By Mark Smith 03/11/2025

Under: PPE and Workwear / Health and Safety News

PPE that fits: September 2025 is a turning point for inclusive safety gear

From September 2025, employers in the UK will have to take a serious look at the issue of fit when it comes to personal protective equipment (PPE). Updated guidelines make it clear that simply providing “one-size-fits-all” equipment and workwear won’t cut it anymore.

Every worker needs to receive PPE that fits them properly so that it can actually offer the protection they need. This change also aligns with the introduction of a new British Standard: BS 30417:2025, which focuses on providing inclusive PPE. This standard aims to establish a clear benchmark for what inclusive equipment should look like.

Together, these updates signal a significant change in expectations: having well-fitting, inclusive PPE is now a fundamental requirement, not just an added bonus.

Why fit matters

PPE that doesn't fit right isn't just a hassle; it is dangerous. When your boots slide around, gloves bunch up, harnesses press in awkward places, or high-visibility workwear rides up, it raises the chance of accidents happening.

The data backs this up:

• Over 80% of women in construction report PPE fit problems.
• More than 40% say an ill-fitting kit has harmed their career progression.
• 57% say poorly fitting PPE has directly hampered their work.

It's not merely a matter of comfort; it's fundamentally tied to safety, fairness, and keeping employees. When workers feel ignored, they tend to walk away. And with the current labour shortages in the construction field, that's something no one can afford.

What this means for contractors

From September 2025, contractors are required to demonstrate that personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided in the correct sizes and fits for each worker.

Additionally, procurement frameworks and tender documents must include this requirement. It's crucial that supervisors can identify when PPE doesn’t fit properly and take necessary actions to address it.

This goes beyond just checking off a requirement. Clients, accreditors, and organisations like the Considerate Constructors Scheme are already demanding women's PPE and more inclusive options.

Those who fail to adapt to these expectations risk losing bidding opportunities, facing compliance issues, and damaging their reputation.

How we’re helping customers get ahead

At Enfield Safety, we’ve been gearing up for this change for quite some time. Our range of PPE is designed based on actual body data, not mere guesses.

This means we offer dedicated workwear for women that features shorter rises, contoured waists, and hips, along with high-visibility options that allow for easy movement.

Boots come in smaller and narrower sizes, even down to UK size 3, while gloves have been adjusted for finger length and palm width to maintain dexterity.

We also provide harnesses with extra adjustment points to ensure they fit various torso shapes perfectly.

Our team are happy to help with any sizing support issues your team may have. We reject the idea of just “pink it and shrink it.” Our range prioritises functionality and performance, thoroughly tested by the very people who use them.

A simple action plan for compliance

Here’s how to prepare your business in line with the September 2025 update:

1. Assess your workforce — speak with employees to see if they are happy with the fit of their PPE. 
2. Revise your specifications — make sure to include inclusive PPE and reference BS 30417 in your tenders.
3. Conduct sizing clinics — gather precise data before placing bulk orders.
4. Optimise your stock — maintain a buffer for women’s sizes and other non-standard options.
5. Educate your supervisors — equip them with the skills to identify and address fit issues.
6. Monitor feedback — keep track of returns and complaints to spot any trends.

Q&A: Understanding BS 30417 Provision of Inclusive PPE

Q1. What is BS 30417?

BS 30417:2025 is a new standard created by the British Standards Institution (BSI). Its goal is to guide employers and suppliers in providing personal protective equipment (PPE) that is inclusive and fits well for all workers, no matter their gender, body shape, size, or cultural needs.

Q2. Why was BS 30417 developed?

Studies conducted by BSI and the Women’s Engineering Society revealed that many workers, particularly women and non-binary individuals, face challenges with PPE that doesn’t fit properly. This can hinder protection, lead to discomfort, and even push people away from remaining in their jobs. BS 30417 offers a clear roadmap for companies on how to choose, test, and procure PPE that accommodates everyone, not just the typical male body type.

Q3. Is BS 30417 legally required?

While the standard itself is not mandatory, it aligns with UK PPE Regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act. Starting from 17 September 2025, new government guidelines will establish that proper fit is essential for compliance. BS 30417 provides a recognised method to achieve this.

Q4. What does the standard cover?

BS 30417 outlines best practices for assessing the diversity of the workforce and their sizing needs, selecting PPE that suits the intended users, sourcing from inclusive suppliers, providing clear sizing and fitting information, and documenting fit tests and user feedback.

Q5. How does this affect contractors and buyers?

Procurement teams will need to specify inclusive PPE in contracts and tender documents. They should also maintain records to confirm that the PPE issued fits each user and collaborate with suppliers who can provide information on fit ranges and adjustment capacities. This can help support accreditation schemes like the Considerate Constructors Scheme and minimise audit risks.

Q6. When should companies start preparing?

The time to act is now. The guidance has been effective from 17 September 2025. By updating specifications, stock plans, and supervisor training, compliance can be achieved smoothly, while also enhancing workforce safety right away.

The message couldn’t be clearer: poorly fitting PPE is simply not an option anymore. Employers need to prioritise fit, and the industry is already shifting in that direction. Contractors who take the initiative will enhance safety, employee retention, and their overall reputation.

At Enfield Safety, we’re ready to help you get there. Contact us today for assistance with the new BS 30417 standard.