Workers come in varying shapes and sizes. This means personal protective equipment (PPE) also needs to come in varying shapes and sizes to protect everyone. We talked with occupational safety officer Chelle Wright about what to bear in mind when finding the right fit for workplace PPE.

By Sarah Ripplinger

Chelle Wright

Occupational safety officer, Prevention Field Services: Construction Zone 1 team
Years on the job: 7
Region: Metro Vancouver

What types of PPE might need to be fitted to workers?

PPE includes everything from hearing protection to respirators, high-visibility vests, protective eyewear, safety coveralls, and other protective clothing. Many types of PPE are available in varying sizes, adjustability, and materials. When it fits properly and is used as directed, PPE can help to ensure that workers of all shapes, sizes, and genders are adequately protected.

What does health and safety legislation say about PPE fit?

Section 8.2 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation outlines that employers must provide workers with proper PPE for the job. Employers must ensure that PPE is used correctly, provides effective protection, and is well maintained. PPE cannot create a hazard to the wearer or make another protective item ineffective.

OHS Guideline G8.3 recommends that employers ensure PPE fits correctly to provide effective protection for workers. For example, a fall protection harness that is too large increases the risk of falls and serious injury.

In addition, workers may avoid using improperly fitting PPE if it is uncomfortable, makes it harder to perform work tasks, or makes using the toilet difficult.

What responsibilities do employers and workers have for providing PPE?

Under the Regulation, workers must supply their own clothing for protection against the natural elements, general purpose work gloves, safety headgear, and appropriate footwear (including safety footwear when required).

Employers must supply all other types of PPE needed to protect workers for the work they do. For example, if workers are doing asbestos abatement, employers need to provide asbestos-resistant protective clothing that covers the head and feet, respiratory protection, eye protection, and disposable gloves. These all need to fit properly to protect workers.

What do employers need to do to address allergies to PPE?

Some required PPE can cause adverse health effects, such as an allergic reaction to latex gloves. In these cases, the employer must replace the PPE with an alternative, such as gloves made of vinyl, neoprene, or polyethylene. The alternative PPE must provide at least equivalent protection to workers as the normally supplied PPE.

What can employers do to ensure PPE fits properly?

Employers can have a variety of sizes and styles of PPE available, and provide alteration services. An example of this would be providing some high-visibility torso vests or coveralls with a loose overall fit and an expandable elastic or adjustable drawstring waist.

Where can I get more information?

Visit worksafebc.com/ppe-that-fits for more information, tips, and resources.

Looking for answers to your specific health and safety questions? Send them to us at worksafemagazine@worksafebc.com and we’ll consider them for our next “Ask an officer” feature.

This information originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of WorkSafe Magazine. To read more or to subscribe, visit WorkSafe Magazine.

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