March proved to be an energising and insightful month for our Founder & MD, Natalie Wilson, who was invited to share her expertise on inclusive PPE development, Standardisation and procurement across three dynamic online panels. Each session brought together industry leaders, fresh perspectives, and meaningful conversations on the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s industry landscape.
From thought-provoking discussions to actionable insights, these webinars not only highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation but also reinforced our commitment to driving positive change within the industry.
Here’s a look back at where Natalie has been sharing her voice this month.
04/03/2026
AWSAM X NAUMD: Designing PPE That Fits: Women, Work, and What’s Changing
This webinar discussion focused on one of the most pressing and practical challenges facing the sector today: the development and adoption of inclusive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
‘As more women enter physically demanding and safety-critical roles, personal protective equipment is finally being re-examined through a more realistic lens’. The online panel discussion brought together manufacturers, distributors, designers, and industry voices to explore how PPE designed for women is reshaping both products and workplace culture. Natalie was joined by Sarah DeLuca (Dovetail Workwear), Anastasia Kraft (Xena Workwear) and Rhonda Randolph-Coates (Alavon). Each of the women were asked to bring their experience to the discussion, giving answers to questions from real challenges experienced across the supply chain.
They shared their perspectives on:
- The design challenges that arise when developing PPE specifically for women, from fit and sizing to performance, standards, and cost constraints.
- How manufacturers and distributors can collaborate more effectively with end users ‘to encourage real-world adoption and consistent compliance’.
- How workplace culture is evolving as more inclusive PPE becomes available, and what still needs to change.
The webinar was sponsored by AWASAM (Alliance of Women’s Safety Apparel Manufacturers), who’s mission focusses on ‘Awareness, Access, and Advocacy to support and elevate women in the workplace’ & NAUMD (Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors) who ‘creates a network of uniform, image apparel, and workwear companies in order to improve supply chains, innovation, and awareness’.
This webinar was held appropriately during Women in Construction Week 2026 (01-07/03/2026), of which this year’s theme was “Level Up. Build Strong”. The week highlighted the growing 11.2% female construction workforce, and not only celebrated women’s achievements, resilience and leadership within the industry, but shone the spotlight on the importance of fostering mentorship, promoting safety, and addressing the need for better-fitting PPE.
The momentum of this conversation also continued into International Women’s Day (08/03/2026), reinforcing a much broader message: while dedicated moments of recognition are important, supporting women in the industry must be an ongoing, everyday commitment. Conversations like this webinar play a vital role in keeping that momentum alive beyond a single week or day per year.
18/03/2026
ACE Emerging Professionals: Inclusive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Continuing the conversation on Inclusive PPE, the next webinar of March focused on everything you need to know about BS 30417:2025 Provision of Inclusive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Guide. The webinar positioned itself as a ‘practical walkthrough of how the standard was developed, how to use it, and what buyers, employers and staff need to know’. Alongside Natalie, the webinar heard from guest speakers who were heavily involved in the writing of this guidance; Jane Middleton (Atkins Realis/Bold as Brass), Rowshi Hussain (Cundall) and Sara Gibbs (BSI). Their case studies provided insights, experiences and organisational perspectives.
A key theme of the webinar was the need for greater education and awareness across 4 key areas of the supply chain. Buyers and procurement teams (employers) must develop a clearer understanding of the solutions available in the market, while manufacturers and distributors (suppliers) should be encouraged to broaden their offerings and play a more proactive role in addressing disparities. (Including the so-called “pink tax” on PPE designed for women). The session also examined the role of legislation (policy/regulations) and Standards (product), recognising that while these can be a powerful driver for change, they may also present challenges if they don’t fully account for issues such as proper fit.
Attendees were encouraged to draw on the language, frameworks and structured approaches set out in BS 30417:2025, alongside continued investment in training, awareness and workforce engagement.
Discussions reinforced that, although PPE is fundamental to workplace safety, ill-fitting or unsuitable equipment continues to place many workers at risk, particularly those whose needs have historically been overlooked. It was emphasised that engaging end users should not be treated as a one-off activity, but as an ongoing process. Consideration must be given to the full diversity of the workforce, including permanent factors such as gender, religion and cultural requirements; longer-term changes such as age and disability; and shorter-term needs, including pregnancy or illness. Neurodiversity and sensitivities to noise or materials should also form part of this assessment.
Ultimately, PPE should be designed or redesigned so that it supports the wearer effectively, without becoming a hindrance or distraction.
The webinar was hosted by Tommy Walker (Tetra Tech) on behalf of ACE Emerging Professionals. ACE Emerging Professionals was formed ‘to help the emerging generation of consultants and engineers working in the natural and built environments. They provide ‘networking and career development opportunities across the UK’.
25/03/2026
Health & Safety International Summit 2026
The final webinar of March was the Health & Safety International Summit 2026. The Summit brought ‘together health and safety professionals, industry experts and solution providers to cut through uncertainty and focus on what matters now… and what’s coming next’. Session discussions explored how AI & digital tools can enhance safety leadership, practical strategies for managing climate-driven worker risk, and innovations shaping the safety market.
The webinar was hosted by Ana Martins (Health & Safety International) across several sessions including presentations by Sean Elson (Pinsent Masons LLP) Billy Hare PHD (Glasgow Caledonian University) and Ruth Wilkinson (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health). Natalie joined Ana and Kate Field (BSI) to discuss the emerging trends in PPE and workwear.
Natalie and Kate’s focus lay on inclusivity and sustainability in PPE and workwear. The key takeaways of their discussion were:
- Products should be designed to last, sourced from reliable and transparent supply chains, and centred around the worker’s experience and needs of the end user.
- Employers and buyers must ensure that cost does not become a barrier to providing appropriate options. This may require engaging multiple manufacturers to meet needs.
- Parliamentary and industry support for standards is critical. When standards become non-negotiable, it will encourage collaboration across the supply chain.
- PPE that doesn’t fit or function properly can affect wearer morale and confidence, highlighting the importance of proper fit and usability to prevent not only physical but psychological impact.
- Using clear terms and definitions enables better conversations and alignment between buyers, suppliers, and end users.
Natalie closed the conversation with a powerful statement; achieving positive PPE outcomes often requires a mindset shift. Success requires engagement between buyers, suppliers, and regulators to ensure accessibility, suitability, and inclusivity in PPE provision.
“As someone with 20 years’ experience in the industry, I believe that if our sector prevents somebody from doing the job they love, then shame on us. We must take responsibility and as an industry learn to adapt to ensure that every worker is fully supported in their working environment”.
Health and Safety International enlighten the public ‘on the latest developments in employee protection and share cross-industry knowledge to support professionals in their decision-making and ultimately ensure safer workplaces for all’. They provide ‘readers with daily news, in-depth features, case studies on best practice, product reports, and tools and techniques’.
