PPE still not fit for women

Women are still being overlooked when it comes to appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), according to new research by the specialists’ Prospect union.

A survey, based on responses from 1,175 members, found face masks and safety glasses are a raw nerve for many women workers. More than one in five (22%) reported ill-fitting eye protection, compared to 14% of men; and 16% of women had problems with poorly fitting respiratory equipment, compared to just 7% of men.

Images of healthcare workers with scars and blisters caused by badly fitting masks have brought home the reality that “one size fits all” is not the right approach to PPE, said Prospect senior deputy general secretary Sue Ferns. She called on employers to engage with unions to ensure workers’ needs are properly addressed.

In the survey, almost half (49%) of female respondents said their PPE trousers fit poorly, compared to around 17% of men, and around 45% said their overalls fit poorly, compared to just 15% of men.

“Properly fitting PPE is essential both for comfort and effectiveness and it is generally women who are being overlooked,” said Ferns. “This is a perennial problem, but for it to be persisting in the middle of the biggest acute health crisis in generations is appalling.”

https://prospect.org.uk/news/ppe-still-not-right-for-women-sue-ferns-blogs