Being part of an international research project a couple of years ago, that surveyed over 800 female firefighters from 14 countries was an eye-opener.
The results were startling: 58% of these women reported that their gear didn’t fit properly! And that nobody seemed to care.
This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a significant safety issue. Simply offering smaller sizes or a “women’s cut” isn’t cutting it. We’re failing our newest recruits at the very first hurdle.
The problem lies in the fundamental differences in male and female body shapes. Women have different hip angles, chest dimensions, and overall body proportions compared to men. Yet, the gear is predominantly designed with male physiques in mind. This oversight not only affects comfort but also increases the risk of injury.
Our previous study on firefighting boots showed that even gear designed for men can lead to injuries, so it’s not surprising that women, wearing gear not tailored for them, face even higher risks.The challenge is clear: we need to rethink how we design and procure safety gear across various industries. Here are five actionable insights to address this issue for a broader audience:
- Understand diverse bodies: Scientists and researchers should explore the biomechanics, anthropometrics, and physiology of all workers, regardless of gender. This research should focus on how these differences impact the likelihood of injuries across different sectors. Once this data is gathered, the next step is to share it with those who can implement changes and communicate in a way that makes sense to and is actionable by decision makers.
- Engage with end users across industries: Manufacturers and suppliers must engage with a wide range of professionals to understand their needs. It’s not enough to claim that gear is suitable; it must be backed by scientific research and real-world testing. Products should be developed with rigorous scientific principles and feedback from diverse user groups to ensure they meet necessary safety and ergonomic standards.
- Educate procurement teams: Those responsible for procuring gear in any industry need to understand the science behind it. They should ask critical questions about the gear’s effectiveness and safety claims. If a supplier says their PPE reduces heat stress, procurement teams should demand evidence of how it achieves this, regardless of the field.
- Design gear for diverse body types: Gear should be designed to accommodate the unique body shapes of all workers, not just a one-size-fits-all approach. This means more than just scaling down men’s gear. It requires a complete redesign to ensure proper fit, comfort, and mobility. Properly fitted gear can prevent injuries caused by loose or tight equipment that restricts movement or catches on debris.
- Promote long-term safety across all sectors: The ultimate goal is to ensure that all workers, regardless of gender or industry, can have long, injury-free careers. This involves not just increasing diversity in the workforce but ensuring that everyone has access to gear designed with their safety in mind. If we can’t get this right, tackling more complex industrial issues will be even more challenging.
In conclusion, industries must prioritise the development of gear that fits all body types to enhance safety and performance. By addressing these challenges, we can create a more inclusive and effective workforce. Let’s ensure that every worker has the gear they need to perform their duties safely and efficiently, without compromise.
