Women’s PPE Improvements Achieved Through Unite Campaigning

Strongly supported by Unite the Union, former HPC Women in Construction Representative Maria Boyle successfully campaigned for the introduction of the first black and yellow safety trousers specifically designed for BYLOR women workers.

Although Maria now works for another company on Hinkley Point C, her efforts while serving as a Unite representative helped drive an important change for women across site.

Since July 2025, numerous meetings, discussions and emails took place before approval was finally achieved. The campaign focused on improving comfort, dignity and confidence for women working within the construction industry.

For many women on site, PPE is worn for long shifts in demanding conditions. Standard unisex or traditionally male-designed PPE can often create additional discomfort and practical difficulties. The introduction of women-specific safety trousers represents an important step towards recognising these challenges and ensuring women workers feel more comfortable, supported and properly represented while carrying out their work safely.

Several women who trialled the new trousers spoke positively about finally having PPE designed specifically for women’s needs rather than relying solely on unisex equipment. Many highlighted how important it is to feel respected and represented within one of the largest construction projects in Europe.

The feedback received so far has been extremely positive, with many workers describing the initiative as a meaningful improvement for comfort, wellbeing and dignity on site.

This achievement marks another important step forward for women in construction and reflects the continued commitment to improving inclusivity, PPE standards and workplace support for BYLOR women workers.

Unite the Union remains committed to supporting the wellbeing, dignity and representation of its members while continuing to promote safer, fairer and more inclusive working conditions across site.

Following the success of the black and yellow safety trousers, many BYLOR women workers currently wearing the grey and orange PPE trousers have started asking when black and orange versions designed specifically for women will also become available.

In response to this growing demand, Sarah Guyon raised the request directly with the PPE Manager to discuss the possibility of introducing black and orange women’s safety trousers, helping ensure greater equality and consistency for women workers across different roles on site.

Discussions have been positive, and there is hope that the new black and orange women’s safety trousers could begin appearing on site before the end of the year - marking another positive step forward for women-specific PPE within the construction industry.

Unite the Union will continue supporting members and campaigning for safer, fairer and more inclusive working conditions across site.