Safety Jackets

In addition to safety boots, providing jackets designed for individuals of varying heights is essential in promoting inclusivity in the workplace. Proper-fitting jackets ensure that workers of different heights are adequately protected and comfortable while performing their duties. This attention to detail in PPE design contributes to a safer and more inclusive work environment for all employees.

Safety Boots

One of the key aspects of inclusive PPE in the warehouse industry is the availability of safety boot sizes that accommodate a range of foot dimensions. By offering boots in various sizes, companies can ensure that every employee, regardless of their foot size, has access to protective footwear that fits comfortably and securely. Ill-fitting safety boots can not only compromise safety but also lead to discomfort and potential injuries, highlighting the significance of inclusive sizing options.

Maternity PPE

The introduction of maternity PPE tailored to support pregnant individuals is a crucial step towards inclusivity in the warehouse industry. Pregnancy presents unique challenges and considerations for expectant mothers in the workplace, and having specialized PPE ensures their safety and well-being during this significant life stage. By accommodating the needs of pregnant individuals, companies demonstrate their commitment to supporting diversity and inclusivity within their workforce.

High-Vis Options

High-visibility clothing and accessories play a vital role in promoting safety, particularly in warehouse environments where visibility is key to preventing accidents. Offering high-vis options for wheelchair users and women with varying builds ensures that all employees have access to protective gear that fits their specific requirements. By addressing the diverse needs of individuals, companies foster a culture of inclusivity and safety that benefits the entire workforce.

Unique Needs

Fall protection equipment designed for women's frames and PPE options tailored to Muslim women further highlight the importance of inclusivity in the warehouse industry. Recognizing and addressing the unique safety needs of all employees, regardless of gender, build, or cultural background, fosters a workplace environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and protected.

Inclusive PPE is Compliance

Inclusive PPE is not just a matter of compliance; it is a fundamental aspect of promoting a culture of safety, diversity, and inclusivity in the warehouse industry. By offering a diverse range of PPE options that cater to the unique needs of all employees, companies can create a workplace environment where every individual feels safe, supported, and empowered to perform their roles effectively. Embracing inclusive PPE is not only a step towards regulatory compliance but a testament to a company's commitment to the well-being and inclusivity of its workforce.

IWLA Partner Member - Verve Motion

Workers in warehouses and distribution centers often lift up to 50,000 lbs a day, making them prone to injuries and fatigue caused by repetitive lifting tasks. However, a new generation of exosuits technology can help reduce injuries by up to 85 percent while increasing productivity by 5 percent.

Verve Motion's SafeLift^TM is a soft, powered exosuit designed to take up to 40 percent of the weight off of every lift of a case, package, or piece of equipment, thereby dramatically reducing the risk of back injury.

Learn more about the Safelift exosuit and how it can help your company today.

What Needs to Change About DEI — and What Doesn’t

As DEI work faces increasing scrutiny socially, politically, and legally, organizations are taking extra care to re-evaluate their DEI efforts. Leaders are right to consider change, not as a reaction to backlash, but to work toward a more accountable, transparent, and successful vision of what DEI could be.

The author identifies three things that need to change: 1) Clumsy, jargon-heavy communication, 2) disconnected and decoupled DEI goals and programs, and 3) nonexistent or vanity DEI measurement. They also identify three things that should be maintained: 1) Responsiveness to broader society, 2) commitment to healthy organizations, and 3) the belief that we can be better. Read More

What DEI Gets Wrong - and How to Do It Right

Social entrepreneur Paolo Gaudiano explains why many companies are taking the wrong approach to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives — by overly focusing on one thing. To avoid backlash and costly turnover, he shows the key change leaders can make to create thriving, equitable workplaces while also increasing profits.

The IWLA DEI Council is comprised of representatives from our member companies who work together to research and share with the Association data, issues, innovative thinking, case studies, and best practices in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion for the benefit of its members.

One focus area for the Council is growing the workforce. We hope to bring new, innovative ideas for attracting people and finding traditionally-overlooked talent. This includes labor, supervision, management, and ownership. We also want to attract people into the industry by bringing to light and sharing with them the available opportunities. While our industry has a very diverse workforce now, we need to show what a great opportunity it is for people of all walks of life.

• Tom Landry is Chairman of Allegiance Staffing, and the Board Liason of the IWLA Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Council.
• Pam Harris is the Director of Marketing & Supplier Diversity for ASW Global, and the Chair for the IWLA Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Council.

Questions? Contact Angela Moore or call 847.813.4687

Are you interested in participating in the DEI Council to develop education content, and keep members in the know about what is happening in the workforce around us? This is included in your membership. Let us know here!

The IWLA Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Council Update is designed to promote the benefits of a diverse workforce and diverse company leadership.