AbstractIntroductionWith more diversity in the workforce, companies are producing PPE such as hard hats, safety glasses, coveralls, foot protection, and safety harnesses for a larger range of body shapes and sizes. However, gray literature reports suggest that barriers exist to getting alternate sized PPE from the manufacturer to the workers who need it. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which alternative-sized PPE is marketed.MethodA web-based review of seven major manufacturers of PPE was conducted to determine: (a) whether or not they offer alternative-sized products, (b) if these products are clearly labeled, and (c) if images used to display PPE are representative of a diverse workforce.ResultsOf the seven PPE manufacturers investigated, six had at least one product that was marketed as gender and/or size alternatives however, alternative sizes were more common for larger body types. Alternative-sized products rarely included size charts, and the models used to display PPE were overwhelmingly white males of average size.ConclusionsDespite the growing availability of alternative-sized PPE, it can be difficult to find these products, which suggests that they are rarely promoted or labeled as alternative-sized. Our study indicates that companies should expand their product lines and more aggressively market and promote these items. Guidance on how to properly fit their products would also be extremely helpful to the end-user.Practical applicationsManufacturers could improve the availability of alternative-sized PPE and increase their promotion of these products on their websites and in their catalogs. Individual companies and safety professionals may assist in this process by demonstrating demand for alternative-sized PPE.
HighlightsDespite growing availability, alternative-sized PPE products can be hard to find in the online marketing of manufacturers.The companies that manufactured alternative-sized products rarely include size charts with their products.Marketing images of PPE contain an overrepresentation of average sized white men and an underrepresentation of other groups.
Promotion of alternative-sized personal protective equipment
Journal of Safety Research ; 63 ; 43-46
2017-08-16
4 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Promotion of alternative-sized personal protective equipment
Online Contents | 2017
|PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT - PPE News
Online Contents | 2004
Plating Shop Personnel Personal Protective Equipment
SAE Technical Papers | 1990
|Katalog Agrar | 2012
AUTOMATED SUPERVISION OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT USAGE
TIBKAT | 2020
|