Ryan FowlerTens of thousands of women across the UK feel unsafe, embarrassed and scared at work because they are forced to wear personal protective equipment designed for men’s bodies, according to new research from GMB.
A survey of hundreds of GMB members found that more than 70% of women are suffering from ill-fitting PPE. Of those surveyed, 24% said they felt unsafe at work, 18% said they could not carry out their job properly, and 58% said they were uncomfortable. Around 22% said they felt embarrassed while 4% said they felt scared.
One woman custody officer told the union that poorly designed trousers had led to unwanted attention from prisoners. She said her “low rise pants that don’t work for a lot of women’s body shapes” resulted in “prisoners making sexual comments about being able to see my underwear”.
Another woman working in textiles described the safety risks created by unsuitable equipment. She said: “The problem is not just discomfort; it is a safety violation that increases risk. Oversized gloves create an entanglement hazard with machinery, and respirators that don’t seal properly expose me to hazardous wood dust and chemicals, threatening my long-term health.”
GMB is now urging Ministers to update health and safety legislation to ensure all workers are issued PPE that fits properly. The union is also encouraging employers to adopt a new British Standard on inclusive protective equipment developed by British Standards Institution.
Vanessa Roberts said: “For years PPE for women has been men’s clothing, shrunk and dyed pink, they call it ‘shrink and pink’, which is frankly ridiculous.
“We need PPE that is truly inclusive, no matter your size, shape, gender, disability.
“With GMB’s campaign and the new British Standard, hopefully we can have PPE that keeps us safe and make people feel like they matter in their workplace.”
Martina Vrajitoru added: “I’ve seen first hand how poorly fitting PPE can affect safety, confidence and even how valued people feel at work.
“Inclusive protective gear isn’t just about equipment — it’s about recognising every worker’s worth.
“I hope the new BSI guidelines will finally bring the change so many of us have been waiting for.”
