Fit for you

THE TRADITIONAL “one size fits all” approach to PPE fails to meet the diverse requirements of today’s workforce. Ill-fitting PPE, especially for above-the-neck items, can lead to serious issues. Workers with different head sizes, facial shapes, and ear canal structures may struggle to find PPE that fits well, leading to discomfort and, ultimately, a reluctance to wear products properly or at all. For women, smaller men, and younger workers, finding PPE that conforms to their unique dimensions is even more challenging, resulting in discomfort, reduced safety, and lower overall productivity.

Psychological and physical impact of poor PPE fit

A good working environment is about more than just managing physical conditions like lighting and temperature. The new ISO 45003 standard on psychological health and safety highlights the importance of considering psychological and physical well-being in the workplace. When employees are provided with PPE that fits poorly, they may feel less valued, perceiving that their employer prioritises cost over comfort or safety. This perception can affect morale, reduce job satisfaction, and increase staff turnover, ultimately impacting productivity and the company’s bottom line.

Quality PPE that fits well signals to employees that they are valued, promoting a sense of trust and respect. Furthermore, the wearability of PPE significantly impacts workers’ psychological well-being, as they can carry out tasks without the distraction of discomfort, undue pressure, or the need to adjust their PPE repeatedly throughout the day.

Cultural and psychological impact of PPE in high-stress environments

In demanding settings like healthcare, construction and heavy industry, where workers often face both physical and mental stressors, the quality and fit of PPE play a critical role in shaping the workplace culture and psychological climate. Well-designed, comfortable PPE that accounts for diverse body types and ergonomic needs reinforces a culture of care, where workers feel seen and valued by their employers. This can enhance resilience, build mutual respect and promote a more positive attitude towards safety protocols. In contrast, PPE that fits poorly not only distracts and discomforts workers but may also signal a disregard for individual needs, potentially leading to feelings of frustration, reduced morale and a disconnect from organisational values. It can potentially increase errors due to distraction resulting in accidents. Poorly fitted PPE can also have broader health implications. Long-term use of poorly fitted PPE can contribute to musculoskeletal strain, headaches or skin irritation which could result in sick leave or long-term health conditions. This erosion of trust can influence employee retention, disrupt team cohesion and undermine the overall productivity essential in high-stress environments.

Compliance, safety, and proper fit in above-the-neck PPE

One of the greatest concerns with ill-fitting PPE is its impact on compliance. Workers are more likely to neglect wearing uncomfortable PPE, and this non-compliance increases the risk of injury or exposure to hazards. Properly fitting PPE supports safety because it remains in place during movement and physical activity, providing consistent protection from start to finish. Helmets that are too loose may fall off, safety glasses that constantly slip down or that pinch may be removed, and earplugs that don’t fit correctly can increase pressure on the ear canal or reduce the intended attenuation leading to long-term hearing damage. Therefore, achieving a good fit should be an integral part of PPE selection.

Key factors for effective PPE fit and wearability

1. Tailored fit: Tailoring PPE to the individual wearer’s size and shape by conducting an eyewear fit clinic can prevent many safety and comfort issues. For instance, uvex’s line of safety eyewear comes in various sizes and has adjustable features like lens inclination and extendable arms. These design elements ensure a better fit across a range of head shapes and sizes, ultimately increasing compliance.
2. All-day comfort: The longer a worker wears their PPE, the more essential comfort becomes. Helmets with adjustable suspension systems, earplugs that conform to unique ear canal shapes, and eyewear that does not pinch, create pressure points or slip down the nose when looking down, allows workers to focus on tasks without discomfort or distraction. PPE with ergonomic designs that align with natural body shapes enhance worker comfort and reduce fatigue.
3. Product performance: High-quality materials and innovative design contribute significantly to product performance, longevity and wearer comfort. Products that meet and exceed EN standards are more durable, provide consistent protection, and offer a superior user experience. PPE that withstands the rigors of daily use without deteriorating not only provides consistent protection and offers cost-effectiveness, it also contributes to a positive workplace culture where safety is prioritised.
4. Aesthetic appeal: PPE that looks and feels good goes beyond its functional role. Aesthetically pleasing PPE has several psychological benefits resulting in higher wearability. For example, modern styles, like uvex’s CBR65-tinted safety glasses, reduce blue light and glare from screens and artificial and natural harsh lighting, helping employees feel comfortable and confident. When workers feel good about how they look and feel in PPE, they are more likely to wear it consistently and maintain it, supporting a company’s image and professionalism.

Specialised fit solutions for above-the-neck PPE

• Safety helmets: Ensuring a good helmet fit begins with measuring head circumference to avoid a helmet that is too tight or too loose. Many helmets, including those from uvex, feature internal suspension harnesses, wheel ratchet systems that allow for precise adjustments ensuring stability and protection.
• Eyewear: Safety glasses should fit comfortably without pinching the nose or temples, while covering the eye area adequately. Features like adjustable arms and soft-grip sidearms and nose pads, found in uvex’s eyewear, provide a more customised fit that stays secure throughout the day.
• Hearing protection: Ill-fitting earplugs reduce noise protection and may cause discomfort or pain. The uvex xact-fit earplugs, for example, mimic the natural oval shape of the ear canal, creating a better seal and reducing pressure. The fit is critical, as improper sizing can lead to exposure to damaging noise levels.
• Respiratory protection: Fit testing for respiratory PPE, especially masks, is essential, as inadequate seals can allow contaminants into the lungs. Face fit testing, as supported by the British Safety Industry Federation’s (BSIF) Fit2Fit Providers Accreditation scheme, ensures that each worker receives a mask that properly conforms to their face shape, securing optimal protection.

Importance of compatibility for above-the-neck PPE

Ensuring that different types of above-the-neck PPE—such as helmets, safety glasses, and hearing protection—work together seamlessly is crucial for providing complete protection and ensuring wearer comfort. When PPE items are incompatible, they can create uncomfortable pressure points, reduce effectiveness, or even dislodge each other. For instance, wearing earmuffs with safety glasses can break the cup seal reducing the level of protection. Masks should be fitted and tested with eye protection to ensure the eyewear does not interfere the mask’s seal, allowing in harmful particles. To avoid these issues, PPE should be tested in combination to ensure compatibility, allowing for comprehensive protection without compromising fit or comfort.

This approach reduces distractions and enhances safety, especially in high-stress environments where attention is critical. Employers can maximise compliance by investing in compatible PPE systems that integrate effectively for comfort and protection, ultimately contributing to a more cohesive safety culture.

Updates to safety standards for above-the-neck PPE

The most significant update to standards around above-the-neck PPE is the new EN ISO 16321:2022 standard for safety eyewear which addresses evolving requirements, including expanded protection zones and new impact levels (C, D, E). Unlike the previous EN 166 standard, the updated standard mandates testing on various headforms to better reflect global diversity, inclusivity for different head shapes and sizes. This improves the fit, comfort comfort and effectiveness of PPE across industries. These updates ensure enhanced user protection, aligning global safety standards and making compliant PPE more effective across a range of environments.

For further details on the ISO 16321 changes to safety eyewear, please see the uvex white paper.

Conclusion: Prioritising fit for safety and wellbeing

Properly fitting above-the-neck PPE is essential not only for workplace safety and regulatory compliance but also for enhancing employee well-being. Organisations that invest in high-quality, well-fitting PPE contribute to a positive work culture that values safety, comfort and health. By ensuring compatibility across different PPE items and prioritising wearability through tailored fit, ergonomic design and quality materials, businesses can foster a safer, happier and more productive workforce. This approach not only reduces the risk of long-term health issues and improves compliance but also enhances efficiency, as employees can focus on their tasks without distraction. Ultimately, prioritising PPE fit and quality is an investment in both worker satisfaction and operational success.

Clair Weston is marketing manager at uvex. For more information, visit www.uvex-safety.co.uk