The role of personal protective equipment design for women in the workplace: Challenges and solution proposals

This study aims to exhibit the role and significance of personal protective equipment for women in the workplace, challenges, and solution proposals. This study, which examines qualitative research methods, was figured with a case study model. Holistic multiple case study model was chosen as the case study model. Interviews within the scope of the research were conducted via Google Form with open-ended questions, due to Covid-19. Only women workers were interviewed. Occupational groups of women workers were limited to health workers, engineers-designers-quality specialists, and architects. Women workers who participated in the study had an age range of 24-61. Total number of participants was 23. 4 participants live in Italy. Participants from Italy were included in the study due to the high casualty rates in Italy in the Covid-19 period, and Italian medical doctors' and nurses' media presence. It was observed that the responses of 22 out of 23 participants provided sufficient data to address the questions and hypotheses of the study. Answers to the following questions were explored throughout the study: "What are the national and international laws, regulations, and principles with regards to personal protective equipment", "What are the design and ergonomic problems in the manufacturing and use of personal protective equipment?", "What are the design and ergonomic problems for women-oriented personal protective equipment, and solution proposals?". Keywords: Personal protective equipment, Female ergonomics, Feminist philosophy, Design, Workplace health and safety