UK industry unites in support of inclusive PPE campaign

Mark Glover - SHP Editor

Major players including Network Rail, Vodafone and Southern Water pledge support to initiative.

SHP’s campaign to make PPE inclusive for all workers has been given a major boost after a swathe of big businesses backed its initiative by signing a pledge and agreeing to a charter of action points.

CREDIT: Annika Wischnewsky/Unsplash

The signatories straddle an array of verticals across the profession; a key goal of the campaign, and while construction and manufacturing are strongly represented, support also comes from sectors such as utilities, telecoms and transport. 

“I cannot emphasise enough the importance of this campaign,” said Karl Simons OBE and Chair of the SHP Editorial Board. “SHP has had countless messages of support from organisational leaders across multiple Industry sectors of our economy.” 

The groundswell of support is also represented in the profession with membership body IOSH confirming their support as has qualification provider NEBOSH. The HSE, in a series of emails with SHP Editorial Board Chair, Karl Simons OBE, has said it “is supportive of the SHP campaign”.

The campaign also recognises the importance of procurement and the role of manufacturers and suppliers in driving change, as such the declared support of two major PPE suppliers Arco and RS UK & Ireland, bolsters the initiative.

Commenting, Guy Bruce, Chief Executive, Arco, said: “At Arco, we understand that PPE is not ‘one-size fits all’, and we firmly believe everyone should have access to the right PPE to ensure they can work comfortably and safely. 

“We fully support SHP’s Protection for Everyone campaign and are proud to be among the first to sign the charter. We encourage our partners and customers to do the same, and help to ensure safety really is for everyone.” 

“RS is delighted to support SHP’s campaign and also to sign the charter,” said Ryan Plummer, Senior Director at RS Safety Solutions. “PPE isn’t one size fits all and, by drawing attention to this issue, hopefully we can all be a force for change for the better.

The Protection for Everyone charter asks those who sign-up to:  

• uphold the value that all workers deserve access to well-fitting PPE to work comfortably, with the understanding that the standard sizing of PPE is not a one-size fits all; 

• proactively source suitable and correctly fitting PPE to meet the individual needs of any employees who require it, with the understanding that PPE may need to be sourced from more than one supplier; 

• work with any individual employee that has concerns or issues with the PPE provided to allow us to provide a suitable and well-fitting alternative; 

• provide inclusive PPE for all as part of our dedication to the health, safety and overall wellbeing of employees; 

• lead by example and share best practice with contractors and suppliers.

This latest milestone is part of a campaign that began by highlighting the ‘lived experiences’ of those affected by ill-fitting PPE, which has an impact physically and also emotionally. “Eventually, after a while you stop being asked, stop being involved, stop learning, stop progressing,” wrote one female professional in an article for SHP, explaining how the issue can impact career development.

“We continue to be humbled by the individuals that have been brave enough to share their personal stories with us.” Simons continued, “and it is these lived experiences of so many that have fuelled this campaign to raise awareness so that we prevent the risk and impact in the future for all.”

Click here to pledge your support to SHP’s inclusive PPE campaign 

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