Empowering women with perfectly fitted PPE

As advocates for gender inclusivity, we understand that a ‘one size fits all’ approach to PPE is simply not adequate.

A 2020 report by the UK Space Agency, estimated that women make up 22% of the UK aerospace workforce and is slowly increasing.

In 2022, women made up 25.8% of the manufacturing workforce in the UK, up from 22.7% in 2012.

In 2022, women accounted for 28.7% of the warehousing, distribution, and logistics (WDL) workforce in the UK, up from 24.9% in 2016.

Women now account for 22.3% of the oil and gas workforce in the UK, up from 18.5% in 2017.

According to the ONS, female workers in the UK construction industry accounted for 12.9% of the total construction workforce in 2022, up from 9.7% in 2016.

In 2022, 5.6% of all firefighters in the UK were women, up from 4.9% in 2017.

The traditional gender divide in the workplace is gradually fading

Not only is the rate of female employment at 72.4%*, a mere 0.3% behind its record high in 2019, the number of women venturing into industries that were once considered exclusively male domains is also on the increase.

With 15.7 million females in full and part-time employment, this shift is driven by factors such as increased educational opportunities, changing societal attitudes towards gender roles and the growing recognition of women's capabilities and contributions in various fields.

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According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), data shows 40% more women have moved into professional and technical jobs since 2010,** known as STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and there is an increasing number of women enrolling in what were historically 'masculine' degree courses in the UK.

As more women enter patriarchal industry sectors, the unique needs of female workers often get overlooked particularly when it comes to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Ensuring the safety of individuals through the availability of appropriate protective equipment has therefore, become more critical, especially due to young women currently being the fastest growing working group into employment.**

Empowering protection through our fit programme

Ill-fitting, uncomfortable, or impractical PPE can pose significant safety risks, hinder performance, and erode confidence. Through our comprehensive PPE fit programmes, working onsite with the wearers themselves, our mission is to identify the most suitable safety products that can be tailored to the individual’s needs, taking into account factors such as gender, body shape, size, and preferences.

We believe that correctly fitting women’s PPE is not just a matter of necessity; it’s about respect, equity, and the path toward a safer, more inclusive world. Our fit programme incorporates:

Safety without compromise

We believe that safety should never be compromised due to ill-fitting PPE. Each uvex product is engineered with WEARABILITY, to meet or exceed safety standards, while balancing comfort, fit, technical performance and style to ensure our wearers remain compliant and confident.

Customised sizing

We offer a variety of sizes and styles, acknowledging that every woman is unique. Our size charts, fitting guides, and expert support will assist you in finding the perfect fit for your needs. We also offer a range of insoles that allow you to customise the fit of your footwear to your individual requirements.

Quality and durability

Our PPE is made from high-quality materials in our own production facilities across Europe. Each product is built to withstand the rigors of your profession and we continuously check our products in our in-house test laboratories to fulfil standards – and even exceed specifications - as well as ensuring value for money.

Comfort and style

Safety doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or style. Discover PPE that not only keeps you protected but also reflects your personal style and professionalism.

Industry-specific solutions

Our products are tailored to various sectors, including construction, utilities, automotive, and manufacturing. We understand the nuances of each field and offer products accordingly.

Resources and support

We’re here to provide guidance and resources to help you make informed choices about your PPE. Our dedicated team of experts take a consultative approach ensuring you find suitable PPE.

uvex safety eyewear fit programme

uvex has devised a highly successful fit programme that ensures everyone can find a safety spectacle or goggle that best suits them. Our highly knowledgeable team of experts work alongside you and your employees to ensure they find something that really fits them. Our approach takes into account the employee’s features, work environment and personal requirements e.g. compatibility with other PPE. By involving the wearer in the selection process, this not only ensures a proper fit - crucial for their safety – but it also increases the likelihood of that eyewear remains worn throughout the day.

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Face fit testing for women

Respiratory protection face fit testing is a crucial aspect of maintaining the health and safety of workers in hazardous environments. For women, face fit testing serves an even more important role due to the unique facial structures and features they possess. Moreover, women’s facial features may not be adequately accommodated by some facemask designs, increasing the risk of leaks and compromising the respirator’s effectiveness. During the face fit testing procedure, the wearer performs a series of activities while wearing the respirator, and a trained professional observes for any leaks or signs of inadequate fit.

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Customised footwear fitting

Just like shopping on the high street, the same size shoe from different safety footwear brands can fit differently so it’s important to get measured for all day comfort and safety. Once you have established your correct size, arch support insoles can tailor the footwear to your individual requirements. The uvex tune-up board changes colour when exposed to the heat from your feet, leaving an impression of your arch type.

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Choosing the right sized hearing protection

Everyone’s ear canal is unique — much like a fingerprint - and women tend to have smaller ear canals when compared to men. It is therefore important to find hearing protection that is designed to fit comfortably in smaller ears. uvex offers a complete range of hearing protection to ensure all wearers are able to achieve a fit that’s right for them.

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Selecting the right sized glove

You know what shoe size you need, but what about your glove size? uvex gloves are available in a range of sizes so download our hand size chart and find your perfect fit. If gloves are too big they can affect grip or get caught in moving parts or tools; too small and they will distract from the task at hand.

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Adjustable safety helmets for the perfect fit

The individual sizes of our uvex safety helmets offer several centimetres of wiggle room. The internal suspension harness with wheel ratchet system allows you to adjust the helmet exactly to your head circumference for the perfect fit.

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^{Source: *According to the Office of National Statistics, between May and July 2023 the rate of female employment for those between 16 and 64 years old was at 72.4% slightly down from the record high of 72.7% between December 2019 and February 2020. Comparatively, the male employment rate was 79.0%. www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/timeseries/lf25/lms
**www.gov.uk/government/news/two-million-more-women-in-work-since-2010-as-ukunemployment-remains-low}