The Safety Rack

"Stop making a big deal out of it," was the response a female engineer recently told me she received when she was told the only safety vest option available to her was an XL men. She is a size small, and yet, she was expected to make do with a vest that would be hanging off of her and potentially putting her at risk for injury, simply because it was all that was offered. It’s time we stop minimizing the issue and start thinking about women's safety in a serious way. No one would ever expect a man to wear a women’s small vest, so why are we expecting women to wear gear that doesn’t fit them properly? It’s not just uncomfortable; it's unsafe. A properly fitted vest ensures better comfort, mobility, and, most importantly, enhances safety. It's time to stop making women in the workplace feel like an afterthought when it comes to protective gear. Every worker, regardless of gender, deserves gear that works for them. The photo below illustrates the difference between a woman in an ill-fitting XL men's safety vest and one that fits her properly. The difference is clear. Let’s make sure the conversation shifts from “just deal with it” to “we will make sure you are safe, comfortable, and protected." #womenppe #ppeequity #workplacesafety

This week's "Voices For Change" Madalyn Mallow joins us for an in depth conversation on navigating career and PPE. Check out the full interview below. #womensppe #womenintrade #womeninsafety #ppe #ppeequity https://lnkd.in/gyC-WZBK

What's the Return on Investment (ROI) of properly fitting PPE? It might sound like a ridiculous question, but when PPE doesn’t fit, workers struggle with discomfort, restricted movement, and increased risk of accidents. By offering PPE designed for all body types, you’re not just improving safety—you’re improving efficiency, morale, and compliance. Employers who prioritize PPE fit see fewer injuries and stronger worker engagement. A win-win for safety and business. #BetterFitBetterWork #PPEForEveryone #womenintrades #womeninppe ##ppeequity

Dovetail Workwear has been addressing the PPE and workwear equity gap for years. especially when it comes to functional pants with pockets on the job. Seeing this collaboration with John Deere signals a postive step in the right direction to closing the PPE equity gap for women, especially those in the Ag industry. #ppeequity #workplacesafety #womeninag

A GREAT example of another company closing the PPE Equity Gap! #ppe #womeninppe

There is over 8 million women in the workforce who need some type of PPE protection, so when one of those women become pregnant, is your workplace PPE program maternity-ready? As an employer, your PPE program should take into account the unique needs of female employees, including those navigating pregnancy. Ensuring your PPE offerings include maternity options sends a powerful message: that you value the safety, comfort, and well-being of all your workers as they advance in their careers. Proactively considering maternity wear within your PPE program means your team is prepared, not scrambling, to support women at every stage of their professional journey. Take the opportunity to show your commitment to inclusivity, safety, and support—to learn more about the brands design to protect workers check out our PPE Directory #workplacesafety #maternity #workwear #womeninppe #ppeequity www.thesafetyrack.org

The importance of employers ensuring that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) actually fits workers cannot be overstated. In fact, a startling statistic reveals that 66% of women in the workplace have encountered situations where PPE hindered their ability to perform their jobs effectively. This highlights a critical issue—PPE is often designed with one-size-fits-all assumptions, typically based on male body types and sizes, which can lead to improper fit and discomfort for female workers. When PPE doesn’t fit properly, it can result in several issues. First, it increases the risk of injury. Second, improperly fitted PPE can lead to health problems, such as skin irritation, restricted circulation, or difficulty breathing if masks and respirators are not designed for different face shapes and sizes. Beyond safety, ill-fitting PPE can lower morale and productivity. If workers are constantly adjusting their gear or feeling uncomfortable, they are less likely to focus on their tasks. A worker’s sense of security and confidence directly impacts their ability to perform their job efficiently and without distraction. Employers have a responsibility to ensure that their employees have access to PPE that is properly designed for their unique body types and needs. By prioritizing PPE fit, employers not only ensure the safety of their workers but also promote a more inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees, regardless of gender or body type, can perform their jobs to the best of their abilities. To learn more about the risk women face with PPE, download our PPE Equity Report https://lnkd.in/gWFb2EfE #womeninppe #workplacesafety #ppethatfits #ppeequity #womenintrades

Ever wonder what it's like climbing turbines? This week feature for "Voices For Change" is TSR own Jessie Moffitt, and she share some great insights into her career journey and challenges finding the right PPE. check it out below https://lnkd.in/g8BqCT24 #womeninwind #womensppe #workplacesafety #ppe #ppeequity #elvatewomen

THIS is what closing the PPE Equity Gap looks like.

Frustrated with Limited PPE & Workwear Options? We’ve Got You Covered! Whether you're an employer or a tradesperson, finding the right workwear and PPE shouldn't be a hassle. If you’ve ever felt limited by the brands available at the store or struggled to find gear tailored to the female workforce, we have a solution! Our Safety Rack PPE and Workwear Directory features a global list of trusted brands, so you can easily explore and choose from a wide range of products to suit your needs: - Hi-Vis gear? We’ve got it! - Maternity workwear? Absolutely! - Sick of the same old boots? We have more options than your local store! - FR clothing? You’re covered! No matter what you need, we've made it easy to find the gear that keeps you safe, comfortable, and supported throughout your workday. Check out the link below to explore more options that suit your style and safety needs! https://lnkd.in/gX9A75bV #PPE #Workwear #SafetyRack #FemaleWorkforce #MaternityWorkwear #HiVis #FRClothing #WorkwearDirectory #womeninppe