Why Inclusive PPE Matters for Women in Transport
Here, Sara Gibbs, Standards Development Manager at BSI explains the importance of PPE that fits for women in transport and how the new Inclusive PPE standard is driving change.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for keeping people safe across the transport sector — from rail engineers and depot technicians to bus operators, highways teams and aviation staff. Yet for decades, PPE has largely been designed around male body shapes, leaving many women without protective clothing that fits properly or safely.
The BSI whitepaper Enabling the Provision of Inclusive PPE highlights the scale of this issue and the real risks it creates. With the publication of the standard, Provision of Inclusive PPE – Guide (BS 30417) in September 2025, employers finally have a dedicated, practical framework for delivering safe, well‑fitting and inclusive PPE for everyone. Crucially, BS 30417 has been made freely available to ensure accessibility for all organisations, regardless of size, budget or sector.
The consequences of ill‑fitting PPE
Evidence from the whitepaper shows that women are significantly more likely to face challenges with PPE design, comfort and sizing. Research cited in the report includes a UK survey in which 57% of women said their PPE hampered their work[1], and more recent international studies reinforce the problem. A 2022 Canadian study of almost 3,000 women found that more than 80% reported problems with their PPE, and 40% had experienced injuries or incidents linked to poor fit[2].
In transport settings — which often involve movement around vehicles, trackside work, tools, machinery and variable weather — poorly fitting PPE can become more than an inconvenience. Oversized gloves can compromise dexterity for signalling and maintenance. High‑vis jackets designed for male proportions can snag in confined spaces. Boots that do not fit properly can increase the risk of slips, trips and musculoskeletal strain.
Beyond physical risk, these issues can contribute to women feeling overlooked or undervalued. Some report that PPE challenges have influenced their decision to leave their role or sector entirely. For an industry striving to improve representation and retention, inclusive PPE is not just a safety issue — it is a culture issue.
What BS 30417 delivers
The publication of the inclusive PPE standard marks a major milestone. Developed through extensive cross‑industry collaboration, the guide sets out how organizations can ensure PPE meets the needs of all workers. It includes guidance on:
assessing diverse user needs
sizing, fit, design and trialling
procurement and supply chain practices
training, maintenance and storage
embedding inclusive culture across safety processes
By making the standard freely available, BSI has removed a major barrier for small operators, subcontractors and organizations across the transport supply chain. Every employer now has access to clear, authoritative guidance on delivering safe, inclusive PPE.
Why this matters for Women in Transport
Women in Transport continues to champion gender equity across the sector. Ensuring PPE is genuinely inclusive is fundamental to this mission. It affects women’s safety, confidence, job satisfaction and long‑term career progression. When PPE fits properly, women feel respected, protected and empowered to thrive in their roles.
A call to action
Now is the time for transport employers and leaders to act:
Download BS 30417 — the guide is free and ready to implement.
Review your PPE provision against its recommendations.
Engage women and under‑represented workers in meaningful consultation.
Work with inclusive suppliers who offer a full range of sizes and designs.
Champion cultural change, recognizing inclusive PPE as a core part of equality, safety and professionalism.
Inclusive PPE shouldn’t be exceptional — it should be the standard. With BS 30417 freely available, every organisation can take meaningful steps to make that a reality.
Download the whitepaper here
Download the standard for FREE here