The growing number of women entering the traditionally male-dominated mining industry necessitates improved access to gender-appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), reports workplace safety solutions provider BBF Safety Group Sisi brand manager Desiree Hlubi.
She explains that the South African mining industry is undergoing a transformation through an influx of female labour, which presents a promising opportunity for diversification and economic empowerment of the historically marginalised group.
However, inequitable access to gender- appropriate PPE continues to serve as a significant barrier to entry for women.
Companies in mining have a heightened legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety and wellbeing of women workers, which includes the provision of PPE designed specifically for the female form, asserts Hlubi.
“The current lack of such PPE is concerning and must be urgently addressed to create a truly inclusive and safe work environment for all,” she says.
Despite a surge in demand for women's safety wear in recent years, significant hurdles to widespread adoption persist in the mining industry, with one of the primary challenges being awareness.
Traditional PPE suppliers often prioritise high-volume sales of generic, male- oriented safety wear. This lack of awareness often extends to procurement officers within mining companies, who may be unaware of the existence of women's PPE options.
Costs also play a role in procurement decision-making, as gender-specific PPE can sometimes carry a higher price owing to lower production volumes.
Relatedly, Hlubi notes that opting for unisex alternatives is not the cost-effective solution procurement managers might think it is, as ill-fitting PPE leads to discomfort, reduced productivity and even potential safety hazards, noting that the wrong PPE is just as dangerous as no PPE.
Mandatory Considerations
In July 2023, a positive development emerged when the then Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (now the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources) introduced a new guideline for a Mandatory Code of Practice (COP) for PPE selection specifically for women in mining, points out Hlubi.
“This code mandates that employers consider women's specific needs, including proper sizing and footwear. Additionally, it emphasises the importance of ongoing evaluation of PPE for its appropriateness and user comfort,” she explains.
Hlubi
also asserts that extensive education is still required to inform these stakeholders on the benefits of women's PPE as well as the legal requirements for its provision.
Fit for Purpose
Raising awareness about the importance of overcoming the limitations of male-oriented safety wear remains a critical task, says Hlubi, explaining that the necessity of appropriate PPE can no longer be overlooked.
She elaborates that prioritising a perfect fit for the female form, through features such as a defined waist and hips, enhances mobility and comfort without compromising protection.
“A wider range of sizes is necessary to cater to the diverse body types of women in the workforce, ensuring a proper fit that eliminates restricted movement and hazardous gaps,” she says.
Further, it is also necessary to recognise the specific biomechanics of women’s feet. Women require footwear that is designed with a narrower heel and a smaller footprint compared to men's boots. Such design offers better stability and support, reducing fatigue and the risk of injuries.
Beyond the core protective function, women’s PPE incorporates additional design elements to enhance safety and comfort, emphasises Hlubi.
Form-fitting tailored PPE for women must be resilient enough to withstand the harsh conditions of a mining environment, with materials ideally being selected for their durability against abrasion, punctures and chemicals commonly encountered in mining operations, without sacrificing comfort.
Further, breathable fabrics, strategically placed seams and ergonomic features contribute to a more comfortable work experience for women, which results in increased prod- uctivity and alertness throughout their shifts.
“Providing women with anatomically- appropriate PPE goes beyond just safety. The provision of correctly fitting PPE is as much about making women feel safe at work as it is about making them feel like they belong in the industry,” says Hlubi.
Correctly fitting PPE contributes significantly towards fostering a sense of professionalism and belonging in the workplace, she states.
Wearing properly-fitting gear that is designed for their unique physique empowers women to perform their jobs with confidence, on a par with their male counterparts, while reducing the risk of long-term health issues, concludes Hlubi.