Page 28 - OHS, July/August 2024

PPE: PPE FOR WOMEN
Linus/stock.adobe.com
Tailoring Safety: Addressing the Need for Women-Specific PPE
Women in construction can’t be fully safe and productive until the gear fits right. What can employers do to help ensure better gear from suppliers?
BY CHRISTINE ROBINSON, PH.D.
As of 2022, approximately 10.8 percent of the construction workforce in the United States consists of women.1 This translates to more than 1.2 million women working in con- struction. One of the challenges that women in construc- tion face is difficulty finding appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), an issue that can pose safety concerns on construction sites.2
Studies show poor-fitting PPE can affect job performance and risk of accidents.3 It might also be a factor in self-efficacy and pro- ductivity.
PPE is an essential component of ensuring the safety and well- being of workers in construction. Ill-fitting PPE may compromise the effectiveness of equipment, reduce protection for workers, decrease comfort and mobility, impair communication and sensory perception, and result in skin issues and allergies. Ill-fitting PPE can lead to ac- cidents resulting in fractures or sprains; debris can cause eye injuries when proper eye protection isn’t worn. Earplugs or earmuffs that don’t fit properly can contribute to hearing loss due to high noise levels. In- halation hazards increase when respiratory protection does not fit well.
Furthermore, ill-fitting PPE may also cause discomfort and limitations that impose a psychological impact on workers. Feeling restricted, uncomfortable, and constant self-awareness caused by poorly fitting PPE can lead to increased stress levels, reduced job
satisfaction, decreased morale, and impact the mental well-being of workers.3
More than a decade ago Wagner, Kim, and Gordon (2013) con- ducted a mixed-methods study that examined women’s PPE/work clothing satisfaction using the Functional-Expressive-Aesthetic (FEA) consumer needs model. The study suggested a clear connec- tion between satisfaction with PPE and work clothing, self-effica- cy, and overall job satisfaction. The study indicated that 95 percent of participants indicated they wear PPE at work, but only 6 percent indicated they had access to gender-specific (not unisex) PPE.4
An Ongoing Struggle
In 2016, Onyebeke et al. concluded that women continue to strug- gle with PPE designed to fit male anthropometry.5 PPE is primarily designed with dimensions and data from a man’s body size, shape, height, and weight. Properly fitting gloves, harnesses, safety vests, work boots, and outerwear have been largely unavailable to wom- en. Much of the PPE available is too large for women, exposing them to a variety of safety hazards. In many cases, some women purchase their own PPE in an effort to overcome limitations. Over- all, a lack of consideration for the PPE needs of female workers has left them with a perceived indifference from those responsible for
26 Occupational Health & Safety | JULY/AUGUST 2024
www.ohsonline.com