IOSH urges action on women’s PPE

According to figures published by the GMB union, up to 250,000 women could benefit from improved PPE after a number of major employers signed up to an inclusive PPE charter. This committed them to provide protective equipment designed to properly fit women’s bodies.

The campaign has drawn attention to the widespread practice of issuing women with PPE based on male designs simply reduced in size. Research cited by the GMB suggests around 70 per cent of women experience problems with ill‑fitting protective equipment, leaving many feeling unsafe, uncomfortable and embarrassed at work.

IOSH says this is not only an equality issue but a fundamental matter of health and safety.

Ruth Wilkinson, head of policy and public affairs at IOSH, said: “This campaign highlights a real issue that deserves attention and action. PPE is the last line of defence when all other controls don’t fully manage a risk, so if it doesn’t fit properly, it simply doesn’t offer the protection it should.

“Expecting women to work in PPE that doesn’t fit is unacceptable and unsafe. Ill fitting helmets, boots or body armour increase discomfort, distraction and the risk of injury – and they send a clear message that women were never properly considered in workplace and job design.

“Protecting workers means protecting all workers. Employers have a responsibility placed on them by legislation for PPE which states it must be fit for purpose. They must ensure PPE fits, while manufacturers must design for real bodies rather than outdated assumptions, and procurement decisions must put health and safety of workers first.

“Ensuring PPE fits everyone is not optional – it is fundamental to decent, safe and healthy work, and it’s time the whole system stepped up.”

Accounts shared through the campaign illustrate how poor‑fitting PPE can undermine safety and dignity at work.

IOSH supports efforts to address the issue and stresses the importance of involving workers and OSH professionals in PPE selection. While PPE should never be the first or only control measure, it must provide effective protection for the people who rely on it when other controls do not fully eliminate risk.