Podcast: Why ill-fitting PPE is a safety hazard for women in industry

Podcast: Why ill-fitting PPE is a safety hazard for women in industry

Feb. 8, 2024
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Anna Smith explores why the industry is changing from the tradition “shrink it and pink it” concept for safety gear.

The importance of supplying your workforce with proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is undeniable. But what happens when this life-saving equipment does not take into account the physical differences between male and female workers? You leave an entire demographic of workers vulnerable to health and safety risks. Luckily, the industry is starting to acknowledge the problem and is taking steps to correct the issue. In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Anna Smith, the news editor for IndustryWeek, examines the safety and workforce ramifications of ill-fitting safety gear for women.

Below is an excerpt from the podcast:

Ana Kraft was frustrated: frustrated that although she kept several pairs of safety boots under her desk, none of them fit; frustrated that she was constantly having to change her shoes at work -- problems which her male colleagues didn’t face.

About the Author

Anna Smith

Anna Smith joined IndustryWeek in 2021. She handles IW’s daily newsletters and breaking news of interest to the manufacturing industry. Anna was previously an editorial assistant at New Equipment DigestMaterial Handling & Logistics and other publications.

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