PPE Series
Tailored for Safety The Hidden Dangers of Ill-Fitting Gear for Women Arborists By Amy Kent
of chainsaw boots that fit—by Husq- varna. “Arbortec had a beautiful pair, but they stopped making a size 3,” she recalled. Multiple arborist supply reps con- firmed: there was “no point” in con- tinuing to make smaller sizes. “That’s not just disappointing—it’s dangerous,” the tree surgeon shared. “Chainsaw boots need to go up high for protection. But if they’re too big or the wrong shape, that protective lay- er doesn’t sit where it’s supposed to. We need women’s fit boots, not just smaller men’s boots.” Chainsaw trousers are another pain point. Arbortec’s Breatheflex Pro wom- en’s chainsaw trousers are among the only options with a proper fit. “They fit well,” Allison stated. “But they’re £260. There are no other women’s options that I’ve found. The unisex ones from an other manufac- turer chafe like anything — I wore them once and never again.”
In an industry where safety is para- mount and every movement counts, ill-fitting gear can mean more than discomfort — it can pose serious risks. For women arborists, finding personal protective equipment (PPE) and workwear that actually fits is a persistent challenge. And despite growing numbers of women entering tree care roles, the industry still sees a deficit in gear designed with them in mind. Emily Allison, a new subcontrac- tor tree surgeon working part-time with Rockleigh , is among the many women trying to break into the tree care industry while fighting an uphill battle for functional, properly sized equipment. “I had to source my own uniform be- cause I’m an extra small,” she shared. “The only arbor wear tops I found in that size were from Treehog .” While she expressed gratitude for companies like Treehog and its par- ent brand, Arbortec , which have
started producing smaller fits, she emphasized this is about more than appearance. “It’s not because I want to look good,” Allison explained. “It’s because I don’t want to get dragged into the chipper.” Loose-fitting clothing is a major safe- ty hazard in arboriculture. It can snag on equipment, get pulled into chippers, or hinder movement during high-stakes climbing and cutting. “One of the rules on my chainsaw course was no loose clothing. But I had to wear my own gear, and none of it was high-vis or regulation-safe,” Allison said. “I’m grateful the top fits okay — but women shouldn’t have to piece together safety gear like this.” LACK OF SIZING MEANS LACK OF SAFETY Boots are another struggle. With feet that fit a U.K. size 3 (U.S. size 5 or smaller), Allison found only one pair
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