Server Error: The Disappearance of Women’s PPE Data
Server Error! Those two words flashed across my screen as I searched the OSHA website last week for information on women’s personal protective equipment (PPE). For decades, OSHA housed reports, and resources on this issue—yet suddenly, it was gone.
I sat there, staring at my computer in disbelief. I probably shouldn’t have been so shocked. Under the Trump administration, many Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have been deprioritized, and workplace equity efforts are being rolled back. But this? This wasn’t just about DEI. This was about safety—about whether women in high-risk jobs have access to gear that protects them on the job or puts them in danger.
When Data Disappears, So Does Accountability
For years, research has confirmed what women in the workforce already knew: standard PPE is designed for men, and when women are forced to wear it, they face real risks. Reports have highlighted these dangers, driving conversations, pushing manufacturers to make changes, and holding employers accountable.
Now, as federal agencies remove DEI-related resources, critical PPE data is disappearing along with them. Without that data, it becomes harder to measure progress—or to prove there’s still a problem. And without proof, it’s easier for companies to claim that properly fitting PPE isn’t a necessity. I tried to reach out to OSHA via phone and email, but to date, I have not received any response. One of the main reports missing now is the 1999 Women in the Construction Workplace: Providing Equitable Safety and Health Protection, which was a critical report for understanding the unique safety needs of women in high-risk jobs.
Yes, while OSHA has recently issued an updated final rule on its construction PPE standard, which now requires employers to ensure that PPE properly fits employees, this language has been in the general industry and maritime standards for decades with little to no enforcement or improvement in women’s access to properly fitting PPE. It’s clear that simply updating the rule isn't enough.
We need actual enforcement and a commitment to addressing the unique needs of women in the workforce. Without action, this remains just a formality with no real impact on safety. This is how progress stalls. This is how the safety of millions of women is quietly erased.
PPE Equity: A Matter of Safety
Some try to dismiss PPE equity as a DEI issue. But here’s the reality: properly fitting PPE isn’t about politics—it’s about protection. The difference between well-fitted safety gear and the “make-do” approach so many women are forced into can mean the difference between:
A safety vest that fits versus one so oversized it gets caught in machinery.
A harness designed for a woman’s body versus one that fails to protect her in a fall.
Gloves, boots, and fire-resistant clothing made for women versus ill-fitting men’s gear that reduces mobility and increases risk.
Ill-fitting PPE isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous. Studies show that oversized gloves reduce grip strength, baggy coveralls can snag on equipment, and improperly fitted respirators fail to protect against hazardous exposures. These are not minor inconveniences; they directly increase the risks faced by workers exposed to workplace hazards. The purpose of PPE is to act as a barrier between workers and these hazards. When PPE fails to fit properly, it can inadvertently heighten the risk, making it potentially more dangerous than the hazard it was designed to prevent.
The Ripple Effect of Erased Data
When PPE data disappears, so does the pressure to fix the problem. Manufacturers feel less urgency to design for women’s needs. Distributors deprioritize stocking women’s PPE. Employers claim there’s no demand and continue buying one-size-fits-men safety gear.
And women—whether they work in construction, manufacturing, emergency response, or any other high-risk industry—are left to choose between modifying ill-fitting gear or risking their safety. That is not a choice anyone should have to make.
What Needs to Happen
Preserve and Expand Data Collection – Government agencies and independent organizations must commit to maintaining and publishing data on PPE equity.
Push Back Against the Reframing of Safety as a DEI Issue – Properly fitting PPE is a fundamental safety requirement, not a political debate. We need to call out this false narrative whenever it arises.
Hold Employers Accountable – Workers must continue demanding PPE designed for all employees, and employers must enforce policies that ensure equal protection.
Support Women-Focused PPE Manufacturers – Organizations should prioritize working with companies that create PPE specifically for women.
The Fight for Safety Isn’t Over
This isn’t about special treatment—it’s about the right to safe working conditions. The removal of PPE data from OSHA’s website isn’t just a bureaucratic decision; it directly affects the safety of millions of women. If we let this issue fade into the background, more women will be forced to “make do” with PPE that wasn’t built for them.
And that is a risk none of us should be willing to take.
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.