When we need to reach a little higher, we strap extensions—stilts—on workers’ legs. When fearing a fall, we tie workers to buildings with a length of rope, and then we hope.

In December, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced it was replacing traditional hardhats for its employees with ANSI-Z89.1-certified Type II safety helmets when they work on sites.

In 2017, Clark Construction, based in Bethesda, Md., became the first general contractor to require personal protection headgear with a higher safety standard than traditional hardhats on all of its projects.

PPE manufacturer Ergodyne now offers helmet with the MIPS system designed to isolate the brain from shocks associated with falls and collisions.

Recent efforts to provide properly fitting personal protective equipment to women on construction jobsites are highlighting the connection between safety and long term careers in skilled trades and management.

The founder of a company that’s designing construction equipment and clothing for women didn’t just walk a mile in their shoes—she’s logged days in their type of pants.