J. J. Keller Responds to Need for Personal Protective Equipment in Women’s Sizes

New Offerings Help Increase Efficiency and Comfort While Promoting Safe, Respectful Workplaces

Despite growing numbers of women in transportation, construction and manufacturing, finding personal protective equipment (PPE) that fits women well remains difficult.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, women comprised 11% of construction workers, 7.9% of truck drivers, and 29% of manufacturing employees, and their numbers in these fields continue to increase.

Because women can be shaped differently from head to toe with vastly different body measurements, unisex or men’s PPE often does not fit them properly. This can lead to a variety of safety hazards, including:

  • excess material getting caught in machinery;
  • gaps in coverage, leading to reduced protection; and
  • loss of dexterity, which can cause incidents.

Efficiency is also lost when PPE is ill-fitting as well, as workers struggle to complete tasks or complete them much more slowly.

“PPE is the last line of defense between workers and the hazards they face on the job,” said Robin Marth, EHS editor at J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. “Of the many considerations surrounding PPE, proper fit is one of the most important. In fact, OSHA states that PPE used by women should be based on female body measurement data.”

Recognizing the need for additional PPE sizes that may be more suited to women and wanting to help companies promote safe and respectful workplaces, J. J. Keller™ SAFEGEAR™ PPE introduces its women’s sizing line.

Among the new women’s sizing items are:

  • High-visibility safety vests and t-shirts in lime or orange
  • High-visibility lime sweatshirts and jackets
  • Grip, insulated and cut-resistant gloves

“Customers told us that finding proper-fitting PPE for women was a real challenge,” said Joel Clark, portfolio director at J. J. Keller. “We decided to develop PPE in women’s sizes so that all workers can feel comfortable and protected.”

For more information, visit JJKeller.com/SAFEGEARWomen or call 800-327-6868. Products will be available for shipment in September 2022.

Share on Socials!

Related Articles

Related Articles

AIHA Members Appointed to OSHA Advisory Committee

The committee’s 12 members represent the public, management, labor, and the occupational health and safety professions. AIHA members Andrew Perkins and Michael Larrañaga have been appointed ...
Read More

Kimberly-Clark introduces ambitious sustainability strategy for a decisive decade

Kimberly-Clark announced its new 2030 sustainability strategy and goals, aimed at addressing the social and environmental challenges of the next decade with commitments to improve the ...
Read More

Flower World hit with $4,200 fine for banning face masks

A Washington State plant nursery whose owner forbade employees from wearing masks has been fined $4,200 for failing to ensure a safe workplace and potentially exposing ...
Read More