BS 30417: Advancing Inclusive PPE for Women This IWD and WIC Week

As we mark International Women’s Day and Women in Construction Week this month, the publication of BS 30417: Provision of Inclusive PPE highlights an important step forward in workplace safety and equality. The voluntary British Standard provides guidance for employers, specifiers and suppliers on ensuring personal protective equipment is inclusive, accessible and suitable for everyone who relies on it.

For many years, PPE has often been designed around a limited set of body types, reflecting a traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach. In practice, this has meant some workers, particularly women and others outside that fit profile, have struggled to find equipment that fits properly or supports them comfortably in their roles.

Research has shown the scale of the issue: many women report problems with PPE, including poor fit affecting mobility, comfort and performance. In some cases, workers have felt forced to improvise or avoid using certain equipment altogether, creating potential safety risks. BS 30417 recognises that properly fitting PPE is not simply about comfort, it is fundamental to protection, dignity and effective risk management.

A Growing Focus on Inclusive Safety

The development of BS 30417 reflects years of feedback from frontline workers across sectors such as construction, transport, utilities and healthcare. Their experiences have helped shape a stronger understanding that inclusive PPE is essential for safe and productive workplaces.

Today, inclusive PPE is no longer seen as a niche requirement. Organisations increasingly expect suppliers to provide equipment that reflects the diversity of their workforce and supports different needs, roles and working environments.

This is reflected in the growing availability of purpose-designed ranges. For example, the Lyreco Intersafe catalogue includes 18 Leo Workwear high visibility products specifically designed for women, ensuring there are garments to help women stay safe, seen and visible in a wide range of working conditions. The range also includes maternity options to support pregnant workers and a modesty tunic designed for those adhering to religious requirements, helping organisations provide appropriate PPE without compromise.

What BS 30417 Means for Organisations

While the standard is voluntary, it provides a clear framework organisations can use to strengthen their PPE approach. Key themes include:

Selection and procurement
Encouraging buyers to consider fit, usability and inclusivity alongside technical performance and cost, ensuring PPE is appropriate for the people who will use it.

Training and support
Helping workers understand how PPE should fit and function, and ensuring processes exist to address fit issues or provide alternative options where required.

Dignity and accessibility
Promoting PPE choices that support diverse needs without creating unnecessary visual distinctions or barriers for wearers.

Together, these principles support safer working environments and help organisations demonstrate a genuinely people-centred approach to health and safety.

Moving from Guidance to Practice

Putting inclusive PPE into practice often starts with reviewing how garments are selected and worn day to day. A layered approach can help ensure workers remain comfortable and protected across changing conditions while maintaining correct fit throughout.

With Leo Workwear garments available through Lyreco Intersafe, women can layer up or down using conforming garments designed specifically for female fit. This might include:

• A conforming base layer worn against the skin, such as the Pollyfield Performance+ Polo Shirt
• A conforming mid or warmth layer, such as the Elberry ¼ Zip Sweatshirt
• A conforming waterproof and breathable outer layer, such as the Rosemoor Performance+ Jacket

Providing compatible layers designed to work together helps ensure protection, visibility and comfort are maintained without compromising fit or mobility.

Building Safer, Fairer Workplaces

The publication of BS 30417 is an important milestone, and the themes highlighted during International Women’s Day and Women in Construction Week reinforce why inclusive PPE matters. Ensuring every worker has equipment that fits and protects them properly is central to building safer, fairer workplaces.

By reviewing PPE provision, listening to end users and working with suppliers that offer inclusive options, organisations can help ensure every worker feels protected, respected and able to perform at their best.

Further reading: Whitepaper “Enabling the provision of inclusive PPE”, BSI: https://www.bsigroup.com/siteassets/pdf/en/insights-and-media/insights/white-papers/uk-ks-nsb-thght-nss-hsw-other-mp-bs30417nsbpromotion-0025-prelaunchwpaper.pdf 

Check on the status of the standard: https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/projects/2024-02013  

Content created in partnership with Leo Workwear.