Marvin OnumonuBagnalls has launched the UK’s first bib and brace designed specifically for female decorators to improve workplace safety.
The painting and decorating contractor worked with supply chain partner Stronghold to design new inclusive workwear, including a female-fit bib and brace, after finding that existing personal protective equipment (PPE) did not meet the needs of women in the industry.
Becky Slater, head of safety, health, environment and quality at Bagnalls, said: “There’s not a huge choice for women when it comes to PPE and workwear in the painting and decorating industry – and the choices we do have are usually limited to a shade of pink!
“Almost all of the workwear used in our industry is intended for the male body and is therefore very oversized on a lot of women, especially those of us who are of a smaller build.
“I found a lot of the workwear uncomfortable to wear when on site and would often wear two pairs of thick socks to ensure that the work-issue boots fit my feet properly.”
Slater added: “Speaking to other female colleagues – and male colleagues who are of a smaller build – we realised we were all experiencing the same issues.
“That’s when I decided to do something about the situation and develop our own, Bagnalls-branded workwear, with options tailored to both the male and female body.
“This ensures that everyone feels comfortable, safe and equal at work.
“Each piece of clothing has been designed by us using the invaluable feedback provided by our people.”
Bagnalls made sustainability a priority in the new workwear range, using recycled bottles in some garments and collecting used clothing at branches for recycling.
Slater added: “Some of the workwear is even made from recycled bottles.
“Once the clothes are finished with, they are collected locally at our individual branches, so that they can be recycled into either car door insulation or industrial rags.
“Bagnalls is committed to doing what we can to make our business more environmentally friendly, doing our bit to help protect our planet.”
The new workwear is available to all employees at Bagnalls, including apprentices, painters, decorators and managers.
The clothing is designed to be stretchy and breathable, covering t-shirts, trousers, footwear, high-visibility items and the bib and brace.
She said: “No one else offers a female-fit bib and brace. It’s fantastic that Bagnalls can be the first company to offer this style of workwear, specifically made to fit the female body.
“However, it is also troubling that our industry hasn’t already identified and solved this problem.
“We want to correct this imbalance and make sure that the female members of our Bagnalls family feel empowered, safe and comfortable at work.”
She added: “We want women to feel excited about beginning a career in such a rewarding and varied industry.
“That’s why it’s so important to solve these issues, making the space one that welcomes, empowers and values women and their contributions.”
