Personal protective equipment, or PPE, has faced challenges in fitting a diverse workforce – research shows that 36% of women in the UK and 45% of women globally are supplied PPE that doesn’t fit properly.

Poorly fitting PPE isn’t just uncomfortable – in sectors like construction, healthcare, and policing, it can create serious safety risks, reduce job satisfaction, and even drive skilled workers from industries already experiencing labour shortages.

BS 30417, the new standard for inclusive PPE, provides practical guidance to ensure all employees are properly protected, regardless of gender, ethnicity, body shape, age, or disability.

In this episode, we hear from key voices at the Westminster launch of BS 30417, including MPs, industry leaders, and the standards-makers themselves, discussing how the standard enhances safety, inclusivity, and workforce well-being. Guests also share insights on its development, practical applications, and how organizations are preparing to implement it.

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BS 30417 | Provision of inclusive PPE

Standards in 10 Minutes | BS 30417

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Suicide affects every part of society, with around 6,000 deaths in the UK each year and one in four adults having contemplated it, leaving hundreds impacted by each loss. BS 30480 addresses this by providing the UK’s first workplace standard on suicide prevention, offering practical guidance to help organizations recognize risk, respond safely, and create supportive, stigma-free environments.

In this episode, Matthew speaks to Jamie Compton Rea, Chief Operating Officer at the National Centre for Suicide Prevention Education and Training (NCSPET) and standards-maker involved in the development of BS 30480. They discuss why BS 30480 is a landmark standard, Jamie’s role in its development, and the steps organizations should take in their first 100 days of putting the standard into practice.

Since it’s The Standards Show, Jamie also reflects on his own standards journey – what motivated him to get involved, and what continues to inspire his involvement today.

Find out more about the issues raised in this episode

BS 30480 | Suicide and the workplace

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The Standards Desk of News is news about standards and standards in the news.

The Standards Desk of News for November 2025:

• New standard for organizational action on suicide awareness
• Japan hospital achieves first ISO 7101 certification
• BSI achieves global first in AI management certification
• CEN and CENELEC Standards + Innovation Award Winners 2025
• Standards take centre stage at COP 30
• Celebrating World Quality Week

Series | Standards Desk of News

BSI Education Hub

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