Historically PPE has been designed for the male physique. However, with an increase in the number of women in the mining sector, employers are being forced to re-evaluate the safety needs of their female employees. For many years, PPE for women in mining was ‘sized-down’ male PPE, but that is no longer adequate for their needs. Both PPE manufacturers and mining organisations have come realise the genuine need for proper body protection for all employees, no matter their gender.

PPE for Woman in Mining

The best PPE is comfortable, wearable and keeps workers safe from the hazards of their jobs. CHARNAUD® supplies and manufactures a wide range of safety wear and PPE for multiple industries including firefighting, oil & gas and mining.

A Poor Fit Affects Performance

Standard mining safety wear usually includes a 1-piece coverall or 2-piece conti suit and a reflective safety vest. At first glance it seems that the standard issue safety wear is sufficient, however it does not allow the end- user to exercise their preference. Most mines offer either a 1-piece coverall or a 2-piece conti suit but not both. The suitability of PPE depends on several factors including:

  • Types of hazards (in this case, airborne debris, noxious gases, threat of impact etc.)
  • The physical nature of the work being performed (office-bound or underground operations)
  • The working environment (heat, moisture, light, space etc.)

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Coverall vs. Conti Suit

Aside from these factors listed above, anatomical differences between genders must also be considered. Taking choice away from the end-user presents new problems, and more so for female mine workers. One of the most common problems with a 1-piece overall is that women are required to undo the entire suit to do something as simple as using the bathroom. Not only is that potentially uncomfortable or degrading for female mine workers, it also prolongs the process of using the bathroom and results in unnecessary downtime. The 2-piece conti suit is also not always ideal, and women often experience problem with the fit of their jackets. Unfortunately, current conti jacket designs do not accommodate for women’s chests which also causes great discomfort. As a result of this, many women are forced to wear conti jackets which are too big for them, putting them at greater risk of accident and/or injury than their male counterparts. Similarly, the size selection of conti trousers is limiting and many female mine workers have reported difficulty with getting the correct fit.

Get in Touch with CHARNAUD®

It is evident that PPE for female mine workers remains a challenge. Workers lives needn’t be negatively impacted because of inadequate PPE; however it will take collective effort to overcome the current challenges. CHARNAUD® upholds the rights of all workers to a safe working environment and envisions a future where all workers are protected from the hazards of their jobs. Contact a CHARNAUD® representative to discuss how their world-class PPE and PPC is designed to save lives in some of the world’s most dangerous industries.

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