Symmetry Within Safety: The Right Fit for Every Woman in Every Industry

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and workwear are critical for ensuring workplace safety, yet for decades, these essential garments have been designed primarily with men in mind. The assumption that a “one-size-fits-all” approach is sufficient has resulted in widespread issues for women, whose safety and comfort are often compromised by ill-fitting gear.

Women now make up a significant portion of the UK workforce across industries such as construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), as of 2024, women represent 50% of the total UK workforce, with substantial representation in hazardous and physically demanding sectors. Despite this, PPE continues to be designed using male-centric templates, leaving many female workers with inadequate protection.

The consequences of poor-fitting PPE are serious. A 2024 survey by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) found that only 27% of women reported having comfortable or well-fitting PPE, compared to 60% of men. Ill-fitting PPE can create serious hazards: oversized high-visibility vests can get caught in machinery, loose gloves can hinder dexterity, and poorly fitting safety boots can increase the risk of trips and falls. These issues do not just cause discomfort—they pose real, life-threatening dangers.

Symmetry Within Safety is about more than just ensuring women have access to the right fit. It is about workplace equality, inclusion, and protection. Whether a woman is working on a construction site, standing on a factory floor, managing logistics in a warehouse, or handling the unique challenges of pregnancy and menopause in the workplace, her safety should never be an afterthought. It’s time to challenge outdated norms and demand PPE that truly fits every worker, in every industry.

Construction: Strength in the Right Fit

The construction industry remains one of the most hazardous work environments, with risks including falling objects, exposure to extreme weather, heavy machinery accidents, and hazardous dust and chemicals. Proper PPE is essential, yet women in construction are frequently forced to wear protective clothing that was never designed for their body shape.

With women comprising just 14% of the UK construction workforce, most PPE options continue to cater to male body structures. As a result, many female workers are issued safety boots that are too wide, high-visibility jackets that extend past their knees, and hard hats that sit improperly on their heads. A report by CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) found that 59.6% of women in construction have no choice but to wear PPE designed for men, leading to serious safety risks.

A hard hat that does not fit securely can fall off, leaving a worker vulnerable to head injuries. Steel-toe boots that are too loose reduce foot stability, increasing the likelihood of trips and sprains. Respiratory masks designed for larger facial structures may fail to create a proper seal, allowing harmful dust or fumes to enter the lungs. These oversights are not just about comfort—they directly impact worker safety, efficiency, and long-term health.

Employers must acknowledge these risks and invest in PPE tailored for women, including contoured high-visibility jackets, safety footwear designed for narrower feet, and hard hats with adjustable straps. Companies that implement gender-inclusive safety measures not only reduce workplace accidents but also demonstrate a commitment to diversity and workforce wellbeing.

Manufacturing: Safety at Every Scale

The UK manufacturing industry employs over 1.3 million women, playing a crucial role in the country’s industrial and production sectors. Despite their significant presence, female workers continue to face PPE-related challenges, with most protective clothing and equipment failing to accommodate their body proportions.

The consequences of ill-fitting PPE in manufacturing environments are serious. Women often struggle with:

• Oversized safety jackets that can get caught in machinery.
• Gloves that are too wide, reducing grip strength and increasing the risk of dropping heavy or hazardous materials.
• Steel-toe boots that are too loose, making movement difficult and increasing trip hazards.

A 2023 Health and Safety Executive (HSE) study reported that 470,000 UK workers sustained a non-fatal injury in 2022/23, with a significant portion occurring in manufacturing. A lack of properly fitted PPE contributes to these accidents, as workers are forced to modify or adjust their gear, increasing the risk of injury.

To ensure safety at every scale, manufacturers must source PPE specifically designed for female workers. This includes ergonomic gloves for smaller hands, safety goggles that fit narrower facial features, and flame-resistant coveralls tailored to female body proportions. The right fit not only improves safety but also enhances worker confidence, efficiency, and job satisfaction.

Logistics & Warehousing: Mobility & Efficiency

The logistics and warehousing industry is physically demanding, requiring workers to be on their feet for long hours, lifting heavy loads, and navigating busy storage facilities. Safety in this field depends heavily on high-visibility clothing, protective footwear, and ergonomic workwear. However, when PPE does not fit correctly, it can slow workers down and increase fatigue, ultimately leading to higher injury rates.

A 2023 UK warehouse safety study found that poorly fitted workwear contributed to a 20% increase in workplace injuries, with movement restrictions, tripping hazards, and discomfort being the primary concerns. Over 25% of women in logistics reported that their PPE hindered their mobility and efficiency.

For female workers, oversized high-visibility vests can obstruct movement and visibility, while ill-fitting gloves can reduce grip strength, increasing the likelihood of dropped goods and workplace accidents. Additionally, rigid and uncomfortable safety footwear can cause foot pain and musculoskeletal strain, leading to long-term health issues.

Employers who invest in ergonomically designed women’s PPE not only enhance workplace safety but also boost productivity. Properly fitted gear allows workers to perform their tasks with greater ease, efficiency, and confidence.

Healthcare: Protection in Precision

The healthcare sector is one of the most safety-critical industries, requiring professionals to be protected from biohazards, infectious diseases, and workplace injuries. Yet, despite women making up over 76% of NHS staff, PPE is still predominantly designed with male proportions in mind, often resulting in poor fit and reduced protection for female workers.

A 2023 NHS report found that 42% of female healthcare workers had no choice but to wear ill-fitting PPE, which can compromise both safety and performance. Loose gloves reduce dexterity, making delicate procedures like suturing or handling medical instruments more challenging. Oversized gowns increase contamination risks as excess fabric can drag on surfaces or patients, while poorly fitting respirator masks fail to form a tight seal, leaving workers exposed to airborne pathogens. Protective eyewear that doesn’t fit securely can also slip or leave gaps, putting healthcare workers at risk when dealing with hazardous substances.

The solution lies in ergonomic, properly sized PPE that caters to the diverse workforce in healthcare. Employers should provide adjustable masks with adaptable seals, gloves in various hand sizes, and contoured gowns that offer both comfort and full coverage. By investing in well-fitting PPE, healthcare facilities enhance safety standards, reduce contamination risks, and allow professionals to perform their roles with greater confidence and precision.

Maternity-Friendly PPE: Safety Without Compromise

Pregnancy in the workplace is often overlooked when it comes to PPE, despite many women continuing to work in construction, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare well into their pregnancies. A 2024 UK Government study found that 85% of employers acknowledge the need to support pregnant employees, yet maternity-friendly PPE remains scarce, forcing many women to wear ill-fitting gear that compromises both safety and comfort.

Standard workwear often becomes too restrictive as pregnancy progresses. Non-adjustable high-visibility jackets may no longer fasten properly, leaving workers without adequate coverage, while rigid waistbands on work trousers can reduce circulation and cause discomfort. Poorly designed PPE can also increase the risk of accidents—for example, boots without proper arch support can lead to swelling, back pain, and reduced balance, making slips and falls more likely.

Employers must ensure that expandable, breathable, and flexible PPE options are available to pregnant workers. Features such as adjustable waistbands, stretch panels, and lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics help maintain comfort and safety. By providing maternity-friendly PPE, businesses can support their employees throughout pregnancy without compromising on protection or job performance.

Menopause & Workwear: The Overlooked Challenge

With 48% of the UK workforce made up of women—and a significant proportion experiencing menopause while still working—workwear and PPE should be adapted to accommodate the physiological changes that come with it. However, this remains an often-ignored issue, particularly in industries like construction, manufacturing, and logistics, where PPE is rigidly designed and rarely considers temperature regulation, comfort, or flexibility.

A 2024 survey found that 63% of businesses in the construction sector do not have a menopause policy, despite common symptoms such as hot flashes, fatigue, and joint pain directly affecting workers’ safety and productivity. Many standard PPE options are made from heavy, non-breathable materials that trap heat, exacerbating discomfort and making symptoms more difficult to manage. Tight-fitting protective clothing can restrict movement and contribute to swelling and stiffness, while synthetic fabrics increase sweating and create further irritation.

To better support female workers, companies should consider PPE with breathable, moisture-wicking materials, adjustable fits, and ergonomic designs that accommodate the body’s changing needs. These simple yet effective changes can help ensure that menopausal employees remain comfortable, focused, and safe on the job. By acknowledging these challenges and providing practical solutions, employers not only enhance workplace safety but also promote inclusivity and long-term employee well-being.

Conclusion: The Future of Inclusive PPE

Employers must recognise that one-size-fits-all does not work. Properly fitted PPE ensures safer, more productive, and more inclusive workplaces. At Stronghold Global, we are committed to providing PPE that meets the needs of every worker. Contact us today to explore our range of women’s PPE and workwear solutions, designed for the right fit, every time.

To ensure workplace equality in your workplace, contact Stronghold Global today. Your safety is our priority, and it’s time to challenge outdated norms and demand PPE that truly fits every worker, in every industry.

01793 484237
[email protected]
www.strongholdglobal.com

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