Over the years, women have begun to make up a greater proportion of the workforce, and this includes sectors that have typically been male-dominated such as mining, manufacturing and construction. This increase in women workers in more physical industries shines a spotlight on the need for female-specific safety gear, especially footwear. The typical approach of providing ‘unisex’ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) does not adequately serve women, who are often probably more at risk in ill-fitting safety gear. The reason for this is that “unisex” safety footwear for example, is predominantly a male mould modified with cosmetic touches to be passed off as a female offering. When it comes to footwear, the long and short-term repercussions of a shoe that does not fit correctly may negatively impact their productivity in the short term and more importantly, it may lead to injuries in the long term.
No such thing as unisex
As diversity and inclusivity continue to be important to business, more women will be employed in industries that have typically been dominated by men. However, while hiring practices may have evolved, many organisations have not changed their strategy toward safety gear. The most common approach is to obtain one generic, supposedly ‘unisex’ range in a variety of sizes.
However, specifically with reference to footwear, this is not the most appropriate solution, and there is no such thing as a unisex shoe. Women’s feet are not only typically smaller than men’s, they are also a different shape, and tend to be much narrower. When women are made to wear shoes that do not fit correctly, this can cause discomfort.
Impacting health, wellness and productivity
In addition to causing discomfort on a daily basis, studies show that ill-fitting shoes cause foot pain and foot disorders, which can negatively impact on health in the long term. According to research, “footwear cannot fulfil its intended purpose if it does not fit the foot correctly”. This means that ill-fitting safety footwear is not, in fact, keeping women safe. Research also shows that “incorrectly fitted footwear is a major contributor to the development of structural foot disorders”, which can have long-term health implications.
Because women’s feet are generally narrower than men’s, when women are made to wear men’s shoes, their feet often oscillate from side to side. Over time, the oscillation puts strain on the ankles, which leads to strain on the knees and subsequently strain on the hips. This can in turn cause back pain. What begins as a minor discomfort may result in injury, and this in turn will negatively impact productivity.
In the case of women with narrow heels, the potential of slipping out of the boot is a daily risk, counteracting the sole purpose of wearing safety footwear. Women require safety footwear that is designed specifically for the shape of their feet to ensure they are both comfortable and secure.
Putting your best foot forward
Female-specific PPE, and particularly safety footwear, is not just about cosmetic changes or putting a ‘feminine touch’ on men’s equipment. The anatomy of a woman’s body is vastly different to a man’s, and women’s safety equipment needs to be designed with this in mind. Not only will correctly-fitted footwear and other safety gear provide a more comfortable fit, allowing women to focus on their work rather than on how uncomfortable they are, it is also essential to actually ensuring safety and compliance.
Sisi Safety Wear has interviewed many women in the industry and has put together a range of safety footwear intended to serve women in different sectors and applications. The range which consists of over 13 styles in both single and dual density soles caters for a variety of needs and wants, taking functional and ergonomic requirements into account.
Women deserve both safety and comfort in the workplace, and organisations need to cater to this requirement with footwear designed specifically to their needs. This will benefit them in turn with a healthy, comfortable female workforce that will be more productive over both the short and long-term.