Personal protective equipment: getting the right fit for women

(7 January 2016) In the workplace personal protective equipment can save lives. Yet in many occupations, in spite of the increasing numbers of women employed, this equipment continues to be designed by men for men. A number of recent initiatives seek to design protective gear catering for the different shape of the female body.
There is a scarcity of personal protective equipment (PPE) specifically designed for female workers. Reported experiences of wearing PPE
confirm that by limiting effective protection, it forms a barrier to employment opportunities. Research data show that designing
PPE for women requires different parameters and a commitment on the part of manufacturers and suppliers to developing this
equipment which, if and when it is actually available, makes such a big difference in the working lives of the women concerned.
See full report:

More like this

Jun. 03, 2020

Union pressure leads to action on protective equipment and testing

Denmark

The FOA trade union reports success in getting the government to set up a new committee to deal with personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing for COVID-19 infections. The new body will not only ensure that enough PPE and testing are available in response to any resurgence in the pandemic but also in preparation for any future crises. The union also underlined the need to take measures to ensure that health and social care are in general strengthened and not subject to the kinds of efficiency measures that have been common in recent years. FOA underlines the need for support for the

 S
Oct. 05, 2020

Health and care unions demand implementation of protective equipment rules

Netherlands

FNV, NU'91 and other health and social care unions say that they are appalled that the government has failed to implement a directive on personal protective equipment (PPE) that was put to parliament four months ago. The new regulations would make clear that health and social care workers can determine their PPE needs. Currently, different regulations apply that the unions say were drafted in the light of PPE shortages rather than with the health and safety of workers in mind. They point out that this is causing problems particularly in facilities for the elderly and disabled where some

 S