Still Unsafe: Why Women Are Left Unprotected on the Job—And What Needs to Change
As a safety professional, I’ve always had a passion for protecting workers on the job. But somewhere along the way, I developed a blind spot to the safety issues surrounding ill-fitting personal protective equipment (PPE) for women—both on the jobsite and for myself. Maybe it was the countless times I heard employers say, “Well, you’ll just have to make do with what we give you.” Or the distributors who dismissed the issue, claiming there “wasn’t enough demand.” I accepted that reality and focused on the difference I could make elsewhere on the jobsite.
That was until 2018, at the launch of the first Midwest Women in Safety Conference. In a room full of women discussing PPE, I realize: this wasn’t just an inconvenience—it was a widespread safety failure that needed a solution. That moment set me on what felt like a wild goose chase, searching for brands that truly supported women, and getting the information out to anyone who would listen. Fast forward seven years, and despite the creation of a nonprofit dedicated to closing the PPE equity gap, and a successful social media campaign #MyBodyMyPPE, I still don’t feel any closer to solving this issue.
The difference now? The products do exist. Women’s PPE is more available than ever. But access remains the barrier. Employers aren’t sourcing it. Distributors aren’t prioritizing it. And women are still being forced to modify, compromise, or risk their safety altogether.
So, in 2025, why are we still having this conversation? And more importantly—why are women still being told to make do?
Still Asking for Protection: Why the PPE Equity Gap Puts Women at Risk
In 2025, women in industries like construction, manufacturing, and mining are still fighting for something as basic as properly fitting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Despite decades of progress in workplace safety, the reality remains stark: a staggering 70% of women report not having access to female-specific PPE, according to the latest Equity in Safety report from The Safety Rack. This is not just an inconvenience—it’s a safety crisis.
Women Are Working, But Their Safety Isn’t Guaranteed
As more women enter traditionally male-populated fields, the expectation should be that their safety is prioritized just as much as their male counterparts. However, the report reveals that 94.1% of women struggle to find PPE that fits properly, often leaving them to modify gear or go without essential protection. Even more concerning, 20.3% of respondents reported injuries due to ill-fitting PPE.
Women are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for the same right to safety that men have always had—before they step onto a job site, not months later.
The Cost of Ignoring the PPE Gap
When PPE doesn’t fit, the risks go beyond discomfort. Loose-fitting gloves, oversized safety vests, and improperly fitted harnesses increase the likelihood of accidents. The lack of properly designed gear also impacts productivity—65% of women reported that ill-fitting PPE hindered their ability to perform their jobs effectively.
The report makes one thing clear: the responsibility falls on employers to fix this issue before more women get hurt. Yet, despite 94.7% of respondents believing that employers should provide women-specific PPE, only 17% are aware of any workplace initiatives addressing this gap.
The report makes one thing clear: the responsibility falls on employers to fix this issue before more women get hurt. Yet, despite 94.7% of respondents believing that employers should provide women-specific PPE, only 17% are aware of any workplace initiatives addressing this gap.
Moving from Awareness to Action
Closing the PPE equity gap requires more than just acknowledging the problem. The Equity in Safety report outlines clear steps employers must take to protect their workforce:
Provide Women-Specific PPE – Sourcing PPE tailored to women’s anthropometric measurements should be standard, not optional.
Reject “Unisex” and “Pink It and Shrink It” Gear – Unisex PPE often defaults to male sizing, and superficial changes like adding pink do not address fit and functionality.
Collaborate with Women-Focused PPE Brands – Employers must demand and source PPE from manufacturers committed to designing for all workers
Establish PPE Policies Before Day One – Safety is not something that should be adjusted for three months after a woman starts a job. Proper PPE should be available from day one.
No More Excuses
The numbers don’t lie—women are still being placed at unnecessary risk simply because they can’t access the right PPE. This is not a question of availability. Women’s PPE exists, but too many companies have failed to prioritize sourcing it.
Workplace safety should never be a gamble. Until employers commit to closing the PPE gap, women will continue to be forced to choose between working safely or working at all.
The time for change is now. Before another injury. Before another near-miss. Before another woman has to ask for protection.
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.