Do the women on your team have what they need?
When it comes to comfort and safety, one size doesn't fit all for workwear and PPE, especially for the women on your team.
Women make up roughly 30% of the U.S. workforce in manufacturing and 12% in construction, but even with the numbers of women in these fields increasing, many still struggle to access properly fitting gear.
In a 2022 survey, 88% of tradeswomen reported difficulties in getting PPE that fit, and 77% shared that they had been exposed to a hazard as a result.
Downsizing, rolling or cuffing men's workwear not only makes it harder for women to feel good on the job, but it also puts their physical and mental safety at risk.
Are the women on your team comfortable?
Imagine trying to work in a high-hazard environment in gloves that are too large, oversized boots or loose-fitting clothing that could easily get caught in machinery.
Ill-fitting workwear and PPE cause physical discomfort, and can restrict movement and dexterity – making it difficult to complete tasks comfortably or focus without worrying about tripping or losing grip.
Are they safe?
Having workwear and PPE that doesn’t fit can be almost as bad as not wearing it at all.
Improperly fitting gear can result in serious health and safety exposure, including:
- Exposure to airborne and chemical contaminants
- Increased risks of falls and burns
- Entanglement in machinery
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updated its PPE rule to require that PPE must properly fit each employee, including women and smaller body types in the construction industry.
Not having properly fitting workwear and PPE puts women in danger and your compliance at risk too.
Are they feeling valued?
It’s time to move on from “shrink it and pink it.”
Safe, compliant women’s workwear is not only a necessity, but it can also be a symbol of belonging. When garments and PPE provided for women are ill-fitting or are just downsized men’s clothing, it can send a message to the women on your team that you did not care to get gear that fits or that they are not being taken seriously.
This psychological impact can affect productivity and morale and lead to turnover.
Many women even pay for properly fitting workwear out of their own pocket, which can be costly. In addition, ordering from unapproved vendors may mean their gear does not meet compliance standards.
What can you do to help?
To get started, review your current inventory of women’s workwear and PPE and talk to your employees to gather more insights into their needs.
Partner with a managed apparel and PPE provider like Cintas, whose Apparel+ program offers workwear designed specifically for women and men in a consistent look, with no extra cost or complexity. And with Apparel+, the laundry, repair and delivery of your workwear is taken care of, so your team will always have clean, properly fitting apparel — meaning everyone on your team can perform at their best.
Getting women’s workwear designed specifically for them lets women know they belong and are welcomed and valued on the job site.
Outfit the women on your team for comfort and safety. Discover our collection of women’s workwear.
