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The Importance of Providing Proper Fitting PPE For Women

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Jim Huebner, Construction Marketing Channel Manager

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is vital in ensuring worker safety across all trade industries. However, when PPE doesn't fit correctly, it can be just as dangerous as not wearing any protection at all. This issue most often effects women, who as a group make up 10% of the workforce, but don’t have the same products designed specifically for them.

Women's Workwear

The dangers of ill-fitting PPE and the challenges women face when it comes to finding optimal personal protection to meet their needs highlight the importance of gear that truly considers all body types and keeps everyone safe on the job. Companies can also benefit from address these challenges and investing in PPE designed specifically for women.

PPE for Women Isn’t One Size Fits All

Improperly fitting PPE can lead to reduced protection against workplace hazards. For example, when PPE is too big or too small, it may not cover the body correctly, leaving workers vulnerable to risks such as chemical splashes, sharp objects or falling debris. An incorrect fit can hinder movement and cause discomfort, leading to distractions and reduced efficiency. Oversized PPE runs the risk of becoming entangled in machinery, resulting in severe injuries that can be fatal.

Historically, PPE has been designed with male or unisex sizes as the standard, resulting in limited options for women. Consequently, due to the limited offerings of women’s PPE in what was once considered male-dominated industries, women may feel pressured to conform to more traditional gender norms, choosing between oversized men's PPE or undersized options that fail to provide adequate protection.

When it comes to PPE designed specifically for women, options may be limited to less-than-ideal approaches, such as simple size reduction and additions of more “feminine” colors. This approach often overlooks the unique physical needs of women, and falls short of protecting their safety, leading to discomfort and a higher risk of injury on the jobsite.

Creating Safer Work Environments with Women’s PPE Solutions

Companies can help address this issue by conducting a thorough hazard assessment to identify their employees' specific risks and hazards and selecting PPE accordingly. By considering the needs of all workers, including women, employers can ensure everyone has access to properly fitting PPE.

Employers should move beyond the one-size-fits-all approach and start offering PPE in a range of sizes and cuts. Providing option designed with women in mind allows everyone to feel safer and perform their best on the job.

Another critical step companies should take is involving workers in the PPE selection process. Gathering employee input and prioritizing their comfort and preferences not only demonstrates genuine care but also promotes a culture of inclusivity.

Training on the proper use and maintenance of PPE, including information on determining the correct fit, is also essential. This knowledge empowers workers to advocate for their safety needs and ensures that everyone uses PPE effectively.

Improving Women’s PPE Safety

Prioritizing investments in women’s PPE clothing is essential as it enhances safety and protection. PPE that fits the unique shapes and sizes of female employees offers a layer of defense against workplace hazards, ensuring they can work confidently, securely and comfortably.

Beyond benefiting employees, investing in adequately fitting PPE also has positive financial implications for companies. Fewer workplace accidents and injuries can result in lower insurance premiums, reduced workers' compensation claims and less downtime due to injury-related absences.

A safer work environment can enhance a company's reputation, making it more appealing to clients, investors and potential employees. Going the extra mile to provide the proper PPE for women demonstrates a greater commitment to worker safety. In addition, it sends a strong message to current and prospective employees, clients and partners that the company values the well-being of its entire workforce.

As the workforce grows more diverse, companies must adapt their safety practices and policies to meet the needs of all employees, regardless of gender. Providing well-fitting PPE garments for female employees demonstrates a genuine commitment to their safety and well-being, fostering a more inclusive workplace. This approach not only supports employees but also benefits the company’s overall success.

However, finding a supplier that provides high-quality protective workwear designed specifically for a woman is often more challenging than one might think. Many PPE providers today claim to offer women’s PPE, yet often supply smaller-sized men’s gear in more feminine color. Designing PPE for women goes beyond size and color to needing different cuts, detailing and materials. When it comes to sourcing women’s protective gear, PIP® has the solution.

Designing High Quality Women’s Workwear

PIP® now offers Bisley® Workwear, a leading provider of high-quality workwear that provides women with the PPE they need to stay safe in hazardous industrial environments.

When it comes to delivering high-quality workwear for the most demanding and hazardous work environments, Bisley® stands out as the top choice with one of the most versatile, durable and high-quality offerings for both men AND women in the market. An extensive range of products, which includes women's classic polo tees, cargo pants, shorts, hi-visibility protective wear, hoodies and jackets, is designed to combine form, fit, comfort and productivity for all.

By collaborating with leading independent laboratories to design and develop exceptional women's workwear, Bisley® Workwear leverages state-of-the-art fabrication technology to manufacture workwear essentials that meet various industry requirements and safety standards.

So, whether you're searching for tops, bottoms or coveralls to protect your uniform from spills and debris or hi-visibility garments and extreme cold protection for on-site safety, their range offers premium quality and durability.

Bisley® PPE for Women includes thoughtfully designed styles that offer protection, comfort and functionality, specifically tailored for women’s bodies.

• Multi-Season Outerwear: Bisley women’s hi-visibility jackets, vests, and hoodies provide durable, weather-resistant protection adaptable for changing climates or seasons. These outerwear pieces use insulating materials like sherpa and fleece linings to ensure warmth and comfort, while also allowing mobility with biomotion tape configurations, ideal for women working outdoors or in cold storage.
• Workwear Essentials T-Shirts: For foundational workwear, these short and long sleeve t-shirts blend breathable, soft fabrics with durability, designed for everyday wear or as layering pieces. These shirts are functional and comfortable, making them versatile essentials for a variety of work settings.
• X-Airflow Workwear: The innovative X-Airflow line is engineered for high-heat conditions, featuring ventilated panels that promote airflow and help regulate body temperature and a lightweight ripstop fabric to wick moisture away. Available in both hi-vis and solid colored work shirts and pants, this line is perfect for women working in hot environments where cooling is essential.

These women’s PPE styles underscore the importance of fit, safety and comfort in workwear, giving women the freedom to focus on their tasks without compromising on protection.

Learn more here about Bisley® and their wide range of available products that can create a safer workplace for everyone.

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