The Hidden Risks of Universal PPE for Women

In celebration of Women in Construction (WIC) Week™ (March 2-8, 2025), a time to recognize and promote the vital role of women in construction, it’s important to reflect on how far we’ve come — and how far we still need to go — the proper fit of PPE for all workers.

Since women now account for a larger percentage of the workforce than ever, OSHA revised 1910.132(d) to add proper fit as a criterion for PPE selection. Fast forward nearly 30 years and progress in the PPE space regarding proper fit is still lacking!

In 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that women comprised nearly one-third of the manufacturing workforce and roughly 11% of the construction workforce, collectively accounting for nearly 47% of the total working population in the U.S. WIC Week serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing these challenges to ensure a safer and more inclusive work environment for all.

According to J. J. Keller’s Center for Market Insights PPE Pain Points study, three-quarters of respondents reported no issues finding PPE in the sizes they require. However, nearly one-third mentioned occasionally struggling to find PPE that fits female employees properly. Among those facing difficulties, 55% had trouble finding larger sizes, while 52% had difficulty finding smaller sizes than what is currently available.

Improperly sized PPE in the head and face area can create gaps in coverage, allowing debris to enter the eyes. Safety glasses that do not fit correctly can slip down the face, fog up more easily, and cause soreness in the temples. This can all lead to worker distraction, loss of productivity, and removal of PPE altogether.

Women typically have shorter legs and longer trunks compared to men. Items not properly worn (due to sizing or other issues) can make the difference between the employee being safely covered or dangerously exposed. Oversized PPE may “drown” the worker in excess material, creating new hazards such as loose clothing caught in machinery or overheating in warmer conditions.

Oversized hand protection (i.e., gloves) can create a loss of dexterity. If it is too small, you risk causing undue pressure on the hands and increased sweat, which can lead to fatigue and related injuries.

Safety shoes and boots designed for a man, but worn by a woman, cannot guarantee the required level of protection. Poorly fitting footwear can lead to a repetitive strain injury, poor posture, plantar fasciitis, fallen arches, and flat feet. Over time, workers can develop secondary injuries to the knees, hips, spine, and even the neck.

Regardless of the specific body part, overall, men and women differ in size and shape. Employers must move away from universal sizing and the broad categories of small, medium, and large. It simply doesn't work.