Studies have shown for years that women often have to work with PPE (personal protective equipment) that does not fit properly. As a result, they may work less comfortably and are less well protected than their male colleagues. At the same time, more and more companies claim that they offer PPE specifically for women. How is that possible? Could diversity in leadership influence whether companies do or do not invest in PPE for women?

Properly fitting PPE for women: a global issue

Over the years, studies from different countries have examined how well PPE fits the female body in the workplace. While the numbers vary per country, the conclusion is always the same: women are still often required to work with PPE and workwear that does not fit properly. And this is not limited to one sector, but applies across many industries. Below are some figures.

• In Canada, 80% of women experience problems with their PPE, and 40% say they have been injured as a result.
• In the UK, an average of 57% of women experience issues when wearing PPE. In the construction sector, this rises to 60%.
• A global study among female healthcare workers, who make up around 70% of the workforce in that sector, found that only 14% had access to properly fitting PPE during the pandemic.
• In the United States, 88% of women in technical professions report difficulties obtaining properly fitting PPE at work. Around 77% say this has exposed them to hazards.
• Research among British and Irish procurement professionals shows that 83% believe more attention should be paid to PPE for women. Yet only 1% actually take this into account during the procurement process.

PPE and workwear for women per category

The last figure is, in my opinion, the most striking. It shows a clear contradiction. People say they want to purchase properly fitting PPE, but in practice, this rarely happens.

Until now, most studies have focused on the experiences of employees. However, a recent study also looked at women in leadership positions. Workwear company MyWorkwear interviewed 101 British women in management roles within companies where PPE is used. And these results paint a different picture.

• 75% of respondents say their company offers PPE and workwear specifically designed for the female body. Around 69% even indicate that multiple options are available.
• At the same time, 62% say they have had to wear unisex or male workwear or PPE at some point in their careers.

I had to read this study twice. Contrary to expectations, it suggests that most companies do take the female body into account. But why do other studies consistently show that women say they do not receive properly fitting PPE and workwear? And why do procurement professionals in another UK study say they only consider female fit in 1% of cases?

 

The influence of diversity in leadership on PPE for women

Every study differs. Many companies use PPE, so organizations often show large differences. Still, the results vary widely, which makes this particularly striking.

Diversity in management may offer one explanation. The MyWorkwear study focuses on women in leadership roles. These companies therefore do not rely solely on male leadership. Many of these women have personally dealt with poorly fitting PPE. In fact, 62% say they have. Because of that experience, they recognize the problem more quickly and are more likely to act when colleagues work with the wrong fit.

Men who have always worn standard sizing without issues may notice this problem less quickly. Not because they do not care, but because their experience differs. The same pattern appears in politics: people who have experienced discrimination themselves, for example based on race or sexual orientation, often speak out sooner than those who have not.

We still need more research to determine whether diversity in leadership directly influences PPE fit in the workplace. However, earlier studies show that gender diversity in management improves decision-making. That makes it likely that it also increases attention to properly fitting protective equipment.

 

Want to learn more about PPE for women and workplace safety?

In these articles, I explore other aspects of this topic:

• This is how menstruation affects your personal protective equipment
• What can you do if your employer refuses to provide PPE in the right size?
• The most common myths about PPE and workwear for women

 

Kind regards,

Aileen