Construction industry calls for inclusive PPE to improve safety

Construction and engineering industry leaders are calling for improved access to inclusive personal protective equipment (PPE) to address safety risks and recruitment barriers for women. The firm Hobson & Porter warned that ill-fitting gear, such as oversized waterproofs and improper safety boots, creates trip hazards and affects worker confidence on site.

To address these issues, the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) has launched two new e-learning modules titled ‘PPE: Right Fit. Real Protection’. Developed in collaboration with the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), these modules aim to educate both workers and managers on why correct fit is a critical safety requirement rather than a mere comfort preference. The training emphasizes that PPE must account for individual differences in body shape, medical needs, and other requirements to ensure all workers receive the intended level of protection.