We welcome the recent article on the GMB Union’s website about the need to give much greater consideration to PPE, particularly to adequately meet the requirements of the increasing number of women working in construction. We also welcome and fully support the recent BSI guidance on the provision of inclusive personal protective equipment (PPE).

While many employers accept PPE as a necessary provision, not enough give it the serious attention and investment it requires to be truly effective in keeping people safe at work.

A recent GMB survey revealed many shortcomings and concerns in the workplace about the quality of PPE equipment and the importance employers are placing on getting it right.

The GMB survey revealed:

• 24 per cent said they felt unsafe to work
• 18 per cent said they couldn’t carry out their job
• 58 per cent said they were uncomfortable
• 22 per cent said they felt embarrassed
• 4 per cent said they felt scared.

At Taylor and Fraser, we value our people, and we ensure that everyone who needs it has the best possible PPE equipment to make them feel safe and comfortable, and able to perform to the best of their abilities.

Taylor and Fraser has recently reviewed and upgraded the PPE we provide for our team. We paid particular attention to quality and sustainability. It may cost a bit more, but we believe our people are worth every penny we invest in PPE and all the other tools that we provide to enable them to do their jobs.

Moreover, as a highly inclusive company, we actively encourage women into all roles in construction, so we do provide PPE designed and sized for the increasing number of women who work with us on sites throughout the country.

We never view PPE as a necessary cost; we believe it is an investment that reinforces our commitment to all members of our team.

We hope many more businesses adopt the guidance outlined in the BSI document, and that adequate PPE becomes a crucial consideration for all employers who are required to issue it.