Trends in … women’s PPE

It used to be that women were told to order men’s sizes “but smaller” when shopping for personal protective equipment and clothing.

“Today,” says Barbara Fitzgeorge, vice president of marketing at Tyndale Co., “there’s a better way.”

What safety pros need to do, according to Tamara Caponegro, vice president of sales at Tyndale, is “make sure that women are not an afterthought. Make sure that women are really considered in the protective clothing program.”

This gives them “the power of choice,” Fitzgeorge added. “When women have real choice in the protective apparel they wear, from a selection of well-designed items, morale improves immensely. This drives safety compliance.”

She recommends safety managers create a catalog of products that meet protective, budgetary and image requirements, and then allow workers to choose for themselves.

“Too often, workers are unaware of the available women-specific PPE,” Kristin Hamilton, senior director of global product creation at Red Wing, tells us. “Proper education and access to the right PPE can dramatically improve safety and comfort for women in the workplace.”

Another suggestion Tyndale shares with its customers is to form a women’s panel to represent the needs of women in the field: Collaborate with your clothing committee and select women’s products from the outset.

As a result, the PPE you offer female workers is being developed based on specific feedback from women in the field – including specialty items such as protective maternity products.

“This is crucial because proper fit is imperative for safety.” Fitzgeorge said. “When you’re comfortable, you can be fully engaged in your work.”

Compiled with the assistance of the International Safety Equipment Association

Coming next month:

• Eye/face protection