PPE & Protective Workwear FITMATTERS
Tito Warren, President of Global Industrial at Red Wing, explores the PPE gender gap and why it’s time to move beyond the ‘shrink and pink’ model.
Over the past several years, the construction and manufacturing industries have seen an encouraging trend: women are increasingly joining their workforces. In fact, between 2018 and 2023, the number of women in skilled trades grew by more than 28%.
Unfortunately, the availability of protective gear for women hasn’t kept pace. And when women can’t find PPE that fits properly, it’s not just a matter of comfort or style; it’s a workplace hazard that exposes the business to compliance risks, costly injuries, and more.
THE ‘SHRINK AND PINK’ MODEL Research shows that fewer than 20% of tradeswomen are consistently provided PPE that fits properly. Many must purchase or modify their own equipment just to feel safe on the job.
Why? Safety professionals often assume that women can simply wear smaller sizes of PPE designed for men. Without significant demand, manufacturers don’t find it cost-effective to invest in researching and developing PPE for women– perpetuating a cycle where men’s bodies are the default, and ill-fitting equipment remains the norm. The few manufacturers that do create women-specific workwear lines often follow a ‘shrink and pink’ model – making tinier versions of men’s clothing in ‘women’s’ colors, without addressing real differences in anatomy.
According to NOISH, inadequate-fitting PPE may not protect an employee at all, and, in fact, may cause more worksite hazards. For example, sleeve and torso proportions differ between men and women, meaning that a man’s shirt or vest may hang loosely or restrict movement for a woman, even if it’s a smaller size. Similarly, gloves made for men rarely fit women’s shorter fingers and narrower palms, increasing the risk of their hands catching on machinery. When it comes to footwear, women have narrower heels and higher insteps than men, leading to blisters, back pain, muscle fatigue, and more.
Compliance risks should also be considered. OSHA 1910.132 not only indicates that worksites must provide the proper PPE to keep workers safe, but they must also “select PPE that properly fits each affected employee.” Failing to comply with these regulations could result in an OSHA citation, fines and penalties, and even legal consequences.
BENEFITS OF PROPER PPE Beyond safety and compliance, there are many business benefits to investing in proper PPE.
Workers of all genders who feel more comfortable and safe in their uniforms are more likely to be productive. Proper-fitting gloves can make employees more precise in working with their hands, while comfortable boots can lead to less fatigue and fewer breaks.
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Conversely, failure to provide proper PPE can be costly. The average injury costs a worksite $44,000; while OSHA compliance penalties can cost upwards of $16,550 per violation.
Ensuring proper PPE fit can also help work sites win talent. Helping women feel safe, comfortable, and supported can improve talent attraction and retention – a major win in today’s increasingly competitive skilled labour market.
CHECKLIST FOR SAFETY MANAGERS Below is a checklist of tangible actions that safety professionals can take to improve safety for all workers. • Offer a wide range of sizes. Ensure PPE is available in a wide range of sizes. Too often, women report being offered only large or XL options, forcing them to compromise safety.
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Invest in high-quality PPE. Poorly made ‘shrink and pink’ PPE might be cheaper at the outset, but in the long run, it can cost the business. High-quality PPE specifically designed for a range of body types is worth the investment.
• Consult fit experts. Safety professionals can consider consulting experts who take the guesswork out of finding the right fit. For example, Red Wing’s Ultimate Fit Experience uses tech like 3D measurements, gait tests, and pressure scans to identify the right size and style for each individual’s foot.
SETTING A HIGHER STANDARD Proper fitting gloves, vests, boots, hats, and more are not a luxury, they’re an injury-prevention and compliance imperative. As women increasingly join the trades, forward-thinking worksites will offer a full range of sizes, invest in gear designed for women, and actively ensure every worker has equipment that fits. Leaders who set this standard don’t just protect their teams; they raise the bar for the entire industry, demonstrating that safety and inclusion are inseparable.
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