Personal protective equipment has traditionally been designed and manufactured to fit most men.
In the past, when women and smaller men were given PPE that did not fit properly, they either put up with the size differences or “rigged” the PPE to make it more usable.
In 1999, OSHA published a report titled, “Women in the Construction Workplace: Providing Equitable Safety and Health Protection.” Concerning personal protective clothing and equipment, the biggest complaints made by women were ill-fitting clothing and lack of knowledge that PPE designed for women was available. Since that report, manufacturers have designed and produced more PPE specifically for women and smaller workers. Work groups and safety organizations have made efforts to ensure companies know that PPE for women is available and obtainable.
A recent article in Safety + Health online continues the conversation concerning PPE for women and smaller workers. Read to find out what representatives from today’s manufacturers, suppliers, and technical service providers (including Arcwear) have to say.
NOTE: In the past, a number of e-Hazard class attendees have asked where they can purchase AR bras. If you have ever wondered that yourself, check out ArcStore at arcstore.com. Available on the website is a sports bra that meets ASTM F1506 and NFPA 70E standards with an arc rating of 4.4 cal/cm2.
