According to The Safety Rack’s newly released Equity in Safety Report, 70% of women still lack access to PPE designed for their bodies. This gap in protection not only increases the risk of workplace injuries but also reinforces a culture where women are forced to modify, compromise, or go without the safety equipment they need.
This survey conducted as part of the My Body, My PPE campaign in 2024 engaged over 500 women across construction, manufacturing, and other industries. The results revealed that 94.1% of respondents have struggled to find PPE that fits properly, with many forced to roll up sleeves, adjust oversized coveralls, or remove gloves that make tasks impossible. Worse, 83.5% of respondents admitted to modifying their PPE—a dangerous practice that can compromise OSHA compliance and lead to increased hazards.
The Equity in Safety Report makes it clear: PPE is not a one-size-fits-all solution. As more women enter male-populated industries like construction, welding, and electrical work, the demand for properly fitting PPE will only grow.
What Can Employers Do?
Addressing this equity gap requires a shift in workplace safety culture:
Review PPE programs for inclusivity. Ensure they account for all body types, not just the male average.
Listen to employees. 66.6% of women reported that ill-fitting PPE impacted their ability to work safely, yet only 17% were aware of workplace policies addressing this issue.
Work with distributors and manufacturers. If your current vendor doesn’t carry women-specific PPE, seek out those who do.
Reject ‘Unisex’ and ‘Pink It & Shrink It’ PPE. These solutions fail to address the actual needs of women’s body proportions.
True change requires more than just compliance—it requires a commitment to safety, equity, and valuing every worker. To read the full Equity in Safety Report, visit www.thesafetyrack.org.
Comments