The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has concluded that when ill-fitting or uncomfortable safety gear leads to improper use, it both reduces the personal protective equipment’s (PPE’s) effectiveness and increases workers’ risk of exposure to on-the-job hazards.

Women are especially impacted by this challenge. In Lumber’s 2024 “She Builds Nation” report, a staggering 67% of respondents said there was a lack of safety equipment available in their sizes. An even larger percentage — 85% of respondents — expressed concerns about the absence of maternity-friendly safety gear.

The B7-Comfort Harness by Guardian is designed to address this challenge. Launched in 2023, it is fully adjustable, providing a custom fit that prioritizes mobility, comfort, and protection for all genders and body types.

The chassis allows the torso and sub-pelvic regions to move independently, while adjustable shoulder and waist padding — made from ultra-durable military-grade materials — can easily accommodate an adjustable tool bag.

The harness also features patent-pending DiaLock Torso Adjusters for simple yet precise adjustment that keeps webbing secure, an aircraft-grade aluminum EZ D-ring for easy tie-off, and a Personal Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL-P) adapter for increased security.

“We truly believe this harness will revolutionize the way people think about comfort and functionality when working at height,” Sean Wirth, senior product manager for Guardian, said in an official press release.

The B7-Comfort Harness also integrates with twICEme safety technology, a near field communication (NFC) technology that allows users to voluntarily upload health info to their equipment and streamline the full-body harness inspection process via an app, called Help the Helpers (HTH).

The app — integrated through a collaboration between Guardian and Swedish tech company Twiceme — allows users to access safety information, check product details, and send location coordinates. Its localized in-app inspection system also offers a modern alternative to paper-based harness inspection processes, removing the need for external databases or system integrations. This collaboration serves as a testament to both Guardian and Twiceme’s commitment to changing the industry for protective equipment from the ground up.

“We’re thrilled to have partnered with [Twiceme] in taking their innovative application to the next level for the commercial construction segment,” said Wirth in a press release. “As a proven innovation leader in rescue technology already, we strongly believe the addition of this important safety feature will help continue the growth and use of Twiceme’s HTH product across industries, to make our working world a safer place.”

Another innovator in fall safety, Werner, recently released the ProForm Switchpoint (SP) Self-Rescue System. Building upon the brand’s patented Chair in the Air fall protection technology, which provides a safe seated position for suspended workers, this system allows suspended workers to easily transition to a self-rescue descent.

The Self-Rescue System is a small, lightweight add-on kit, designed to be used in conjunction with Werner’s high-performance ProForm SP Full Body Harness. The system includes a spring-loaded handle and abrasion-resistant rope to allow workers to safely control their descent. The system also includes lightweight American National Standard Institute (ANSI)-rated aluminum carabiners, kernmantle abrasion-resistant rope, an auto-stop descent control device, and panic features. The kit is designed to be accessible with one hand and includes features to prevent glove interference.

“Because every second counts when someone falls on the jobsite, we have further revolutionized the industry by putting self-rescue in the users’ hands,” said Eric Patrick, jobsite safety and security manager at WernerCo., in a press release. “The ProForm SP Self-Rescue System makes transitioning from suspension to descension easy, allowing workers in high-risk environments to take more control of their safety.”

Werner was recently recognized by Fast Company as one of the Best Workplaces for Inventors. The company also racked up an impressive list of awards in 2023 for the ProForm harness, NXT1A Fiberglass Stepladder, and R3 Concrete Anchor. Additionally, Werner was named a preferred manufacturing supplier by the Evergreen Supply Network.

“We strive to create the most progressive work environment that supports innovation and collaboration at its core,” said Brian Kagen, president of safe access at WernerCo., in a press release. “We’ve been working on many of these product innovations for years and appreciate the recognition of delivering the best and safest solutions for our customers.”

Whether working at heights or on the ground level, full-body safety gear is essential for contractors. Protective Industrial Products, Inc. (PIP), a global leader in hand and above-the-neck protection and workwear, expanded its offerings with the acquisitions of two PPE companies: Final Fit Safety and Scope Optics Pty Ltd.

Final Fit Safety, a pioneer in the hearing protector sector, created the revolutionary BioSoft earplug line. Made from bio-based sustainable materials, the product line offers a lower carbon footprint than traditional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane materials, without sacrificing fit, comfort, or performance.

“Our goal is to provide our valued customers around the world with innovative, best-in-class solutions that deliver more opportunities for growth for a safer today and a more sustainable tomorrow,” said Curt Holtz, president and CEO of PIP, in a press release. “We are excited to be able to offer our customers an alternative to traditional polyurethane foam ear plugs.”

Scope Optics, on the other hand, specializes in high-quality yet affordable protective eyewear. The company’s mission is to help keep workers safe while looking — and feeling — great, said the company’s founder and president Danny Sabados.

“Through the integration of PIP’s organization, people, and capabilities, I am excited to expand our presence and serve more customers around the world,” Sabados said in a press release.

Other PPE manufacturers and distributors in the business of protecting eyes and ears include 3M, DEWALT, and ULINE.

Hand protection is also critical on the job. Options range from cut- and impact-resistance to hypoallergenic and durable-yet-disposable materials.

For example, Magid’s new TRX883 glove is designed to offer level 3 impact protection — the highest level of protection as defined by the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA). However, unlike traditional impact gloves, which tend to sacrifice comfort for safety, the TRX883 gloves are constructed with a ventilated honeycomb design to increase airflow and lighten overall weight. Additional features include Magid’s VersaTek adaptive coating for improved grip — even in wet or oily environments — and AeroDex shell, which offers ANSI A8 cut-level resistance at 50% lighter weight than standard shells.

Pyramex, another industry-leading PPE provider, recently released a heavy-duty cowhide safety cuff. Designed for all-day comfort and durability, the GL1010W is crafted from A-grade split shoulder cowhide leather and reinforced with Kevlar stitching. These gloves also feature knuckle protection, abrasion resistance, a gunn cut, and wing thumb design for improved dexterity. Ideal for high-heat and industrial environments, these gloves offer contact heat protection up to 284 °F (140 °C) and are tested to meet the rigorous ANSI/ISEA 105 standards for cut resistance, abrasion resistance, puncture resistance, and contact heat protection.

In 2023, Saf-T-Gard expanded its line of Ambi-Gard Disposable Gloves with the new 2250 Diamond Hybrid Poly Disposable Gloves. Made using a specially formulated hybrid thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material, these versatile gloves offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional vinyl gloves. These lightweight yet highly durable gloves provide a secure barrier for comfortable hygiene and protection that adheres to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) food handling requirements. Key features include a reversible ambidextrous design, powder-free construction, textured grip, and easy slip-on cuff.

Protective work gear manufacturer Ergodyne launched several new products designed to improve not just safety but workplace productivity as well. The company’s new offerings include an arm and wrist scanner mount, expanded ID/badge holder, and tool and device holsters.

Designed to prevent dropped or misplaced devices, the Squids 5545 Arm and Wrist Scanner Mount offers workers a way to keep barcode scanners, mobile computers, and cell phones secure and easily accessible on the job. The mount features a 360-degree rotation and can be worn on any part of the arm, secured with a lightweight, flexible loop strap, and durable hook.

Similarly, the new ID and badge holders are designed to offer contractors a way to keep identification and access cards within reach. The badges are available in a variety of colors and styles that can be worn on various parts of the arm.

The Arsenal 5568 and 55/69 Tool Pouches offer a convenient way to keep mobile devices, hand tools, scanners, and other small items secure. The pouch includes holsters that can be clipped onto belts, allowing for easy access throughout the day.

“We understand the importance of having job-critical tools within arms’ reach,” said Tom Votel, Ergodyne’s president and CEO, in a press release. “This launch reinforces our commitment to bringing safety, comfort, and efficiency to the workplace.”

Product Director Nate Bohmbach agreed, adding that these new products allow crews to “seamlessly integrate their tools, devices, and other necessities into their daily routine, boosting productivity and confidence.”

Editor’s note: This is an excerpt from the roundup article within the 2024 Equipment Supplement. To read the complete story and supplement, please click here.