Updated PPE guidance goes live

The British Standards Institution (BSI) has launched BS 30417: Provision of Inclusive Personal Protective Equipment – Guide, a pivotal new standard urging employers across all sectors, particularly construction, to provide properly fitting PPE for a diverse workforce. Published on 6 September, this guide addresses a critical, longstanding issue where ill-fitting equipment has been directly linked to significant safety risks, diminished worker performance, and increased staff turnover, exacerbating labour shortages. A recent study highlighting that nearly half of British women reported ill-fitting PPE underscores the scale of the problem. For senior construction leaders, BS 30417 represents more than mere compliance; it's a strategic imperative. The standard provides evidence-based recommendations for selecting, purchasing, training, and maintaining PPE to ensure inclusivity across gender, ethnicity, body shape, age, and disability. Adherence is positioned to not only mitigate legal and safety liabilities but also critically enhance staff recruitment and retention, foster long-term health, and boost overall productivity. The BSI’s director of sectors and standards development, Anne Hayes, emphasised that inclusive PPE is fundamental to respect, dignity, and safety, aligning operational excellence with corporate responsibility. This initiative follows growing pressure for equitable workwear, aiming to resolve practical issues like sourcing modest PPE or suitable hard hats for diverse hair types. Read More