One of the challenges facing women in the construction industry is finding personal protective equipment (PPE) that fits properly. This is a serious issue because PPE that does not fit properly will not adequately protect against occupational hazards and may increase the risk for illnesses, injuries and death. For example, oversized protective clothing can lead to tripping hazards or get caught in machinery and result in a serious injury. Although OSHA Construction Standards for PPE do not require employers to ensure that the PPE provided fits each employee, doing so will ensure their employees, including female employees, are protected.

CPWR has compiled a list of examples of commercially available PPE to help employers and women in the trades find PPE that accommodates female anthropometry. To view the list, click here.