Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the last line of defence for many workers, yet for too long it has been designed with a narrow idea of the “average user” in mind. Women, workers with different body shapes, those with disabilities, or people with cultural and religious requirements have often had to wear PPE that doesn’t fit properly. Poorly fitting PPE not only causes discomfort, it reduces protection and discourages consistent use.

To address these long-standing issues, the British Standards Institution (BSI) has released BS 30417:2025 – Provision of Inclusive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This new guidance provides practical steps for organisations to ensure that PPE works for everyone, improving safety, compliance and workplace culture.

What BS 30417:2025 covers

BS 30417 is not a technical performance specification. Instead, it provides guidance on how to embed inclusivity across the full PPE lifecycle. The standard is aimed at employers, procurement teams, safety professionals, suppliers, and manufacturers.

It covers:

• Selecting PPE that accommodates different body types, genders, and cultural needs
• Working with suppliers who can provide inclusive ranges
• Ensuring PPE fits properly and supports safe movement
• Training employees on correct use, adjustment, and inspection
• Setting up feedback loops so problems with fit or suitability are quickly addressed
• Embedding inclusivity into procurement policies and health and safety systems

Closing the gaps

For decades, much of the PPE on the market has been designed for the male body, leaving other groups under-served. BS 30417 helps close those gaps by encouraging a shift in thinking: safety equipment must protect all workers equally.

This standard also links directly to wellbeing and retention. Workers who feel properly supported are more likely to wear PPE consistently, stay safe, and remain with their employer. For businesses, inclusive PPE reduces wasted spend on equipment that is ordered but never used, while also strengthening reputation.

Benefits for organisations

Adopting the new standard can bring a wide range of benefits:

• Improved safety – better fit leads to higher compliance and more effective protection
• Higher morale – inclusive PPE shows every worker is valued and respected
• Reputation – a stronger image of fairness and responsibility
• Efficiency – reduced waste from poorly fitting or unused equipment

There may be challenges along the way, such as refreshing stock or updating supplier contracts, but these are outweighed by the long-term gains.

How to Prepare: A Practical Roadmap

1. Review your current PPE
Audit what you already provide. Identify where certain groups of workers may not be fully protected, such as women or those with specific cultural requirements.

2. Speak to your suppliers
Discuss inclusive ranges with current suppliers. If they cannot meet your needs, consider sourcing from new suppliers who specialise in adaptable or diverse PPE solutions.

3. Update your specifications
Make inclusivity part of your procurement process. Build in expectations around size ranges, adjustability, and suitability for a diverse workforce.

4. Pilot new PPE with staff
Trial inclusive PPE with employees from different backgrounds and roles. Gather feedback and use it to guide purchasing decisions.

5. Train and raise awareness
Provide training on correct adjustment and care of PPE. Encourage staff to speak up if equipment does not fit or feels unsuitable.

6. Build inclusivity into policy
Update your health and safety policies to reflect inclusive PPE provision. Include processes for reviewing stock, logging feedback, and making improvements.

7. Monitor and review regularly
Workforce needs change over time. Set up regular reviews to track usage, satisfaction, and safety performance, ensuring PPE remains effective for everyone.

Looking ahead

BS 30417:2025 represents a shift in the way organisations think about safety. It makes clear that PPE can no longer be treated as “one size fits all.” Instead, it must be inclusive, comfortable, and truly protective for every member of the workforce.

Employers who act early will gain more than compliance. They will foster safer, more inclusive workplaces where every worker feels valued, supported, and protected.

If your business is reviewing PPE provision in line with BS 30417, don’t overlook respiratory protection. Explore our RPE shop for a full range of masks, filters and accessories.