Wear It Wisely campaign - Body Armour

Request Number: FOI/15337

Category: Finance and Procurement - Equipment and Uniform Contracts & Procurement

Subject: Wear It Wisely campaign - Body Armour

Request and Answer:
Your request for information has now been considered. In respect of Section 1(1)(a) of the Act we can confirm that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) does hold the information to which your request relates and this is being provided to you.

We have also provided you with links to guidance issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office
(ICO) which we have followed in responding to your request.

Request 1
In relation to the PSNI occupational health and well-being campaign titled Wear it wisely, relating to the wearing of Police issue Integrated body armour system (IBAS), I wish to request the following information please -

What medical evidence is this campaign based on?

Answer
The campaign was based on a combination of the results of an internal survey, information developed by the police treatment centre and published medical evidence. The medical evidence which was used to inform this was:
1) Occupational Risk Factors for the First-Onset and Subsequent Course of Low Back Trouble: A Study of Serving Police Officers. Published in Spine Journal.

2) Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management: NICE guideline. Published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. 

Request 2
What date was this campaign launched?

Answer
The campaign was launched in May 2023

Request 3
Was this campaign based on the IBAS manufactures guidelines?

Answer
The manufacturer’s guidelines were used to inform some aspects of the campaign including an information video outlining the main features, sizing, donning the body armour, assembly, and general care and maintenance.