Construction Safety Clothing: Inclusive Gear for Women Becomes the New Standard

Women working in construction and other labor-intensive industries can finally expect better-fitting and safer construction safety clothing, thanks to a nationwide push toward inclusive personal protective equipment (PPE). Katy Robinson, a 26-year-old senior project manager from Driffield, has led a successful campaign advocating for PPE designed specifically for women, resulting in a new British Standard that ensures protective gear fits properly—rather than being oversized, uncomfortable, or unsafe.

Why This Change Matters

For decades, PPE has been created around the “average man,” leaving nearly half of women reporting that their protective gear did not fit properly, according to research cited by the British Standards Institution (BSI). Poorly fitted clothing leads to:

• Higher risk of snagging or entanglement
• Reduced mobility and performance
• Safety hazards during technical or precision work
• Lower morale and a sense of exclusion in male-dominated fields

The new guidance requires employers across all sectors—construction, healthcare, policing, military, and factory operations—to provide PPE that fits all staff, regardless of gender, body shape, age, ethnicity, or disability.

Industry Reaction

Assistant site manager Louis Sangwin says the campaign opened his eyes to the challenges his female colleagues face. “It’s great to see Katy campaigning for this because I don’t think it’s acknowledged enough in the construction industry.”

BSI director Anne Hayes adds that inclusive PPE is “a matter of respect, dignity, and safety”—and helps retain skilled workers who might otherwise feel they don’t belong.

Robinson, who also leads the National Association of Women in Construction for Yorkshire, believes this marks a turning point for workplace safety: “Every industry that requires PPE has helped shape this guidance. Now, we look forward to seeing inclusive safety gear become the new normal.”

For women and men looking to stay safe and comfortable on the job, Yurinox Workwear offers a full range of solutions designed to meet the latest standards in construction safety clothing for female professionals. From high-visibility jackets to ergonomically designed PPE, every piece ensures a proper fit without compromising protection. Investing in gear that fits correctly not only keeps workers safe but also boosts confidence and productivity on site. Explore our website today to find protective clothing tailored for real-world construction challenges.