| Welcome to the PPE for Women issue of the June Safety Suzy newsletter. | | | | | This month’s newsletter focuses on the growing conversation around PPE fit, workplace safety and inclusion for women across construction and industrial environments. From concerns around ill-fitting PPE and pregnancy-related accommodations to updated safety standards and safer equipment design, the industry is facing increasing pressure to move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches to worker protection. We also cover new research on the barriers women continue to face in construction, alongside efforts to improve safety outcomes through better equipment, stronger policies and more inclusive workplace practices. | | | | | Proper PPE Fit Isn’t Optional for Women Workers | | | | | Ill-fitting PPE puts women at unnecessary risk on jobsites. From oversized gloves that reduce dexterity to poorly designed harnesses that compromise fall protection, “unisex” gear often fails to account for female body proportions. The result is higher injury risk, lower compliance and increased fatigue and distraction. With OSHA and the Department of Labor now explicitly requiring properly fitting PPE in construction, fit is now a compliance issue — not a preference. Employers should review the PPE they provide, gather employee feedback and work with vendors that offer fit options designed for different body types. | | | | | | | Safety Footwear Claims Don’t Always Hold Up | | | | | | The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) is warning workers and employers to be cautious of exaggerated online claims about safety footwear performance. A recent analysis found that 79% of footwear from non-registered suppliers failed to meet required British safety standards, including tests for impact protection, slip resistance and midsole penetration. BSIF is urging buyers to purchase only from reputable suppliers and look for certified products that have been properly tested to recognized safety standards. | | | | | | | Safety Groups Push OSHA to Modernize PPE Standards | | | | | A coalition of nine safety organizations is urging OSHA to update outdated references to PPE consensus standards covering eye and face protection, head protection and workplace first aid kits. The groups argue that OSHA still cites standards dating back as far as 1989, despite newer versions already being widely used across industry. According to the coalition, updating these references would improve protection for more than 100 million workers, align regulations with current best practices and prevent outdated products from being marketed as compliant. The proposed changes would not add regulatory burden but would help ensure OSHA standards keep pace with modern safety science and PPE innovation. | | | | | Recognized for Training Excellence: Coursecheck Brilliance Badge 2026 | | | | | We’ve been awarded the Coursecheck Brilliance Badge 2026 recognizing consistently high-quality training and learner experience. This badge is given to providers with a 4.9+ star rating from verified reviews, reflecting our focus on continuous improvement driven by real feedback. | | | | | | | Women in Construction Still Face Safety and Career Barriers | | | | | A new report from Stack Construction Technologies highlights ongoing challenges facing women in construction, including workplace bias, limited advancement opportunities and jobsite safety gaps. The findings point to concerns around properly fitting PPE, inadequate facilities and harassment protections, all of which can impact safety, retention and job satisfaction. The report also found that many women struggle to access mentorship, leadership pathways and inclusive workplace networks. As labor shortages continue across the industry, companies that invest in inclusive safety practices, equitable career development and stronger workplace policies may be better positioned to attract and retain skilled workers. | | | | | | | NYS Asbestos Supervisor Certification Courses The New York State (NYS) Industrial Code Rule 56 (ICR56) requires that a certified asbestos supervisor must be present at every asbestos abatement site to oversee the workers (handlers) and manage the project. The supervisor ensures that workers are adhering to proper abatement procedures as well as individual safety requirements. NYS also requires asbestos abatement companies (contractors) to have a certified supervisor to obtain the asbestos company license required of all companies doing asbestos abatement. What we cover: - Supervisor (5 days): physical characteristics, medical hazards, respiratory protection, and legal liabilities, establishing effective respiratory and medical programs, recordkeeping requirements, contract specifications, and supervision requirements. NYS requires a full-day annual refresher course to renew the certification.
| | | | | | | Pregnancy-Related PPE Changes Require Action, Not Assumptions | | | | | Pregnancy can quickly change how PPE fits and functions, turning routine gear into a safety concern. Constant pulling, stretching, rolling or adjusting PPE may mean the equipment is no longer appropriate for the task or worker. Safety programs should account for pregnancy-related fit changes before employees are forced to improvise or request accommodations. That means having properly fitting alternatives readily available and building pregnancy-related PPE reviews into existing fit assessment processes. Employers that plan ahead can better protect workers, reduce risk and create a more responsive, inclusive safety culture. | | | | | Protecting Pregnant Workers on Construction Sites | | | | | More than one million women work in the U.S. construction industry, making pregnancy-related workplace safety an increasingly important issue. According to CPWR, pregnant workers may need protection from hazards such as lead, solvents, pesticides, asbestos and other chemicals that can affect fetal development. Employers should also be prepared to provide practical accommodations, including reduced lifting tasks, quieter work areas, properly fitting PPE, access to drinking water and additional breaks. | | | | | New Female Crash Test Dummy Could Improve Vehicle Safety | | | | | The U.S. Department of Transportation has endorsed a new female crash test dummy designed to better reflect women’s body structures, including differences in the neck, pelvis and legs. The move comes amid growing concerns that existing crash test models, largely based on male bodies, fail to accurately measure injury risks for women, who are significantly more likely to be injured in car crashes. The updated dummy includes more than 150 sensors and could eventually be incorporated into federal vehicle safety ratings. Advocates say the change is long overdue and could help improve vehicle safety standards for women drivers and passengers. | | | | | 🎙️ Tune In to After the Refresher!🎙️ | | | | | Join Angelo Garcia III of Future Environment Designs as he takes you beyond the classroom to unpack the latest in asbestos, mold, indoor air quality, and OSHA compliance. From New York project phases and EPA bans to the ARBAN bill and new contamination guidance, this podcast keeps you ahead of the curve on regulations, safety, and industry trends. Listen to our latest episode: Episode Seven: Franco Parisi of 1st Priority Inspections, Inc. 🔥 Stay informed. Stay compliant. Stay refreshed. 👉 Subscribe now to After the Refresher on YouTube and never miss an episode! | | | | | | | | Use SafetySuzy10FEDTC at checkout to get 10% off of any of our health and safety courses. Don’t forget that our loyal customers get 15% off, so please get in touch if you’d like to find out more. | | | | | | | | Important Links | | | Upcoming FEDTC Courses (virtual, in-person, online). FED Creates Asbestos Air Sampling Tables That Can be Used In the Field or the Office
Order Here! ELEVATE YOUR SAFETY PROGRAMS with SiteDocs and Future Environment Designs. Contact SiteDocs here. “Do As I Say, Not As I Did! What I’ve Learned After 30-Years of Being in Business” – book by Angelo Garcia III
Order Here! FEDTC Training Library: Click Here to access our Library.
Additional Resources
FEDTC’s Recent Blog Post: Recent Discussion: Asbestos Concerns Linger at P.S. 176 The Ovington School in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn Join the conversation and become a member of a thriving group of health and safety professionals. | | | | | | | | EPA Lead RRP Courses: OSHA Courses (Online & In-person): - AHERA/OSHA Asbestos Awareness
- OSHA/NYSDOL 4-hr Apprentice Asbestos Awareness (NEW) – Online
- OSHA Respirator User
- OSHA Crystalline Silica Standard for Workers
- OSHA Hazard Communication
- OSHA Hazard Communication plus NYS Right-to-Know
- Covid-19 Awareness Course
- Respirator Hierarchy
- Lead in Construction Awareness Course
- Mold in Construction Awareness Course
- Blood-borne Pathogen 4-Hour Course
- OSHA Lead in Construction Awareness Course – Online
- OSHA 10 or 30-Hour Construction Safety and Health Course
- OSHA 10 or 30-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Course
Mold Courses: - Keeping Your Family Safe Mold Awareness – Online
- Mold in Construction Awareness Course – Online
- Mold Assessor Initial Course
- Aug 3-6, 8:30 AM – 5:45 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
- Mold Remediation/Supervisor Initial Course
- Aug 3-5, 8:30 AM – 5:45 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
- Mold Worker Initial Course
- Aug 3-4, 8:30 AM – 5:45 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
- NYS Mold Refresher
- Jun 5, Aug 20, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Virtual
- Jul 16, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
Asbestos Courses: - AHERA/OSHA Asbestos Awareness Course – Online
- OSHA/NYSDOL 4-hr Apprentice Asbestos Awareness (NEW) – Online
- NYCDEP Handler/Supervisor Exam Prep – Online
- NYCDEP Investigator Exam Prep – Online
- AHERA LEA’s Designated Person Training – Online
- NYS Asbestos Handler Initial
- Jul 20-23, 8:00 – 4:00 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
- NYS Asbestos Inspector Initial
- Aug 24-26, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
- NYS Asbestos Management Planner Initial
- NYS Asbestos O&M Initial
- NYS/NYC Asbestos Supervisor Initial
- Jun 15-19, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
- NYS/NYC Asbestos Supervisor Refresher
- Jun 8, Jul 27, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
- Aug 12, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM, Northport Power Plant
- NYS Asbestos Project Designer Initial
- Aug 31-Sep 1-2, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
- NYS Asbestos Project Designer Refresher
- Jul 13, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Virtual
- Jun 9, Aug 17, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
- NYS/NYC Asbestos Inspector Refresher
- Jun 12, Jul 24, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
- Jul 14, Aug 18, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Virtual
- NYS Asbestos Project Monitor Refresher
- Jul 15, Aug 19, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Virtual
- Jul 30, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
- NYS Asbestos Project Sampling Technician Refresher
- Jul 15, Aug 19, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Virtual
- Jul 30, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
- NYS Asbestos Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Refresher
- Jun 11, 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM, Suffolk County DPW
- Jun 13, 7:00 – 11:00 AM, Montrose, NY
- NYS Asbestos Management Planner Refresher
- Jul 14, Aug 18, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Virtual
For the most current schedule and additional courses, please visit Future Environment Designs’ website. Please click on the individual courses’ link to discover more dates! | | | | | Don’t Forget Our Referral Program! If you refer asbestos, indoor air quality, or OSHA training to us we will provide you with a 5% discount on any training you book with us. This would be in addition to any other discounts we provide. Thank you to those who have taken advantage of this! | | | | |
