‘Everyone should have PPE that fits’: BSI trails new inclusive PPE standard

The paper comes ahead of the BSI’s new inclusive PPE standard, BS 30417:2025 Provision of inclusive personal protective equipment (PPE), expected to be finalised in September. The white paper sets out the evidence on the scale of the problem and the need for this new standard.

Outlining the available research on PPE provision, the report tells us that in construction, more than 40 per cent of female workers said that poorly fitting PPE had impacted their career negatively. The report, by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Yorkshire Region, concluded that “women have been unable to do their job to the standard of their male counterparts based on incorrect clothing”.

The standard will provide comprehensive guidance on the selecting and maintenance of inclusive PPE. Photograph: iStock

More positively, there has been progress in other sectors to make PPE more inclusive. For example, body protection for sports, now includes input from both males and females and the Considerate Constructors Scheme has announced that it is making women’s PPE provision a mandatory requirement on all its sites.

The standard has been produced by a committee of experts from diverse industries and received feedback through a public consultation. It will provide comprehensive guidance on the selecting and maintenance of inclusive PPE.

Commenting, Helen Gawor, a consultant working in construction, said: “We are on the cusp of having British Standards Guidance that will ensure that everyone of every shape and personal requirement should have PPE that fits appropriately to keep us all equally safe.

"BS 30417 Provision of Inclusive PPE is about putting the 'personal' back into protective equipment."

PPE is the first line of protection in environments where there are risks. If it doesn't fit, you're not as safe. If it looks ridiculous or different, you look like you don't belong.”

Read the white paper here