Burn The Pink: Rethinking How Pink PPE Hinders Women at Work
Recently, I posted a discussion on LinkedIn about a photo circulating online—a construction worker wearing pink PPE because he had forgotten his standard gear. The photo was making the rounds with comments ranging from humor to outrage, sparking lively conversations about responsibility and workplace culture. On the surface, it may have seemed like a harmless or even amusing moment, but as I reflected further on the issue, I realized how deeply it connects to broader challenges surrounding gender, inclusion, and respect in male-populated industries like construction.
Since starting The Safety Rack, my mission has been to shine a light on the PPE equity gap, a large part of my effort has been on bring awareness through education and advocacy on why proper fit matter in the workplace and also to create more dialogue around damaging stereotypes that continue to hold women back. This viral photo—and the discussions it triggered—served as a sharp reminder of why I started this journey. It’s not just about ill-fitting PPE; it’s about dismantling the systems and norms that make women feel like they don’t belong in spaces they’ve worked hard to enter.
The Problem with Pink as a Punishment
The practice of assigning pink PPE to workers who forget their standard gear is often seen as a way to "shame" them into being more responsible. Sometimes, it’s used to label rookies or those who’ve made a noticeable mistake. On the surface, it’s a lighthearted jab. But when you dig deeper, this practice carries implicit messages that perpetuate harmful stereotypes, particularly in workplaces already grappling with gender inequity.
For women, pink PPE has long been more than just a color— it’s a symbol of separation. In construction, manufacturing, and other male-populated fields, pink safety gear often feels like a forced distinction, an unnecessary reminder that women are different. It’s a distinction we didn’t ask for, and one that makes it harder to blend into a workforce where being taken seriously often depends on not standing out for the wrong reasons.
The act of singling out someone with pink gear as a "punishment" further stigmatizes the color itself. It reinforces the idea that pink—and by extension, the women who are often required to wear it—is undesirable, less serious, or even laughable. This cultural messaging doesn’t just hurt women; it hurts the goal of creating truly inclusive workplaces.
Gendered Gear and Its Implications
Working in a physically demanding industry as a woman already means battling stereotypes about capability and competence. Add to that the overt feminization of PPE, and it’s easy to feel like you’re being set up to fail before you even step onto the job site. Instead of blending in as equal participants, women are made to stand out—sometimes literally, in bright pink gear—whether they want to or not.
This distinction sends a clear message: women are outsiders. It’s a subtle but powerful way of saying we don’t belong. And when the representation of women is already low, these visual markers of difference only widen the gap, making it harder to earn respect or feel like part of the team.
The Need for Properly Designed PPE
The issue of pink PPE goes beyond color. At its core, it highlights the lack of thoughtful design for women’s safety gear. Too often, the solution for female workers is to shrink down male-sized equipment or slap a coat of pink paint on it, better known as “shrink it and pink it”. This doesn’t just undermine confidence; it creates real safety concerns. Ill-fitting PPE can hinder mobility, increase the risk of injury, and distract from the job at hand.
What women want—and deserve—is safety gear that fits their bodies properly and supports their work, without emphasizing their gender. The goal of PPE should be to protect everyone equally, not to mark women as exceptions.
Reinforcing Belonging and Respect
Safety culture isn’t just about physical protection; it’s also about psychological safety and a sense of belonging. When workplaces single out workers with pink gear or other visual cues, they risk creating environments where some workers feel "less than." This extends beyond harmless jokes or traditions—it becomes a systemic issue that erodes the dignity and confidence of those who are marginalized.
Inclusion means more than adding women to the workforce—it means rethinking the systems, policies, and traditions that make anyone feel like they don’t belong. A truly inclusive job site doesn’t rely on outdated practices or gendered visuals. Instead, it values every worker for their skills, contributions, and commitment to safety.
Moving Toward Real Inclusion
The circulation of that viral photo, and the debates it sparked, reminded me why The Safety Rack exists. It’s not just about closing the PPE equity gap—it’s about challenging the norms and practices that have long excluded women and minorities from full participation in their industries.
A truly inclusive workforce prioritizes well-fitting, functional PPE for everyone, regardless of gender. It eliminates practices that single out workers based on appearance and instead focuses on ensuring safety, equality, and respect for all.
It’s time to rethink the use of pink on job sites—not as a punishment, not as a distinction, but as a symbol of the stereotypes we’re ready to leave behind. Let the pink go up in flames, and in its place, let’s build a culture where safety gear protects every worker equally, and everyone is recognized for their work, not their gender.
About The Author: Amy Roosa is the founder of The Safety Rack, a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the personal protective equipment (PPE) equity gap for women through education, research, and advocacy. With over 20 years of experience as a safety professional across industries such as construction and general industry, Amy has become a recognized leader in advancing safety standards and fostering inclusivity.
In addition to her work with The Safety Rack, Amy co-founded the Midwest Women in Safety Conference, providing women in the safety profession with valuable educational and networking opportunities. She is a sought-after speaker, sharing her expertise on topics ranging from training strategies to leadership. Amy’s unwavering dedication to women’s safety and equity continues to inspire meaningful change in workplaces across the country.