Essential information for end of life vehicle dismantling, depollution and recycling

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PPE – Does one size fit all?

As a vehicle recycling business, have you considered what personal protective equipment (PPE) you should be providing for your employees? Does one size really fit all? Debbie Janson, Senior Lecturer of Engineering Management at the University of Bath, provides us with her opinion.

 

PPE - Does one size fit all? feat
Debbie Janson

Today’s workforce is becoming increasingly diverse. One aspect of this is the growing number of women entering professions traditionally dominated by men, with most industries actively promoting this evolution.

However, once women enter these professions, their experience varies. Some are welcomed, supported and made to feel like they belong, feel happy and progress well. Others, not so much. Micro-aggressions frequent their working lives; lack of toilet facilities, being seen as the administrator, and lack of properly fitting PPE are just a few examples. PPE provision for women is an area where not only can women feel disadvantaged, in practical terms, their safety can also be compromised.

By law, all employers have a responsibility to provide PPE that is fit for purpose. However, if it doesn’t fit, is it really fit for purpose? For example, most safety footwear is designed for men and around a man’s foot shape. The range available for women is a fraction of that available for men, with some styles being marketed as “unisex” even though women’s and men’s foot shapes have been shown to be different.

Additionally, most workwear is developed for men, and even when seemingly available for women, it is simply rebadged menswear—the result for women being extremely ill-fitting garments and modifications aplenty. Even the lowly hi-vis vest – not often a problem for men, is nearly always a problem for women; our shapes are different, so why isn’t the PPE?

Okay, so these industries have always been male-dominated, so it stands to reason that it will take some time for availability to catch up. But, even in industries such as healthcare, where women make up around 75-80% of the workforce, PPE is still designed around men’s anthropometrics. For example, face-fitted respirators and masks are based on the facial dimensions of the average western man.

Many men suffer with fit problems with their PPE too. In a survey in 2019, 60% of women reported that their safety footwear was less comfortable than their regular footwear, but so did 45% of men. Average sizing simply doesn’t suit a large proportion of the workforce, and when considering safety footwear, if it’s ill-fitting, it causes blisters, pain and muscular-skeletal disorders. PPE is the last line of defence, and wearing it should not be causing additional problems for its wearer. This goes for visitors too! Does your organisation cater for your diverse range of visitors? What impression does it leave for the women who come for interviews, inspections, sales or customer visits?

So, what is the answer?

Organisations need to be aware that one size simply doesn’t fit all. The problem isn’t limited to women, it’s applicable across the board, but it certainly does disadvantage women on a larger scale. It’s vital when selecting PPE to do the research and find those manufacturers that offer an appropriate range of sizes. To be fit for purpose, PPE really does need to fit and be tolerable. Yes, this may cost a bit more, but surely this is worth it to ensure not only safety but also that all of your employees feel like they are welcome, supported and belong in the workforce.

To contact Debbie, please email her at d.j.janson@bath.ac.uk  or visit www.bath.ac.uk

OHRA

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Owain Griffiths

Owain Griffiths

Head of Circular Economy at Volvo Cars

Owain joined Volvo Cars in June 2021 to lead Circular Economy in the Global Sustainability Team. The company has committed to being a circular business by 2040 and has financial, recycled content and CO2 based targets for 2025, all of which Owain is working across the company to make happen. Owain previously worked for circular economy consultancy Oakdene Hollins where he advised businesses on evidence led circular economy implementation. 

Turning into a circular business and the importance of vehicle reuse and recycling.

The presentation will cover the work Volvo Cars is doing to achieve 2025 but mainly focus on the transformational work towards 2040 and the business and value chain changes being considered. Attention will be paid to the way vehicles are being dealt with at the end of life and the complexities of closing material and component loops. Opportunities and challenges which Volvo Cars is facing will be presented including engagement with 3rd parties and increasing pressure from stakeholders.

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e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management [e2e] is the UK’s only salvage and automotive recycling network with nationwide, environmentally compliant sites delivering performance resilience and service reliability to the insurance and fleet markets.  The network’s online salvage auction www.salvagemarket.co.uk drives strong salvage resale values and faster sales.  e2e’s salvage clients have access to the network’s stocks of over 5 million quality graded, warranty assured reclaimed parts. 

The power of the network model means e2e has the ability to influence industry standards and is committed to continually raising the bar whilst redefining the role and perceived value of the salvage operator.  Network members adhere to robust service level agreements, against which they are audited, in order to ensure performance consistency and a market leading customer experience.  

The salvage and recycling operating environment is evolving rapidly, and e2e is anticipating, listening and responding to changing market needs.  Regulatory compliance, ESG, reclaimed parts, customer experience, EVs, new vehicle technologies, data and reputation risk are just some of many considerations linked to the procurement of salvage services.  e2e will drive further added value to clients and members through the adoption and application of emerging technologies, continuing to differentiate its proposition and position salvage services as a professional partnership. 

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