MP Kirsteen Sullivan is calling for new legislation to help ensure all workers are provided with properly fitting PPE.
Sullivan, the MP for Bathgate and Linlithgow, set out the new policy objectives as part of a Ten Minute Rule Bill in the House of Commons.
The rule allows a backbench MP to make their case for a new bill in a speech lasting up to 10 minutes.
If passed, the bill would require all PPE used across the public sector to meet inclusive design standards, including compliance with the British Standards Institution’s BS 30417:2025 or an equivalent recognised industry standard.
BS 30417:2025 was launched in September 2025 to help support organisations or individuals involved in the purchase, provision or use of PPE.
The standard reflects growing momentum across the built environment sector to address inequalities in the provision of PPE, including the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) #PPEthatfits campaign.
PPE is the ‘final defence’
Speaking in the House of Commons, Sullivan said: “We all know the importance of [PPE]. It is the final defence against unavoidable risks in the workplace.
“But what’s not always appreciated is that employees across the UK are routinely working without fit-to-form PPE, compromising safety and hindering productivity.
“BS 30417, developed by the British Standards Institution, is guidance that puts fit-to-form PPE as a consideration at every stage of purchasing, supply and use.”
Sullivan added that the UK workforce is not homogeneous: “Employees are not all male, 5’9 and 85 kilos. And even then, PPE is often designed for a taller man.”
While acknowledging that some employers already offer inclusive PPE, Sullivan insisted it is time “for us to put our money where our mouth is”.
“Enshrining the BSI’s new PPE standards, or the industry equivalent, in public procurement, sends a very clear message to employers and manufacturers that the future of work and PPE is inclusive.”
For more information about the #PPEthatfits campaign and CIOB’s global directory of inclusive PPE suppliers, visit www.ppethatfits.com.
