Ensuring Safe Work Environments for All: A Call for Proper Fitting PPE

At AMCC’s inaugural AGM, a team of women shared why we need to better for women in the industry and enhance safety standards. In this guest blog, Carrie Quaschnick, Angela Hughes, Charlena Fong and Lina Nguyen share why current PPE is dangerous for women on job sites and discusses solutions.

In the realm of workplace safety, one issue has persisted for decades – the inadequacy of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when it comes to accommodating diverse body types. Historically, PPE has been designed primarily for Anglo-Saxon males, overlooking the unique anatomical needs of the female body and other individuals with varying body shapes. This longstanding issue has garnered renewed attention, with a recent report by the Canadian Safety Association (CSA) shedding light on the challenges faced by women in the workplace.

The PPE Dilemma

PPE serves as the last line of defense in safeguarding workers against occupational hazards. Thus, it is imperative that PPE provides a proper fit for all individuals. However, the current landscape reveals significant shortcomings:

Gender Disparities: The CSA's report unveiled stark differences between men and women concerning PPE fit. The traditional approach of "shrinking and pinking" PPE does not suffice. The female body is distinctly different than that of a male, including weight distribution and measurements. Merely resizing existing gear does not ensure proper fit.
Inconsistent Regulations: Canadian regulations regarding PPE selection and fit are inconsistent across industries. This inconsistency places the onus on workers to navigate a complex landscape, often leading to unsatisfactory PPE choices.
Functional Fit and Comfort: Besides merely fitting, PPE should also prioritize functional fit and comfort. Ill-fitting gear compromises safety and hinders productivity.
Common Problems: Many Canadian women face PPE-related issues, including poor fit, discomfort, and inadequate selection. These problems often force women to purchase their own PPE or modify existing equipment, often at their own expense.
Unsafe Workarounds: Due to the lack of suitable options, Canadian women resort to workarounds, putting themselves at risk. This issue jeopardizes not only their safety but also their overall well-being.

Exploring the Options

To address this critical issue, several options have been considered. Among them, we believe one option is the most viable solution here in Alberta: Integration into Occupational Health and Safety Code. This option proposes the addition of specific wording to the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code (OH&S). The key components of this approach are as follows:

Staged Implementation: The change could be introduced in stages, with an initial announcement that the regulation will be added to OH&S in one year's time. During this period, studies will further define "proper fitting," and an awareness campaign will educate the workforce and employers on the importance of unmodified, properly fitting PPE.
Manufacturer Readiness: Manufacturers would have time to produce the required PPE during this transition period.
Certification Audits: After the regulation is enacted, employers would be measured for compliance through their Certificate of Recognition (COR) audits.

Recommendations

This option emerged as the preferred solution due to its ability to address the issue at its core, as it emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all workers, regardless of their body type, are protected with properly fitting PPE. The "shrink and pink" strategy is not enough; studies must guide the creation of PPE that fits various body sizes and functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Isn't it already a right for employees to refuse unsafe work?

Yes, employees have the right to refuse unsafe work, but there is often a reluctance to do so due to fears of being perceived as different. An awareness campaign can break down these barriers and emphasize the importance of personalized PPE.

2. Will proper fitting PPE help reduce workplace injuries?

Data suggests that while safety measures have improved, there is still a disproportionate number of injuries among women. Poorly fitting PPE could be a contributing factor.

3. How does poorly fitting PPE lead to workplace injuries?

Ill-fitting PPE can expose workers to hazards, hinder mobility, and even create tripping hazards, all of which increase the risk of injuries.

4. Won't mandating specific PPE for women increase costs for employers?

Manufacturers indicate that prices will remain stable or decrease as demand for women-specific PPE increases. Mandating such PPE will boost demand, reduce production costs, and foster competition.

5. Is one year enough time for the industry to adjust to the new legislation?

Alberta's innovative industry can adapt to meet the new standards within the provided timeframe. Learning from headways made in other provinces will aid in this transition.

6. Are other countries including proper fitting PPE in their legislation?

Yes, several countries, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States, have legislation that emphasizes the importance of properly fitting PPE.

by Carrie Quaschnick, Angela Hughes, Charlena Fong and Lina Nguyen