Womens workwear and PPE: The death of unisex?

Do unisex designs cut the mustard or is it time for a revolution and the provision of workwear and PPE specifically designed for women’s bodies?
In this second blog in our series looking at women in logistics, we explore the issue of ‘unisex’ workwear and PPE and ask: ‘Is it time to demand an end to so-called ‘unisex’ designs?’

Women’s workwear and PPE: The problem with ‘unisex’

Despite our inflammatory headline, there’s nothing actually wrong with unisex workwear and PPE – in the right circumstances.

To be safe and comfortable, workwear and PPE should fit the wearer properly. For some people – men and women alike – a one-size-fits-all design will do the job. However, for others, it won’t. People’s bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and PPE needs to fit properly to provide the right protection.

Poorly fitting PPE: The risks

Aside from just not looking right, workwear and PPE that doesn’t fit properly may prevent the wearer from moving comfortably and efficiently performing their work.

It could also be dangerous. Some safety hazards caused by ill-fitting workwear and PPE include:

• Excess material from oversized garments could snag on or become caught in machinery
• Gloves that don’t fit the wearer’s hand properly result in a loss of dexterity that may cause them to drop or mishandle materials
• Ill-fitting safety footwear can cause pain and discomfort ranging from blisters to the onset of potentially long-term musculoskeletal conditions. Toe cap and other protective features that don’t fit the wearer’s feet means increased likelihood of accidents and injuries
• Improperly sized headgear, eye protection and hearing protection could slip down or fall off altogether,
• Oversized fall vests and safety harnesses increase the risk of injury or harm, while heavy, poorly fitting respirators and body protectors can lead to chronic musculoskeletal disorders
• Poorly fitting PPE is less likely to be worn or may be altered by the wearer to improve the fit, potentially compromising its integrity

Women’s workwear and PPE: The problem with ‘one size smaller’

PPE is traditionally designed to fit the average male build, with women usually advised to purchase these so-called ‘unisex’ garments in one size smaller than they would usually wear. However, women’s bodies are a different shape to men’s: their torsos are often shorter, but they usually have wider hips; they may have narrower shoulders, but need more room in the chest; their feet are not only smaller, but actually a different shape; and their hands tend to be smaller, with narrower fingers in different length proportions to men.

These differences mean that a unisex garment that fits a female worker’s chest is likely to be too big in the shoulders or too narrow at the hip, and that gloves that fit across the palm would have longer fingers than necessary. Aside from the potential safety hazards these small but important details present, research shows that poorly fitting PPE also has a psychological impact on female workers.

A 2016 survey of female workers in the UK found that improperly fitting PPE not only hindered their work, making them uncomfortable and increasing the risk of injury, but also affected their confidence and productivity. More than one in four reported receiving disparaging comments from colleagues as a result of poorly fitting PPE. Some women reported covered the cost of better-fitting PPE themselves, as well as taking sick leave or changing jobs due to embarrassment and a lack of consideration for bodily changes during pregnancy and menopause.

At iSB Group, we believe that most female workers will benefit from wearing workwear and PPE designed specifically for women’s bodies. To talk to our team about women’s workwear and PPE, you can give us a call or drop us a message and we’ll be happy to talk you through the available options.