PPE for Women: Real solutions to keep all workers safe
PPE is an essential layer of protection for workers in every industry as it helps them perform their tasks safely and successfully. However, not all PPE is designed to meet the needs of every worker.
A recent report by CSA Group surveyed 3,000 Canadian women working in sectors where PPE is required. The findings show that the PPE women are usually provided often doesn't fit properly, is uncomfortable to wear and fails to provide the protection it's supposed to.
The primary purpose of PPE is to prevent and protect workers from potential injury. The reality is that ill-fitting PPE is a safety hazard. For this reason, it is paramount that the PPE fits each worker properly, provides maximal protection, and the workers feel that they can trust it to protect them.
However, that’s not the case. Women often pay out of pocket to source PPE with a better fit or designed specifically for women. The report indicates that they also alter their existing PPE for safety, comfort and improved fit. They use workarounds like rubber bands, safety pins and duct tape to secure work gloves, shrink sleeves and shorten their pant legs to prevent them from tripping.
Until recently, limited female-specific PPE alternatives have been available. The standard solution for women was to downsize existing men’s PPE, also known as “shrink it and pink it.” However, the issue with the “one size smaller” mentality is that it simply doesn’t work. There are significant sizing differences between men’s and women’s bodies, and the issue is the impact on the fit, function, safety and overall effectiveness of the garment.
The good news is that awareness of this issue is improving, and manufacturers are increasingly developing PPE designed for women. Providing workwear and PPE that fits women properly isn’t an optional extra—it’s a matter of safety, and the benefits far outweigh the cost for the workers and the organization.
The correct fit makes women look and feel more professional, boosts morale, and improves productivity. More importantly, it ensures that women are suitably protected against workplace hazards. The ‘one-size-fits-all’ mentality is no longer suitable for industries experiencing a growing number of female workers, such as manufacturing, mining and construction.
As more women enter these industries, they should be adequately fitted and not just ‘fit in’ to their PPE. Women-specific PPE is a step towards honouring and supporting women in the safety industry because it helps them feel protected and cared for in the workplace.
Real women, real solutions
Levitt-Safety is a long advocate for keeping all Canadians safe at work. We believe everyone, including women, should have access to functional, comfortable and appropriate workwear and PPE, which is why we’re at the forefront of this movement.
To help bring awareness to this issue, Levitt-Safety is on a mission to meet this growing demand by partnering with leading manufacturers who offer PPE developed especially for women.
From base layers, high visibility, and flame-resistant clothing to rainwear, boots, gloves, maternity, and outerwear—Levitt-Safety has everything you need to keep the women on your team safe.
Explore our full range of women’s PPE below. If you don’t see what you’re looking for or need help developing a women’s-specific PPE program for your workplace, please contact us today.
High Visibility Apparel
Women’s Hi-Viz Yellow Vest
- CSA Z96 compliant
- Tricot polyester interlock
- StarTech® reflective tape
- S to L
Women’s Hi-Viz Black Vest
- CSA Z96 compliant
- Tricot polyester interlock
- StarTech® reflective tape
- S to L
Women’s Hi-Viz Short Sleeve Shirt, Yellow
- CSA Z96 compliant
- StarTech® reflective tape
- S to 4XL
Women’s Hi-Viz Short Sleeve Shirt, Orange
- CSA Z96 compliant
- StarTech® reflective tape
- S to 4XL
Women’s Hi-Viz Long Sleeve Shirt, Yellow
- CSA Z96 compliant
- StarTech® reflective tape
- S to 4XL
Women’s Hi-Viz Long Sleeve Shirt, Yellow
- CSA Z96 compliant
- StarTech® reflective tape
- S to 4XL
Women's Hi-Viz Fleece Hoodie, Yellow
- Fleece Hoodie with a full front zipper closure
- Premium 10.5 oz (360 GSM) polyester fleece
- S to 4XL
Women's Hi-Viz Fleece Hoodie, Orange
- Fleece Hoodie with a full front zipper closure
- Premium 10.5 oz (360 GSM) polyester fleece
- S to 4XL
Women’s Hi-Viz Traffic Overall, Yellow
- CSA Z96 compliant
- StarTech® reflective tape
- Elastic waist and suspenders
- XS to 4XL
Women’s Safety Coveralls
- 7 oz poly/cotton
- CSA Z96 Class 3 Level 2
- Multi-pocket design
- XS to 2XL
Women’s Two-Tone Coverall
- CSA Z96 compliant
- StarTech® reflective tape
- Cotton/poly blend
- S to 3XL
Women’s Hi-Viz Waterproof Jacket, Yellow
- CSA compliant
- Tear and abrasion-resistant fabric
- 100% waterproof 300D oxford polyester
- S to 4XL
Women’s Hi-Viz Waterproof Jacket, Orange
- CSA compliant
- Tear and abrasion-resistant fabric
- Made from 100% waterproof 300D oxford polyester
- S to 4XL
Women's Hi-Vis Yellow Waterproof Pants
- CSA compliant
- StarTech® reflective tape
- Made from 100% waterproof 300D oxford polyester material
- S to 4XL
Women's Hi-Vis Orange Waterproof Pants
- CSA compliant
- StarTech® reflective tape
- Made from 100% waterproof 300D oxford polyester material
- S to 4XL
Women's Insulated Flex Safety Jacket, Fluorescent Green
- 100% polyester with PU membrane
- 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material
- XS to 2XL
Women's Insulated Flex Safety Jacket, Fluorescent Orange
- 100% polyester with PU membrane
- 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material
- XS to 2XL
Women's Insulated Flex Safety Jacket, Black
- 100% polyester with PU membrane
- 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material
- XS to 2XL
Women's Insulated Flex Safety Bib Overalls, Green
- 100 polyester, Waterproof/Breathable
- Zippered slash pockets
- Scotchlite™ reflective material
- XS to 2XL
Women's Insulated Flex Safety Bib Overalls, Orange
- 100 polyester, Waterproof/Breathable
- Zippered slash pockets
- Scotchlite™ reflective material
- XS to 2XL
Women's Insulated Flex Safety Bib Overalls, Black
- 100 polyester, Waterproof/Breathable
- Zippered slash pockets
- Scotchlite™ reflective material
- XS to 2XL
Women's Insulated Safety Pants, Green
- 100 polyester, Waterproof/Breathable
- Zippered slash pockets
- Scotchlite™ reflective material
- XS to 2XL
Women's Insulated Safety Pants, Orange
- 100 polyester, Waterproof/Breathable
- Zippered slash pockets
- Scotchlite™ reflective material
- XS to 2XL
Women's Insulated Safety Pants, Black
- 100 polyester, Waterproof/Breathable
- Zippered slash pockets
- Scotchlite™ reflective material
- XS to 2XL
Flame Resistant Apparel
Lakeland Women's High-Performance FR Henley, Grey
- Unparalleled Cat 2 protection at 16.4 cal/cm2
- NFPA 70E, NFPA 2112 - UL Certified
- Quickly moves moisture from front to back and spreads for superior drying
- S to 4XL - Tall sizes available
Lakeland Women's High-Performance FR Henley, Beige
- Unparalleled Cat 2 protection at 16.4 cal/cm2
- NFPA 70E, NFPA 2112 - UL Certified
- Quickly moves moisture from front to back and spreads for superior drying
- S to 4XL - Tall sizes available
Bulwark Women's Flex Knit Button-Down Shirt, Navy
- 6.75 oz. (230 g/m²) Flame Resistant Jersey
- NFPA 2112, NFPA 70E, ASTM F1506 certified and NFPA 2112 - 2018 Compliant
- Lightweight stretch fabric and full underarm gusset for added mobility
- S to 2XL
Bulwark Women's Flex Knit Button-Down Shirt, Beige
- 6.75 oz. (230 g/m²) Flame Resistant Jersey
- NFPA 2112, NFPA 70E, ASTM F1506 certified and NFPA 2112 - 2018 Compliant
- Lightweight stretch fabric and full underarm gusset for added mobility
- S to 2XL
Bulwark FR Women's Full Zip Fleece Jacket, Black
- Flame resistant, 12.5 oz. (425 g/m²) fabric blend of 95% Cotton/ 5% Spandex
- ASTM F1506, NFPA 2112, NFPA 70E certifications Level 2: Category 2 Protection
- Enhanced storage with zipper closure pockets & pencil stall on sleeve
- Modern styling with contrast stitching
- XS to 3XL
Bulwark FR Women's Full Zip Fleece Jacket, Navy
- Flame resistant, 12.5 oz. (425 g/m²) fabric blend of 95% Cotton/ 5% Spandex
- ASTM F1506, NFPA 2112, NFPA 70E certifications Level 2: Category 2 Protection
- Enhanced storage with zipper closure pockets & pencil stall on sleeve
- Modern styling with contrast stitching
- XS to 3XL
Bulwark Women's FR Fleece Hoodie, Navy
- 12.3 oz. (415 g/m²) Flame Resistant Fleece
- NFPA 2112, NFPA 70E - Category 3 Protection
- HoodShield integrated face covering to shield your face from the elements
- RainBlock durable water-repellent finish to keep you dry in wet weather
- XS to 3XL
Bulwark FR iQ Series Women's Lightweight Woven Shirt, Khaki
- Arc Rating ATPV 8.5 cal/cm2 CAT 2
- Fabric: TenCate Evolv
- Napoleon pocket at front left chest for secure storage
- Full underarm gussets allow the garment to move without restriction
- Lightweight and breathable
- XS to 3XL
Women's FR Curvy Fit Jean with stretch
- 12.5 oz. (425 g/m²) Flame Resistant Denim
- NFPA 70E, NFPA 2112 and Category 2 Protection, NFPA 2112 - 2018 Compliant
- Contoured waistband with stretch interlining and fabric
- Sizes 2 to 20
Lakeland Women's High-Performance FR Pant, Navy
- 8 oz. UltraSoft Basketweave
- Wider waistband for increased comfort
- Crotch gusset for increased comfort
- Articulated knees for increased mobility and comfort
- Extra material heel to prevent wear
- Sizes 2 to 20
Lakeland Women's High-Performance FR Pant, Beige
- 8 oz. UltraSoft Basketweave
- Wider waistband for increased comfort
- Crotch gusset for increased comfort
- Articulated knees for increased mobility and comfort
- Extra material to prevent wear
- Sizes 2 to 20
Lakeland Women's High-Performance FR Pant, Brown
- 8 oz. UltraSoft Basketweave
- Wider waistband for increased comfort
- Crotch gusset for increased comfort
- Articulated knees for increased mobility and comfort
- Extra material to prevent wear
- Sizes 2 to 20
IFR 471 UltraSoft® 7 oz Women's Striped Work Shirt
- Inherent flame resistance
- CSA and NFPA compliant
- 88% FR Cotton, 12% high tenacity Westex™ nylon
- XS to 2XL
Women's Tecasafe Brush Shirt Plus
- Inherent flame resistance
- NFPA 1977 certified
- Made with Tecasafe® fabric
- XS to 2XL
IFR 671 UltraSoft® 7 oz Women's Cargo Pants
- Inherent fire and arc-resistant
- CSA and NFPA compliant
- 88% FR Cotton, 12% high tenacity Westex™ nylon
- Sizes 26 to 32
Segmented Striped Fleece Jacket
- Inherent flame resistance
- Zippered slash pockets
- Scotchlite™ reflective material
- XS to 2XL
Women’s Base Wear
- Medium weight, soft fabric
- Inherent flame resistance
- Wear under FR garments for increased protection
- XS to 3XL
Pro Dry® T-Shirt
- Inherent fire and arc-resistant
- Odour-resistant
- Breathable and quick drying
- S to 2XL
Women’s FR Hi-Vis Coveralls, Orange
- Arc flash and flame-resistant
- FR-Tech® 88% premium cotton blended with 12% high-tenacity nylon
- S to 3XL
Women’s FR Hi-Vis Coveralls, Blue
- Arc flash and flame-resistant
- FR-Tech® 88% premium cotton blended with 12% high-tenacity nylon
- S to 3XL
Covergalls® Arc Flash Coveralls
- 2″ silver stripe
- Flame resistant
- Tailored to fit women
- Sizes M and L
Maternity Wear
Coming Soon!
Gloves
Covergalls Safety Fastfit® Orange Gloves
- ANSI-107 compliant
- High-visibility, TrekDry® material
- Synthetic leather
- S to L
Work Armour Dryhide™ General Purpose Gloves
- Water-resistant full grain goatskin leather palm
- Spandex® stretch back
- Available in one size
Work Armour Dryhide™ General Purpose Gloves
- Water-resistant full-grain goatskin leather palm
- Spandex® stretch back
- Available in S and M
Watson Women's Cool it Glove
- ECO Kool Knit WasteNot™ performance yarn is comprised of 24% (+/- 2%) recycled post-consumer PET bottles
- Eco-conscious biodegradable foam latex coating engineered with Reclaim™ technology accelerates biodegradation in landfill conditions
- Foam latex coating
- Conductive coating on the palm and fingers can be used on all touchscreen devices
- Ergonomically formed
- Snug-fitting knit wrist
- Made for a woman’s hand
- S to L
Watson Women's Jade Gloves
- 15gg landfill biodegradable ZeroWaste™ nylon seamless knit degrades in 5 years in anaerobic landfill conditions (ASTM D5511)
- Eco-conscious biodegradable nitrile coating engineered with Reclaim™ technology
- Conductive coating on the palm and fingers can be used on all touchscreen devices
- Ergonomically formed to help reduce hand fatigue
- Snug-fitting seamless knit wrist keeps out dirt and debris
- Made for a woman’s hand
- S to XL
Watson Women's Karma Glove
- 15gg WasteNot™ polyester knit made from 25% (+/- 2%) recycled post-consumer PET bottles
- Eco-conscious biodegradable nitrile coating engineered with Reclaim™ technology
- Foam nitrile palm
- Ergonomically formed
- Snug-fitting seamless knit wrist
- OEKO-TEX STANDARD® 100 certified
- Reduces 13.63g CO2 emissions per pair
- Made for a woman’s hand
- S to XL
Boots
BAFFIN® IMPACT Extreme Cold Winter Boot
- Removable Comfort-Fit multi-layer
- B-Tek™ Dry Waterproof Base
- Snowshoe compatible
- Available in sizes 6, 9 and 10
BAFFIN® OILRIG Pac Series Work Boots
- CSA certified
- B-Tek™ Dry Waterproof Base
- Steel toe and plate
- Available in sizes 5 to 9
BAFFIN® PROCESSOR Rubber Lightweight Boots
- CSA certified
- B-Tek™ Dry Waterproof
- Protective safety toe
- Available in sizes 5 to 9
Safety Glasses
Pyramex® Mini Ztek® S2510SN Safety Eyewear
- Mini Ztek has all the great features of the ZTEK in a design better suited for smaller facial feature
- Integrated nose piece. • Soft, non-slip rubber temple tips provide non-binding fit
- Economical wrap-around single lens provides full panoramic view
- Lenses are coated for superior scratch resistance, provides 99.9% protection from harmful UV rays
Pyramex® Mini Ztek® S2520SN Safety Eyewear
- Mini Ztek has all the great features of the ZTEK in a design better suited for smaller facial features
- Integrated nose piece
- Soft, non-slip rubber temple tips provide non-binding fit
- Economical wrap-around single lens provides full panoramic view
- Lenses are coated for superior scratch resistance, provides 99.9% protection from harmful UV rays
Pyramex Mini Ztek Safety Eyewear
- Mini Ztek is designed to better suite smaller facial sizes
- Economical wrap-around single lens provides full panoramic view
- Integrated nose piece
- Soft, non-slip rubber temple tips, provide non-binding fit
- Lenses are coated for superior scratch resistance, provides 99.9% protection from harmful UV rays
Are you ready to invest in your team’s safety?
Would you like some help assessing the PPE needs of your business? Are you looking to invest in Women’s PPE but don’t know where to start? Levitt-Safety has been advising and supplying companies with safety clothing for over 85 years.
Let us help you develop a PPE program to keep your team safe.