“We have a low pregnancy rate.”
Low frequency does not eliminate compliance responsibility. PPE must be appropriate for any employee exposed to workplace hazards, regardless of how often accommodation is required.
“Employees typically size up.”
Sizing up adds garment volume — it doesn't create a fit designed for a pregnant body. The result is excess fabric that introduces bulk, restricts mobility, and creates fit-related hazards your program didn't account for.
“We haven’t received complaints.”
Fit-related issues are often adapted to rather than formally reported. Workers may modify garments or adjust work behaviors instead of submitting complaints.
“This is a special accommodation.”
Maternity-fit PPE is not a separate safety category. It is a continuation of existing high-visibility requirements applied to a changing body.
“Can’t we just reassign temporarily?”
Temporary reassignment may reduce immediate exposure but can increase training costs, disrupt workflow continuity, and remove experienced personnel from active roles.