Issues
PPE Equity & Fit
It’s critical for all workers, including the over 8 million women who require PPE on the job, to be provided PPE that offers the appropriate protection and also fits correctly.
Get the Facts
35%
EHS leaders experiencing difficulty purchasing PPE that properly fits female workers
Source: J.J. Keller
The Issue
PPE manufacturers provide safety equipment in a wide range of sizes and adjustability to fit a vast majority of the diverse workforce. In addition, most PPE is adjustable, allowing the wearer to achieve a proper fit.
However, not every jobsite stocks a sufficient variety of PPE in the right sizes. This forces workers to choose between wearing ill-fitting PPE or none at all, which is unacceptable. In fact, nearly three-quarters of tradeswomen have been exposed to unnecessary on-the-job hazards due to PPE that doesn’t fit them. Click here for an ASSP technical report on PPE for Women, which ISEA contributed to.Â
More Info
ISEA
What We're Doing
Rather than a burden, ISEA believes a fit requirement would have a financial benefit as it would be a step toward preventing injuries and fatality that might occur should loose, over-sized garments get caught in moving parts. Click here for ISEA’s comments on OSHA’s proposed rule on PPE fit in the construction sector.Â
ISEA members will continue to work with end-users, channel partners, and regulatory agencies to ensure that all workers have equitable access to high-quality PPE that fits and provides them with the protection they deserve.Â
