Workwear for all

The argument that there’s a requirement for PPE that meets the needs of a diverse workforce is not a hard one to make; people are safer when they have the right PPE that’s correct for their body type, in the specific environment in which they are working.

Where historically, innovation in the PPE world has been predominantly focused on functionality, in the last 5-10 years there has been a general shift where brands have acknowledged the need to stock a wider range of products, addressing the needs of more people. Today, there are more products available that take into consideration a person's size, body shape, gender, or religious beliefs. There are even products that address the needs of pregnant women as they move through maternity, brands have realised that pregnant people do need to work and yes, they still need protecting (perhaps more so!).

But we’re not there yet. In 2023’s HSM PPE Insights Survey results, many replies cited that sizing was an issue, with “a lack of options for women” across the whole PPE spectrum being a continual issue, with comments such as “Sizing for women – pink it and shrink it doesn’t work”.

With movements such as Bold as Brass and the work of organisations such as the National Association of Women in Construction (and many more) resonating so well recently, the frustrations are clearly there and have been building for the people who wear PPE day-to-day for their whole careers.

And it’s not just damaging for those who have suffered over the years, a lack of appropriate safety equipment can only affect recruitment in a negative way, whether that be through people not seeing that they are already represented in these industries or whether they quickly realise that they are not provided for once in the role. 

So, with the ongoing progression of manufacturing brands and with more products coming to market all the time, we must now address why these survey responses persist and address the additional barriers.

Firstly, just because these new products exist, it doesn’t mean that they immediately meet the needs of the wearer. As products become less generic, it becomes more difficult for manufacturers to meet their requirements, manufacturers that create poor products with a “diverse message” will soon be found out; those who have been frustrated for decades will not stand for it.

Extended research and development time and an understanding that products may not be perfect the first time, coupled with an attitude of continual improvement from wearer feedback is essential. 

Feeding information up and down the chain is the key to ensuring the progression of PPE for those currently marginalised. Only by receiving constructive feedback from wearers can the manufacturer know that improvements need to be made, only by having a culture of listening and action, can a manufacturer make these changes a reality.

Manufacturers must work tirelessly to make sure their distributors know that these products exist, but also effectively convey their benefits to users as well, alongside engaging with end users where possible.

Distributors must ensure they are aware of these products and actively make them available to their customers, championing them over the generic and encouraging purchasers that the personal approach to PPE is the best one.

Again, this argument isn’t a hard one to make. Someone who is given a product that meets their needs knows that their employer cares, and knows they are valued and respected. 

This makes it a sustainable approach too. As businesses continue to scrutinise their impact on the environment, they need to not only look at the way in which the products are made but also ensure that wearers are actually getting products that fit them and meet their needs. The proverb ‘respect begets respect’ comes in here; people who are given products that show they are safer, respected, cared for and valued are more likely to respect the products they are given. They are more inclined to care for that product in line with a user information sheet and less likely to request a replacement before it's necessary. This way products will last longer and be replaced less frequently.

Availability is another barrier. Unless manufacturers invest in products that meet the needs of a smaller cohort, they cannot expect that cohort to grow, the onus is on them to push progression and for the rest of the chain to follow suit. 

Manufacturers and distributors must do everything they can to strive for price equity. Ordering more products in smaller quantities will inevitably cost them more but they must not use niche as an excuse for profiteering.

Employers must see the value in tailoring their PPE to their employees or the whole system falls down. Great things are happening, which must be celebrated, but not without a huge dose of humility from all members of the supply chain that they all haven’t yet done enough.

So, whilst many barriers still exist to getting the right products worn by the right people for the right environment, many great advances are happening throughout the supply chain. The vital key to ongoing progression is an attitude of feedback that leads to action at all touchpoints within the chain. If we all stay committed, our industries will have happier workers, a more diverse future and we can consign these remaining barriers to the bin.

Nick Bale is marketing and development manager at Leo Workwear. For more information, visit www.leoworkwear.com