Every product was specifically curated by a CNR editor. We may earn a commission from these links.
Women face unique challenges on the jobsite. One of these is finding OSHA- and ANSI-approved PPE to give women – and men of slighter builds – choices to work safely and comfortably on long shifts.
No longer do female project managers, superintendents and trades workers have to settle for men’s PPE. Those days are gone, thanks to many affordable, comfortable, customizable options that promise protection and comfort.
Check out our recommended women’s safety vests and protective glasses that make it much more tolerable for women on the jobsite. These vests’ snug, easy fit ensures that women are able to concentrate fully on the amazing projects they’re building without a second thought to their protective wearable.
Women’s Hi-Vis Type R Class 3 Vest
This SAFEGEAR® zippered-closure compliant safety vest keeps women visible safe. Available in sizes S to 5XL, the vest is customizable with your employee’s name. Its two-tone look provides greater visibility. Made of a polyester shell with breathable mesh, this vest features two-inch-side silver reflective tape that goes over the shoulders and around the torse on the front and back.
Women who opt for this Class 2 Level 2 compliant vest will appreciate its internal drawstrings for adjustable waist, two large external lower pockets with flaps plus two external chest-flapped phone pockets with a pen pocket.
Manufactured by J. J. Keller, it’s a popular choice for female heavy highway and vertical construction workers.
Women’s Hi-Vis Type R Class 3 Vest
For women working in road construction and in other potentially low-light conditions, fluorescent material is as critical as is proper fit.
Easy worker ID – thanks to a clear, left-chest pocket – makes sure your employee is known and accounted for throughout the work shift.
This ANSI (American National Standards Institute)-compliant Class 2/Class 3 standards includes tabs on the shoulders to hold a microphone if needed. Made by Dib, the zipper enclosure allows for easy-on, easy-off. Its 100% polyester material promises easy cleaning and long-term durability.
Available in sizes S – XXL, this fitted mesh vest comes in neon orange, yellow, purple and black.
Women’s ANSI-Approved Safety Glasses
Why not look cool while staying safe on the job? An increasing number of women are opting for the growing selection of industry-approved construction safety glasses.
No longer do women need to put up with sagging safety goggles and glasses, adjusted to their tightest setting but still too big for them because they were designed with men in mind.
Companies wishing to equip women with protective, super-flexible, lightweight, anti-fog, wrap-around safety glasses now have an abundance of choices.
Take the HTS HUNTERSKY® U6-MAX, for example. These soft-touch, polycarbonate safety glasses feature non-slip rubber brow guards, nose pads and soft arm tips for all-day comfort with the ultimate protection from harmful rays and flying debris. They’re also functional at night and in low-light conditions.
Women’s Foreheads Need Right-Sized Safety Goggles
What about safety goggles? Are women still having to settle for men’s sizes and designs? No way, thanks to manufacturers such as DEWALT® that offer an anti-fog, dual mold safety goggle made for women’s foreheads.
The soft, dual injected rubber conforms to women’s faces to provide a comfy and high level of protection. Ventilation channels allow for easy breathability. And its low-profile design supports a full field of vision while providing 99.9% UV protection.
Women’s PPE choices continue to grow
With women now representing 11 percent of the jobsite workforce, it’s time they have a plethora of customizable PPE from which to choose to stay safe and comfortable day-in and day-out. In an age where finding and keeping the best people is tougher than ever, equipping women and those of slighter profiles with the protective gear they need to excel is essential.
