More Women in Construction Creates Need for Appropriate PPE

As more women enter the trades, there's a growing demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) designed specifically for them. According to Occupational Health & Safety, PPE has traditionally been made primarily with men in mind, but with women now making up nearly 30% of the manufacturing workforce and 11% of the construction workforce, the need for properly fitting PPE has become more important than ever.

Currently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has general fit requirements for PPE, but these have not been fully applied to the construction industry. However, this could change as more women enter the field. In fact, one proposed OSHA rule from last year aims to ensure PPE fits all people, including women and other workers who are physically smaller than the majority of PPE users.

Ill-fitting PPE can pose significant safety risks. Loose-fitting apparel, for example, can get caught in machinery, compromising worker safety. Similarly, gloves that do not fit correctly can decrease grip, leading to accidents.

PB Topical Ref

Women in Construction

Labor + Trade Relations

Editorial