The majority of safety gear and personal protective equipment (PPE) are made with keeping men in mind, and the industrial landscape has long been seen as a male-dominated environment. Recently Ministry of Labour and Employment data, however, has revealed a major shift in this paradigm. Interestingly, 49% of construction employees are women, showing a significant presence of women in the field. Given the rise in female participation, it is critical to address the issue of women's safety and security in the workplace. This blog discusses the urgent need to reconsider PPE for women in order to promote diversity and improve workplace safety.
Recognizing the Presence of Women in the Construction Industry
Contrary to popular assumption, women are an important part of the construction sector. According to data from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, women make up about half of the workers in the construction industry. This figure highlights the necessity to give women's safety and security in the workplace top priority. To achieve gender equality and inclusivity, it is essential to acknowledge their significant contribution to these industries.
Companies can increase morale, productivity, and retention rates by creating a workplace that values the needs of female employees. However, this can only be done by rethinking the present strategy for PPE design and taking into account the unique needs of women in dangerous workplaces.
Understanding PPE and Its Uses
Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, is a collection of specialized tools designed to protect workers from workplace dangers. They majorly include pieces of equipment like helmets, gloves, goggles, respirators, and protective clothing. Reduced risk of injury or illness from workplace exposure to physical, chemical, or biological dangers is the primary objective of personal protective equipment (PPE).
PPE is necessary to ensure workplace safety, but its efficacy is highly influenced by how well it fits and feels. There are situations in which the current design of PPE does not adequately address the needs of women, necessitating a change in the equipment.
The Need to Redesign PPE for Women
A thorough redesign of PPE for women must be undertaken in order to effectively address limitations in workplace safety. Here are some important factors to consider:
● Updated Anthropometric Data:
The latest anthropometric data, notably those from female workers, should serve as the basis for the redesign process. This information should include specific to women's body types, dimensions, and functional skills. In a contemporary and diversified workforce, relying on dated studies based on male data would no longer be sufficient.
● Customized Sizing Options:
PPE should be redesigned keeping a wide range of sizing alternatives. Variations in height, weight, chest circumference, hip measures, and other pertinent measurements are included in this. Customized sizing would guarantee that female workers can locate safety equipment that fits them securely and comfortably, lowering the possibility of accidents brought on by improperly fitted equipment.
● Ergonomic Design:
The redesign should place a high priority on ergonomic design concepts that take into account women's unique bodily movements and functional capabilities. PPE that allows for a greater range of motion and is simple to use would improve overall work performance and promote adherence to safety procedures.
● Comfort and Breathability:
For employees who spend long hours in demanding conditions, safety equipment that is comfortable and breathable is crucial. Materials that encourage ventilation, moisture wicking, and general comfort should be given special consideration. PPE-related discomfort or irritability might cause workers to get distracted and lose concentration on the task at hand.
● Weight Distribution:
PPE can significantly increase a worker's body weight in various industrial environments. For women, it's crucial to distribute this weight intelligently and evenly to avoid stress or exhaustion. Redesigned PPE should take into account creative weight-distribution strategies to decrease the stress on particular body areas.
● Accessibility and Availability:
It is crucial to include female workers in testing and providing input on the newly created PPE throughout the redesign process. Their knowledge and expertise will be crucial for optimizing the safety equipment and resolving any potential problems.
● Inclusive Testing and Feedback:
Female employees must be included in testing and offering feedback on the newly created PPE at all stages of the redesign process. Their advice and expertise will be crucial for perfecting the safety equipment and resolving any problems that may develop.
● Training and Education:
Good training and education are equally crucial to good PPE; redesigning PPE alone does not suffice. Employers should hold thorough training sessions that emphasize the significance of utilizing the appropriate PPE and instruct women employees on how to correctly don and maintain their safety equipment.
Conclusion
The urgency to redesign PPE for women in industrial settings cannot be overstated. As the workforce becomes increasingly diverse, it is incumbent upon employers, policymakers, and PPE manufacturers to prioritize inclusivity and safety for all workers. By utilizing updated anthropometric data, offering customized sizing options, focusing on ergonomic design, ensuring comfort and breathability, and making safety gear readily available, we can bridge the gender gap in industrial safety. Redesigning PPE for women is not just a matter of fairness; it is an essential step toward creating safer and more efficient workplaces for everyone. Let us embrace this change and pave the way for a more inclusive and secure future.
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Reference:
1. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/49-of-construction-workers-women-study/articleshow/98377903.cms?from=mdr#:~:text=Although%20perceived%20as%20a%20male,camaraderie%20working%20alongside%20other%20women.
2. https://safetyculture.com/topics/ppe-safety/
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/ergonomic-design#:~:text=Ergonomics%20involves%20designing%20the%20workplace,well%20as%20worker%20well%2Dbeing.
4. https://thewire.in/women/women-labour-force-india-growth#:~:text=29.4%25%20of%20women%20(aged%2015,80.7%25%20in%202021%2D22.&text=These%20numbers%20reflect%20the%20labour,current%20weekly%20status%20(CWS).
Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2023