Some of you may remember my earlier post about women in male-dominated roles and the ongoing issue of ill-fitting PPE — a real safety and equality concern for many across industries.
I’m really pleased to share that the Provision of Inclusive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guide – BS 30417 has now been published.
This new British Standard provides practical, evidence-based guidance for employers across all sectors, aiming to tackle the longstanding issue of PPE traditionally designed around the male physique.
BSI research found that 46% of British women have been supplied with ill-fitting or inappropriate PPE — something that can compromise both safety and comfort at work. The guidance also supports inclusion for people with disabilities, religious dress considerations, and diverse body types.
The introduction of BS 30417 is a significant step towards ensuring PPE is inclusive, effective, and suitable for everyone, helping reduce workplace risks and improve compliance. The standard enables employers to evaluate suppliers and develop inclusive procurement specifications.
A big step forward for health, safety, and inclusion in the workplace!
Women in Male-Dominated Roles.
Company Responsibility, Diversity, and Inclusion
When discussing company responsibility and sustainability, it is essential to consider not only environmental concerns, which have received increasing attention, but also the ethical and moral obligations of an organisation.
Diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, socio-economic backgrounds etc. brings the benefit of a wide range of perspectives, thoughts and ideas which can be representative of the organisation’s customer base. In the most successful organisations these differences are recognised and celebrated through the development of fair policies and practices, resulting in employees feeling valued, respected and empowered.
Diversity in My Work Context
In my consulting role, I observe how diversity and inclusion play out in client organisations. Key examples include gender, foreign workers, younger and older workers, expectant and new mothers, and disabled employees.
The construction industry has seen a rise in foreign or immigrant workers with limited English, creating challenges in ensuring safety information is properly communicated. Tools such as bilingual staff and visual aids help, but cannot guarantee understanding.
Age differences can also create difficulties. Older employees may become frustrated with younger workers who appear reckless, while younger employees may resist traditional practices. Encouraging mentoring and providing thorough training helps bridge this gap and promotes teamwork, which is crucial in high-risk environments.
Download our article here to find out more about Women in Male Dominated Roles
