Why cant we provide PPE that is fit for purpose

#PPEthatfits - "I had to alter my trousers and even roll up the sleeves of PPE to operate a crane safety, which in turn restricted my overall movement!"

Peter Haddock talked to Katie Kelleher of the Construction Plant Hire Association at the recent launch of a new campaign led by Sandi Rhys Jones of the CIOB with Construction Management Magazine and CIOB People, to address the issue of PPE that, in some cases, can make the job more dangerous!

Katie: "I am one of those people that has really struggled to find the right PPE. And one of many that have had the experience of being given PPE to wear that actually restricted me from doing my job as a crane operator.  

"It's not just women onsite that struggle as I have met many other people of different shapes and sizes that, like me, have arrived onsite to be given branded PPE that simply doesn't fit. And it's not just plant operators that struggle as trades onsite have similar issues, some of which are dangerous.

"For example, regarding safety harnesses, you must ensure women's harnesses are available onsite because parts of our bodies, like our hips, are different. This is really important as the potential consequences of not being properly protected by a harness can impact people's lives, and that's what's scary."