation for the uvex expert to visit the site during one of its welfare days.

A full site tour and assessment revealed:
• Poor fit: Many employees, particularly those with smaller faces, struggled with standard over-glasses and sealed eyewear.
• Lighting issues: The sterile, bright-white lab environment caused workers to squint, while forklift operators in the warehouse faced glare from overhead lighting when loading at height.
• Fogging and humidity: In certain zones with high humidity (50–60°C), eyewear lenses would mist over, affecting visibility.
• Varying environments: Staff moved between areas with different light and humidity levels, requiring versatile eyewear solutions.
• Sterilisation: Some areas required autoclave-safe eyewear to maintain strict hygiene standards.
• Prescription needs: Some roles required prescription eyewear that could also address glare and blue light.

The solution
uvex prepared a detailed report with recommended eyewear tailored to each environment:
• For bright laboratory conditions: uvex CBR65 lens to reduce blue light and glare, improving visual comfort and reducing squinting.
• For high humidity zones: Lenses with an anti-fog coating applied to both sides of the lens helped to prevent fogging and maintain clarity when moving between temperature and humidity extremes.
• For warehouse forklift operators: the uvex CBR65 lens helped reduce glare caused by high racking and bright overhead lighting, improving visual comfort and focus
• For prescription wearers: uvex super OTG with CBR lens provided glare and blue light protection while fitting over prescription glasses.
• Sterile applications: the uvex CR safety eyewear features the uvex supravision clean coating. This innovative technology delivers autoclavable performance withstanding up to 20 sterilisation cycles at 121°C while maintaining exceptional anti-fog clarity on the inside and scratch resistance on the outside.

uvex then returned to the site to run an eyewear fit clinic. Employees attended in small groups, trialled different styles, and received guidance on the best fit and lens choice for their roles. The interactive sessions generated high engagement, with staff expressing appreciation for being involved in the selection process.

All PPE for the site will be supplied via Cromwell, one of the UK’s top five distribution partners, ensuring ongoing access to the chosen eyewear range.

Results
• Improved comfort: Better-fitting eyewear reduced strain, squinting and fogging.
• Task-specific protection: Lens options matched to specific environments improved visibility, reduced glare and therefore improved safety and wellbeing standards.
• High engagement: Workers welcomed the opportunity to be involved in selecting their PPE, increasing acceptance and compliance.
• Streamlined supply: Partnership with Cromwell ensured consistent supply and specification control.

Conclusion
By taking the time to understand the unique challenges of the facility and tailoring solutions to each environment, uvex delivered a comprehensive eyewear strategy that addressed comfort, safety, and operational requirements. The fit clinics not only improved PPE performance but also strengthened employee engagement and buy-in, ensuring the right eyewear is worn consistently and with confidence.

Clair Weston

From £120,000 injury to zero incidents in rail freight

By replacing standard leather gloves with high-performance HexArmor models, uvex helped a national rail freight operator reduce the risk of serious hand injuries, improve durability, and strengthen its safety culture.

Background
A leading UK rail freight operator experienced a serious safety incident when an employee’s hand was caught in the heavy iron door of a shunter carriage, resulting in the loss of a finger.

At the time, the worker was wearing standard leather driver gloves, which offered no impact or cut protection. Following the incident, the company’s PPE distributor, Bodyguard, contacted uvex to identify a more effective hand protection solution.

Bodyguard had previously received uvex training on the HexArmor glove range, including details of its performance in ASTM impact testing, which exceeds the EN standard, making it a strong candidate for high-risk applications.

The primary objective was to prevent similar incidents while demonstrating a proactive approach to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Identifying the problem
The shunter carriage doors in use were heavy-duty and prone to hinge drop over time, requiring forceful slamming to close. This created a consistent risk of crush injuries.
Key challenges included:
• Lack of back-of-hand impact protection in existing gloves.
• Need for cut resistance, grip and dexterity.
• Seasonal variation such as breathable gloves for summer, more insulated options for the winter.

The solution
uvex began with a site audit to observe working practices and identify glove requirements for different tasks. The aim was to standardise to a single protective solution where possible.
Two glove types were initially trialled:
• 60670 Rig Lizard 2021X – TPX palm, similar to existing leather gloves but with added impact protection.
• 60651 Thin Lizzie 7101 – sandy nitrile fully coated, offering superior grip together with impact resistance.

Feedback favoured the sandy nitrile gloves for grip and protection, but concerns were raised over breathability in warmer months. uvex responded by introducing the HexArmor Rig Lizard 2090X, a breathable option with the same protection levels.

Alongside PPE changes, engineering controls were implemented, including adding door blocks to slow closing speed. This ensured PPE remained the last line of defence rather than the only measure.

The gloves were approved by the company’s health and safety team and added to its digital PPE wardrobe system supplied via Bodyguard Workwear, enabling employees to order replacements via an app. On average, each worker uses around 10 pairs per year, with buffer stock held on-site.

Results
• Improved safety: Gloves now provide both impact and cut protection, significantly reducing injury risk.
• Extended lifespan: Gloves last 4 - 5 weeks compared to 3 - 5 days for the old leather models.
• Compliance and reassurance: The comprehensive solution, including engineering controls, was praised by the company’s insurance inspector.
• Prepared for future upgrades: The company plans to transition to the next-generation Rig Lizard 2090X with updated back-of-hand design.

Impact
The original incident carried an estimated cost of £120,000. By implementing a durable, protective glove solution alongside engineering controls, the operator has reduced the likelihood of repeat incidents and reinforced its commitment to worker safety.

Clair Weston

The Invisible Threat: Why Hearing Protection Matters
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the most common, permanent, and irreversible workplace injury in the world. Every day, millions of employees are exposed to hazardous noise levels, often without realising the long-term consequences. In the UK alone, 11,000 cases of work-related hearing problems have been reported annually since 2020, with 85 cases of occupational deafness recorded in 2022. Unlike visible injuries, hearing damage happens progressively and is often unnoticed until it is too late.
Beyond its invisibility, hearing loss presents another challenge: not all hearing protection is effective just because it is worn. Earplugs, for example, must be correctly inserted and properly fitted to provide adequate protection, yet most workers do not insert them correctly. Additionally, hearing protection is not one-size-fits-all. Each individual’s ear canal is unique, some smaller, some wider, meaning a poorly fitted earplug can significantly reduce its effectiveness.
Overprotection is another often-overlooked issue. As production plants modernise, machinery becomes quieter, requiring lower levels of noise attenuation. Using earplugs with too high attenuation can hinder communication and situational awareness, increasing the risk of accidents. Frustrated workers may remove their earplugs to communicate, ultimately defeating the purpose of wearing protection in the first place.
Intersnack’s Commitment: Going Beyond Legal Compliance
Recognising these challenges, Intersnack, a leading manufacturer in food industry with multiple production sites across Europe, decided to take hearing protection to the next level. Instead of merely meeting regulatory requirements, they committed to a proactive approach, ensuring their employees received the best possible protection tailored to their needs.
Like many companies in the manufacturing industry, Intersnack faced common hearing protection challenges. Poor fitting was a widespread issue, preventing employees from receiving the intended level of protection. With a high share of women in production roles, standard earplug sizes often failed to provide adequate protection for those with smaller ear canals. Overprotection was another challenge, employees were using high SNR (>30 dB) earplugs in environments where noise levels ranged from 80 to 95 dB, making communication difficult and limiting the ability to recognise important signals. In quieter areas (<80 dB), employees who wished to use hearing protection found existing options unsuitable due to excessive noise reduction.
The uvex Solution: A Tailored Hearing Protection Program
To tackle these challenges, Intersnack partnered with uvex to implement a comprehensive hearing protection programme. This included:
• uvex xact-fit detec reusable earplugs: Employees were equipped with uvex xact-fit detec reusable earplugs, designed for optimal fit and ease of use. These earplugs provided the appropriate level of noise protection without impairing communication and situational awareness. The uvex xact-fit earplugs featured an ergonomically shaped pin, enabling quick, precise insertion even when wearing gloves. By offering two earplug size options, uvex ensured that all employees, regardless of ear canal size—could achieve a secure and comfortable fit.
• uvex xact-fit test: The uvex xact-fit test system was introduced to verify whether employees were receiving the intended level of protection. This easy-to-use system identified fitting issues and helped select the right earplug size for each worker. The test system also served as an educational tool, raising awareness about the importance of proper hearing protection and empowering employees to take their safety into their own hands.
Conclusion: A Model for Workplace Hearing Protection
Through proactive investment in a tailored hearing protection programme, Intersnack demonstrated a strong commitment to employee well-being. By addressing the key challenges of overprotection, poor fit and awareness, they not only enhanced workplace safety but also set a benchmark for other manufacturers to follow. Hearing protection is not just about compliance, it’s about safeguarding one of our most vital senses. Thanks to this collaborative effort, workers across multiple sites can now perform their jobs safely, comfortably and with confidence in their long-term hearing health.

Clair Weston

Email us

Take the next road to business success

Value that outweighs the cost

Are you ready to start enjoying the benefits of membership of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce?

Join Now

Join Now