“I’m delighted that my employer Lerøy, in partnership with Ahlsell, are taking women workers seriously and persuaded the manufacturer so that we can finally get proper workwear for women,” says Camilla Bø.
She has been working at a Lerøy Sjøtroll hatchery for almost five years. In her job she regularly comes into contact with cold air and cool freshwater, which means she needs clothing that insulates, is water-repellent and allows her to move around freely. Up until now Camilla and other women in the industry have had to wear clothes designed for men while at work.
“Finding a pair of men’s trousers that fit is almost impossible. Either the legs are too long, the hips too narrow, or they are lumpy or baggy. And once you find a pair that fits your waist, you can be sure that the legs are 40 cm too long. So, yes, it really makes me look stylish,” she says ironically.
As the number of women in the seafood industry continues to grow, she feels it is only right that women are offered suitable workwear just like men. Lerøy completely agrees, yet it has been a long process to launch the new range.
“For our employees working the pens and hatcheries it is important to wear clothing that they feel comfortable in. They were these clothes day in and day out, and it’s important for the working environment. Women have not had suitable workwear,” says Lerøy procurement manager Erik Kjær Mjøs.
He is proud that Lerøy is finally able to offer workwear suitable for women, although he wished it had been done sooner.
“We’ve been putting pressure on our supplier Ahlsell and said that Lerøy needs it and you just have to sort it out,” Erik says.
Ahlsell then had to convince its manufacturers to start making workwear for women. The process has taken time, therefore.
“We are very happy to be working with progressive customers such as Lerøy. They have been pushing us to introduce these clothes”, says head of fisheries and seafood at Ahlsell, Torbjørn Johnsen.
The women’s and men’s ranges both have the same technologies and functions. The main difference is the fit. While men are typically taller and slenderer, females tend to be shorter than men and with body shapes that require them to go up one size or more – even if the length is then wrong.
“In fact, I think this is the first time I’ve not had to turn up my trouser legs at work,” Camilla says.
She is very happy with the new clothes.
“It’s obviously more comfortable to move and work in clothes that actually fit. There is always a bit of lifting, bending down and movement during the day, so it’s easier to get the job done with comfortable workwear, not to mention the reduced risk of falling,” Camilla points out.
For female employees, pregnancy can also affect the fit of the clothes. Torbjørn says there is currently no workwear aimed at pregnant women on the market, but Ahlsell has found a solution.
“All our customers should be able to find workwear that fits. That also applies to pregnant women. We therefore offer the services of our own tailor to adjust workwear as needed,” Torbjørn explains.
