TikTok PPE Recall Exposes Hidden Dangers You Need to Know

• BSIF reports that unsafe TikTok PPE is being sold online, with some products failing safety standards.
• Recent recalls in the UK included safety shoes, belts, and respirators marketed as comfortable or fashionable but proven ineffective.
• NIOSH also recently warned that counterfeit or misrepresented respirators are often used, putting workers at risk.
• Workers should inspect and verify their existing PPE by checking labels, build quality, and comparing products with official manufacturer information.
• Buying PPE from trusted brands that test products to recognized safety benchmarks helps ensure you get gear that truly provides protection.

The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) recently warned that PPE sold on TikTok may not meet essential safety standards. In one case, safety shoes advertised as anti-smash and anti-puncture were recalled after testing showed no proof of compliance.

The UK’s Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has recalled the shoes, officially listed as “Men’s Anti-smash and Anti-puncture Shoes, Breathable Non-slip Work Shoes, Comfortable Safety Shoes for Men, Fashionable Shoes for Daily Wear, Boy,” following the efforts of Lewis Collantine, a product safety consultant specializing in trading standards who brought the issue to light.

The OPSS warned that the shoes “present a serious risk of injuries” because, despite being advertised as “anti-smash” and “anti-puncture,” they have not undergone conformity assessment as PPE and lack CE or UKCA markings.

The agency also noted that the shoes “do not meet the requirements of the Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment or the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018.”

Although the shoes have been removed from TikTok after enforcement action, at the time of writing, similar or even identical footwear remained available on other platforms such as Temu.

Independent workers and contractors often shop for PPE online. Without knowing what to look for, they may end up with gear that looks professional but does not stand up to real jobsite demands.

Sometimes cheap PPE seems attractive, but it can actually be more expensive in the long run if it fails when needed. Replacing failed equipment, dealing with injuries, or encountering liability issues all add costs that go beyond the initial price.

At the same time, some products on TikTok are expensive and marketed as high quality, but the price alone is not a guarantee of protection.  Workers can pay the same or more than they would for a reliable product from a reputable brand without getting the same level of safety.

Counterfeit and misrepresented PPE is a growing concern, and the issue goes beyond any single platform.

Earlier this year, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) issued a warning about respirators that may not provide adequate protection. Counterfeit respirators try to copy actual NIOSH-approved models, while misrepresented respirators are sold as approved when they are not. Both types can fail to deliver the advertised level of protection, putting workers at risk.

NIOSH also shared guidance for spotting unsafe respirators. Workers should be skeptical of claims using words like legitimate or genuine. They should watch for frequent price changes, avoid sellers advertising unlimited stock during shortages, and make sure sellers provide consistent contact information.

When evaluating websites, the institute advises checking for bad grammar, typos, broken links, blank pages, or misspelled domain names. Contact emails should be linked to the website and not free email services.

These warnings show that unsafe PPE has long been a concern. Workers should take extra steps to verify the authenticity of gear, whether it is sold on TikTok, Amazon, or any other online platform.

The safest approach is to look for reliable brands that design products for real-world use. Reputable companies test and rate their gear against recognized standards like ANSI performance benchmarks to ensure durability and protection.

This is different from low-cost or flashy PPE on TikTok, where marketing often replaces proof of performance. 

It is also important to remember that not all TikTok PPE is bad. Some legitimate companies may sell through the platform, but workers should take extra steps to check authenticity. Look for official websites, listings on Amazon or storefronts, and customer reviews to verify that the company is trustworthy. 

Otherwise, products can easily be fake, copied, or dropshipped using images stolen from other brands.

It’s not always obvious when PPE is unsafe or counterfeit, but there are a few practical ways to check the gear you already own.

Start by looking at labels and markings. Reliable PPE often includes model numbers, manufacturer names, and references to recognized benchmarks like ANSI or NIOSH. Missing or inconsistent information can be a warning sign.

Next, inspect the build quality. Check seams, straps, and materials. Poor stitching, flimsy components, or lightweight materials compared to similar products may indicate a lower-quality or counterfeit item.

Compare your PPE with official product listings or the manufacturer’s website. If the product images, descriptions, or logos don’t match, it could be a copy or knockoff.

Finally, look for user reviews or feedback from others who have bought the same gear. Consistent reports of failure, poor durability, or misleading claims are red flags.