Ergodyne supports national campaign for better women’s PPE

Ill-fitting protective gear remains a persistent barrier for women in the skilled trades. Ergodyne has joined the national Women in Skilled Trades campaign to address this challenge, working with labor groups, educators and industry advocates to advance safety, comfort and inclusion on worksites.

The campaign unites key voices across the sector, including HGTV builders Mina Starsiak Hawk and Jasmine Roth, the American Welding Society, the National Association of Women in Construction and the Coalition of Labor Union Women. Together, they aim to raise awareness of systemic barriers and promote practical change across training access, workplace culture, leadership and equipment design.

Ergodyne’s contribution to the initiative is focused on one core principle: when workers help shape the gear they use, safety improves. Despite more women entering skilled trades, most personal protective equipment remains designed around male body types, leading to issues with fit, safety and performance.

Kris Wolle-Wayne, Product Manager, Ergodyne’s women’s high-visibility workwear development: “It’s a safety failure and a daily reminder of whose bodies weren’t considered in the design process.”

According to the International Safety Equipment Association, citing CPWR research, 74 percent of tradeswomen report unnecessary exposure to hazards because their PPE does not fit properly.

Ergodyne’s approach places workers at the center of product development. Tradeswomen test prototypes on the job, providing detailed feedback on aspects such as seam placement, sleeve length, garment drape, breathability and durability. The result is a high-visibility workwear line designed from real-world experience.

“‘Be Seen. Feel Heard.’ is more than a slogan - it’s the reality of how this line came to life,” said Wolle-Wayne. “Iteration after iteration went into the field and detailed notes about what worked and what didn’t would come back… and then it’s rinse, wash, repeat until we have something that truly reflects the realities of the jobsite.”

Ergodyne’s commitment to worker-centered design continues beyond launch. Through its Tenacious Tester program, tradespeople test gear in real conditions, sharing direct feedback that informs ongoing refinements.

“Designing around workers isn’t special—it’s common sense,” said Greg Schrab, President of Ergodyne. “And it’s a feedback loop that never really stops.”

www.ergodyne.com

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