Five teams awarded a total of $55,000 for solutions to ensure protective clothing fits all workers
September 20, 2022
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), in collaboration with NASA Tournament Lab and HeroX, announced the winners of "The NIOSH Protective Clothing Challenge—Leaving No Body Unprotected.” The Challenge seeks solutions that consider the broad spectrum of U.S. workers in relation to factors that may influence fit such as body size and shape, gender, race, ethnicity, religious or cultural practices, or specific work tasks.
In 1998, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report, 413 workers were struck and killed by vehicles. That was “the highest number in the 7-year period that the fatality census has been compiled.”1 Without a standard in place, the numbers were steadily rising.
It’s no secret – natural disasters have devastating effects. Whether it be a flood, wildfire or hurricane, these severe events can tear apart local communities, displace families and result in fatalities. For first responders on the scene helping resolve or clean up the sites, there are significant dangers they need to be protected against.
Studies show employees will not wear eye protection unless it is comfortable, fits properly, or functions well. Lens color can impact employee protection and performance levels and provide a better choice.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are so-called “forever chemicals” because they don’t easily break down in the environment and can remain indefinitely in air, soil and water, including sources of drinking water.
Despite growing numbers of women in transportation, construction and manufacturing, finding PPE that fits women well remains difficult. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, women comprised 11% of construction workers, 7.9% of truck drivers, and 29% of manufacturing employees, and their numbers in these fields continue to increase.
Wearing a hard hat or helmet is essential when there is a risk of head injury, but this equipment can also increase a person’s body temperature. We lose most of our body heat through our heads. Managers need to do everything they can to protect their workers in the field, keeping them as cool and comfortable as possible.