Women who work for BAM Nuttall are being supplied with workwear designed specifically for them.
After a series of trials on a number of its sites in London, Leeds, Newcastle and Scotland, the company is rolling out a range of work clothing nationwide that is specifically designed for women.
Working with workwear manufacturer Arco, BAM Nuttall has commissioned polo shirts, jackets, waistcoats and trousers all “tailored for the female form”, the company says.
Health & safety director Phil Cullen said: “As we look to increase diversity, not only in BAM Nuttall but across the whole sector, it makes sense to make sure that all employees on site have the best equipment possible, and that includes clothing.”
Tailoring construction clothing specifically for women ensures that jackets are not baggy, pockets can be reached and reflective material is in the right place, he said.
“Traditionally, what is worn on site has been designed for men. What the group of BAM Nuttall female workers tested was not about vanity but addressed comfort, practicalities and safety to ensure that we can do our jobs to the best of our abilities,” Phil Cullen said.
“The tailored trousers for example are easier to walk in than the oversized men’s versions they have traditionally worn. They don’t have to pull the trousers up high or turn up the legs to make them fit which then means that the pockets are in the wrong place or the reflective safety strips may be hidden.”
BAM Nuttall says that the next step is to expand its womenswear department to include hard hats, gloves, goggles and boots.
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