As the make-up of the global workforce evolves, many sectors are still relying on personal protective equipment (PPE) designed decades ago for the “average man”. This outdated approach excludes a large portion of workers, including women, ethnic minorities, those with different body shapes or people with disabilities, leading to ill-fitting, uncomfortable and potentially unsafe equipment.
Anne Hayes is director of sectors and standards development at BSI
Workers who feel unprotected or overlooked may be more likely to disengage or leave their roles altogether, contributing to turnover and skills shortages in industries already under strain, such as construction, healthcare, policing and manufacturing.
A persistent safety gap
Data consistently underscores the scale of the problem. A 2022 report by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) found that 80% of women experienced issues with PPE fit and 40% reported injuries or incidents linked to ill-fitting gear. Half said their PPE did not fit properly, while 28% avoided wearing it altogether because of discomfort.
Similarly, research commissioned by BSI shows that 36% of women in the UK and 45% globally have been supplied inappropriate PPE. These statistics are from BSI’s whitepaper, Enabling the provision of inclusive PPE. This report explores the need for inclusive PPE, its role in building a more equitable and safer workplace and the work that’s already being done.
A Trades Union Congress (TUC) survey revealed that 57% of women said ill-fitting PPE hindered their work. These statistics reveal a systemic design flaw that can jeopardize both safety and inclusion across industries and continents.
The real-world impact
Poorly fitting PPE isn’t just uncomfortable, it can directly compromise safety. Loose gloves, oversized helmets or ill-fitting boots can reduce dexterity, visibility and protection. Beyond physical risk, there’s a psychological toll. Workers using gear not designed for them may feel undervalued or excluded, eroding morale and job satisfaction. This can drive skilled individuals out of critical sectors, worsening existing labour shortages.
In some cases, workers have been forced to improvise. In fact, a BBC report from Scotland revealed that police officers purchased their own uniforms to find appropriate fits. Such scenarios not only highlight systemic shortcomings but also breach employers’ legal obligations to provide suitable PPE for all employees.
The link between inclusion and retention
Inclusive PPE is not just a safety imperative; it’s a matter of workplace equity and talent retention.
Construction faces similar challenges. A 2023 survey by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) found that over 40% of women said poor PPE fit had negatively impacted their careers. Cultural, legal and economic biases in PPE provision continue to restrict opportunity and reinforce inequality.
Introducing BS 30417: a new standard for inclusive PPE
To address this long-standing issue, BSI has launched BS 30417 – Provision of Inclusive Personal Protective Equipment, a free British Standard offering clear, practical guidance for employers and manufacturers. It helps organisations design, source and provide PPE that fits all employees, regardless of gender, ethnicity, body shape, age or disability.
The standard encourages inclusive procurement, wider size ranges, adjustable design features and ergonomically tested fits. It also supports compliance with health and safety requirements while fostering workplace cultures grounded in respect, safety and dignity.
Developed through extensive collaboration with industry experts, manufacturers, worker representatives and policymakers, BS 30417 reflects diverse real-world experiences.
Putting inclusion into practice
Inclusive PPE isn’t simply about offering smaller or larger sizes. It means rethinking the entire design and supply chain, incorporating anthropometric data to reflect diverse body shapes and ensuring testing involves representative user groups. It also includes designing accessible PPE for individuals with disabilities, including those using prosthetics or mobility aids.
Employers play a central role. By reviewing procurement policies, engaging diverse suppliers, and providing training on proper PPE fit, they can prevent exclusion and improve compliance and morale.
Driving change through collaboration
Despite clear evidence of need, barriers remain. Complex procurement chains, limited supplier diversity and perceptions that inclusive PPE is a “nice-to-have” rather than a necessity all slow progress. To overcome these, BSI is promoting a coordinated approach involving policymakers, manufacturers and employers. A new European committee, led by BSI, is also prioritising inclusion across all PPE standards.
To support adoption, BSI will host a series of free webinars throughout 2026, helping organisations apply BS 30417 and share best practice across industries.
A new era for workplace safety and inclusion
BS 30417 represents a pivotal step toward fairer, safer and more inclusive workplaces. It challenges outdated norms and provides organisations with the tools to act, improving safety outcomes, supporting talent retention and reinforcing equity.
Inclusive PPE is more than protective clothing; it’s a reflection of how organisations value their people. Employers who embrace BS 30417 will be well positioned to not only protect their teams but also lead the way in shaping a safer, more equitable world of work.
- Anne Hayes is director of sectors and standards development at BSIbsi
To learn more or download BS 30417 free of charge, visit the BSI website.
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