Seventy percent.
That’s how many women in the latest GMB survey who said their PPE does not fit.
And that’s not all. 2 in 3 women said they were given a smaller size of men’s PPE to wear instead of proper women’s PPE.
These numbers should make us stop and think. Because they mean that most women in high‑risk roles start their day in protective equipment not designed for them.
In 2026, that should not be happening. It shows just how far the industry still must go.
The survey also revealed that:
It makes doubly sobering reading because I really thought we had made big steps in the last couple of years. But there are clearly still signs the system is not aligned with the workforce it is meant to protect.
In FR and arc flash environments, the consequences are even more serious. Poor fit can create gaps in protection. Excess fabric can snag, oversized gloves reduce control, respirators that don’t seal properly expose workers to dust, chemicals, and fumes.
When PPE doesn’t fit, risk increases. It's as simple as that.
So here is my New Year’s resolution for 2026.
We stop treating women’s PPE as a side issue and start treating it as a core part of safety alignment.
That means designing from real measurements, not assumptions. We also need to listen to the people doing the work about how things fit, not relying on legacy sizing. It also means ensuring contractors and direct employees receive the same standard of protection with the correct product options.
This is why Tower worked on developing and launching a new six-point PPE programme in 2025. It’s a methodology we’ve already used with organisations like AtkinsRéalis and Anglian Water, where we review every part of their PPE provision, including female fit options, onboarding processes, allocation rules, and the consistency of protection across mixed workforces.
Then we use the results to roll out improvements across the board, including better diversity, improved cost-in-use, more sustainable options, enhanced safety, and reduction in waste.
The GMB findings highlight a gap that has been visible for years. But what they also highlight is an opportunity to fix this issue together. It's a barrier we need remove to ensure the safety, confidence, comfort, and retention of women in technical and high risk roles.
It’s a simple resolution. But if we get it right, it will make a measurable difference to the people who rely on this equipment every day.
Bruce works at the forefront of global requirements and is a leading authority on arc flash PPE. Bruce is also highly knowledgeable about the requirements of the Energy and Utilities industry.
