In the UK’s rapidly evolving construction, engineering, and industrial sectors, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a fundamental part of workplace safety. But while the industry moves forward in innovation, one vital issue still lags behind: the availability of properly fitting PPE for women.
For too long, women in construction and other manual trades have been handed PPE designed for men including oversized boots, ill-fitting jackets, and generic safety harnesses. These are not just inconvenient, they’re unsafe. As more women enter traditionally male-dominated industries, the call for gender-specific PPE is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s essential.
The Problem: One Size Does Not Fit All
The historical default to unisex, or rather male-oriented, PPE is more than just uncomfortable for female workers. It increases the risk of injury and reduces performance.
Women’s bodies are not just smaller versions of men’s. Differences in shoulder width, hip ratios, foot shape, and overall body proportions mean that protective gear needs to be reengineered from the ground up, not just “shrunk and pinked.”
Take footwear, for example. According to V12 Footwear, women’s feet have a different shape profile: narrower heels, higher arches, and less foot volume. Traditional safety boots designed for men can cause discomfort, blisters, and even long-term injuries when worn by women. V12’s True Women’s Fit range provides boots that aren’t just resized but specifically engineered for women’s anatomy, offering safety, support, and comfort in equal measure.
Inclusive Design Goes Beyond Size
True inclusivity in PPE also means respecting cultural and religious needs. Religious dress such as REDD’s flame retardant hijab, modest workwear, and breathable, high-performance fabrics are now more important than ever. These additions don’t just make women feel included—they are essential to allowing all employees to work safely and confidently.
It’s not just about physical safety, but psychological safety too. When women are given tools that acknowledge and support their identity, it reinforces that they belong and that the industry respects their presence.
Creating a Supportive Network
The recent piece in Ground Engineering titled “A support network for women working in construction” highlights how women continue to face challenges on-site, from outdated attitudes to logistical hurdles like no suitable changing facilities or PPE that fits. This lack of attention to detail can compound feelings of exclusion and make it harder for women to thrive in their roles.
It’s encouraging to see initiatives forming across the UK, including women-led support networks and PPE innovation from companies committed to change. But this progress needs to be amplified across the board, from procurement officers to site managers, HR teams to manufacturers.
What Needs to Happen Next?
To truly champion diversity and safety in the workplace, companies must:
- Audit existing PPE suppliers to ensure they offer female-specific options including inclusive sizing and culturally appropriate garments.
- Listen to their female workforce. Include women in procurement decisions and feedback loops.
- Partner with innovative brands like V12 Footwear that are leading the way with scientifically developed women’s PPE.
- Push for industry-wide standards that mandate inclusive PPE as part of a broader DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) strategy.
Final Thoughts
Inclusive PPE isn’t about ticking a box. It’s about showing your team that you value every individual’s safety, comfort, and contribution. It’s about making sure that every person, regardless of gender, size, or cultural background can do their job to the highest standard without compromise.
Let’s stop making women fit the gear. It’s time the gear fits the women.
