Industry Priorities

AGC-Autodesk PPE for Women Initiative

 

PPE for Women in Construction Initiative
"One size smaller" doesn't cut it.

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is partnering with technology provider Autodesk to launch an initiative that addresses the need for proper-fitting personal protective equipment (PPE) for women in construction.

Proper-fitting PPE is essential for all workers, but the need for gender-specific PPE, especially for women, has been increasingly recognized. Historically, PPE has been designed with a one-size-fits-all approach, often based on the measurements of male workers. This can result in ill-fitting equipment for women, compromising both safety and comfort. Poorly fitting PPE, such as glasses, gloves, vests, helmets, and harnesses, can lead to increased risk of injury, reduced mobility, and decreased job performance. Women in construction require PPE that accounts for differences in body shape, size, and fit to ensure full protection. 

In July 2024, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) initiated the rulemaking process to require employers to provide employees with proper-fitting PPE to protect them from occupational hazards. This move would align the construction, general industry, and maritime standards related to PPE and further emphasize the need for PPE that properly fits the variety of body types represented in construction while providing the intended protection.

To help address the need for proper-fitting PPE for women, Autodesk is partnering with AGC to provide contractor members with complimentary PPE designed/sized to provide a better fit for women. Each PPE package will contain glasses, gloves, and a vest. 

AGC believes that one of the most effective ways to successfully recruit more women into high-paying construction careers is to make sure firms are able to provide safety equipment that keeps them even safer. We want to encourage our member firms to provide a wider range of safety equipment and continue to expand the diversity of our workforce.

 

    Deadline to submit request form: December 18, 2024

    Note: You will be redirected to the SmarterSelect platform that houses the request form. Please create a profile, if you do not already have one. There is no cost associated with using the platform or submitting a request form. 

    Program Contacts

    Questions regarding this initiative should be direct to:

    • Nazia Shah, Director of Safety & Health Services, (703) 837-5409, nazia.shah@agc.org
    • Kevin Cannon, Senior Director, Safety, Health & Risk Management, (703) 837-5410, kevin.cannon@agc.org

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