Finding PPE that fits

Advice for women working in industry

My name is Clair Weston and I am the Marketing Manager at uvex safety UK. I’ve worked for uvex since 2001 and the reason for this is that I believe in the company’s mission of protecting people and their values resonate with me personally.

I have great confidence in the quality of uvex products. I have witnessed firsthand the meticulous care and attention my colleagues dedicate to the design, testing, and manufacturing of our products.

Why is PPE an essential part of the workplace?

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is the last line of defence for workers in an environment with potential hazards. It is an essential barrier that shields you from hazards such as dust and chemicals, impacts, cuts and abrasions, loud noises and a multitude of dangers. PPE helps prevent injuries – some of them life changing, illnesses, and they can even save lives. Without proper PPE, workers face a higher level of these risks and even long-term health and wellbeing problems.

What can happen if a business does not supply their workers with correctly fitting PPE?

If a business fails to supply employees with correctly fitted PPE, the consequences can be severe. Poorly fitted PPE can in fact be a hinderance. At the very least it can distract and reduce concentration, increase the likelihood of early onset fatigue resulting in people making mistakes and therefore putting themselves and others at risk. Poorly fitted PPE can also increase the likelihood of illnesses due to exposure and even long-term health problems. And poor fitted PPE is also more likely to be taken off, therefore, negating the job it was intended to do. It can also have an impact on moral and even a wearer's mental health. Not only does it harm the individual, it also has a potential impact on the company through lost productivity, legal repercussions, and damaged reputation.

Why is it an ongoing issue that women, in general, struggle to have access to correct PPE?

Unfortunately, women often struggle to find PPE that fits correctly, as traditional PPE is often designed for a "male standard" body type, leading to poor fit and discomfort for women. This can compromise the effectiveness of the equipment and increase the risk of injury. However, it is getting better and there is now a big movement to ensure manufacturers are working with females to ensure products within their range fit a wider demographic.

I also think that there has been a lack of awareness both in terms of some companies taking a one-size-fits-all approach to issuing their PPE and I also think there are some women out there that don’t want to be seen to rock the boat by asking for different products. But there is a myriad of products available and it could be a general lack of awareness of the products out there and knowing which brands offer what.

Do you have any advice for women who may be struggling in these situations?

Talk to your employer

They have a legal obligation to provide you with the appropriate PPE.

Get involved in trials

Set up PPE champions and working groups within your company.

Seek out resources

Look for information from safety organisations and women's advocacy groups that specialise in workplace safety.

Don't be afraid to ask

It's your right to have a safe work environment, and your voice matters.

What products does uvex offer for women struggling to find PPE?

I think ultimately, it’s about finding the products that fit you. Regardless of gender or ethnicity, the products have to be right for you – in terms of fit and comfort and be the right protection for your workplace hazards. At the end of the day it’s called personal protective equipment.

In terms of what uvex offers, we understand the fit challenge and offer fit clinics for the products we manufacture. We have a range of safety boots and shoes which are made using a female last from sizes 3 - 6. For anyone that falls outside of this size range, we offer insoles that allow you to achieve a customised fit. For example, we have insoles that support the arch area. For those with a higher or flatter arch, there is an insoles to support this and make you more comfortable. We also have insoles that change the dimensions within a shoe slightly to increase comfort levels. So if you are like me, and are just shy of a size 5 there’s an insole that reduces the dimensions within a shoe giving you a customised fit.

We have safety gloves that are ergonomically developed meaning they mimic the contours of the hand, allowing you to instantly feel comfortable with no break in required. We have some styles that start in a size 5 and go up to a size 12. We also have gloves that are dermatologically approved for anyone suffering with sensitive skin issues such as eczema or dermatitis.

We have a range of earplugs that have been designed for those with smaller ear canals, such as the uvex com4-fit or the uvex xact-fit reusables making them more comfortable without that pressure that can build when you wear them for any length of time. I personally wear the uvex x-fit every night, and have done for a number of years.

We have an extensive range of eyewear and we do offer fit clinics. What may fit one individual, may not fit another. Even within my team we are all females, we all have our personal favourites and it’s about finding what’s right for you and ensures you feel comfortable and protected throughout the day. I personally really like the uvex sportstyle and the uvex ultrasonic, I’ve used in various different environments including decorating, whereas my colleague Luci finds the uvex i-works fits her best. It’s about trying them on and following our fit guide to ensure you don’t have gaps.

RPE or respiratory protection, requires face fit testing which is a legal requirement in the UK however, we have a range of fold flat and cup masks as a smaller cup version in the uvex silv-Air c range. Ultimately its about finding what’s right for you.

We also have helmets with a ratchet adjustment just like our cycle helmets making it really easy to find a comfortable fit, even when wearing gloves.