Building safely, showing reality – carpenter Annalena May about PPE, ergonomics and her trade

Balancing on the roof ridge, a cordless screwdriver in her hand and a smile on her face – that’s how Annalena May (@zimmerin.annalena) is known to roughly 20,000 followers. The soon-to-be certified master carpenter is one of just a few women showing what life on a construction site really looks like: fully equipped with a helmet, harness, safety boots – and a whole lot of action among beams, tools and teamwork.

That’s what her community values: genuine insights instead of staged pictures. Each post sparks questions – about the tools, pro-jects and her personal protection equipment (PPE). And for Annale-na, PPE is anything but a side issue. She demonstrates that safety, comfort and practicability belong together in the trades – and why the topic is at the top of her list at A+A.

Editorial Team: You’re a role model for many as a carpenter and influencer, espe-cially for women. Are there specific challenges related to PPE and ergonomics for women, and what would you suggest to manufac-turers to solve these?

Annalena: It starts with the fitting. Downgrading sizes is not enough; it needs new cuts. Footwear is a big issue; it would be cool if boots were available starting at size 37; it’s a bigger problem than jackets, really. Gloves are usually too big, and helmets far too wide for my head. I wish manufacturers would offer PPE that is designed for women from durable, solid lightweight materials and cuts – not just downsized men’s gear.

Editorial Team: You’re a craftswoman and a content creator at the same time. How did this happen?

Annalena: First, I shared my everyday life at home after buying a house. We purchased a half-timber house in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. Since no one was allowed to visit, I documented and shared the changes, reconstruction and renovation works. That way, family and friends could see what was happening and what it looked like. Along the way, I showed some of my work. And then, COVID triggered skill shortage – especially when it came to young talent, at least in the trades. That’s when I thought: Hey, maybe I can use Instagram to reach people and show how cool this job is. And then, one day, a Reel that I thought was boring – and I even hesitated to share it – went viral overnight.

Editorial Team: What did you like from the start about social media?
Annalena: What I liked from the start was the interaction with others. You could receive tips, give advice, especially during the house renovation that was (and still is) super helpful. I also shared my own experiences. And once I received messages from people saying they started an ap-prenticeship because of me, I knew I had to keep going!

Editorial Team: Was it your goal from the start to become a big influencer?

Annalena: I had never planned to become this big. There is no system or strategy. I only show how what my work is like – the rest comes naturally. That’s why it still feels somewhat strange being called an influencer. To start with, I just showed my everyday work life – a picture of the roof, a video of raising a beam. I wanted to show the versatility of the job. The community grew quickly, and soon they started asking specific questions about PPE, tools and the daily routine on the construction site. Today, I use my account to show my trade as it is: authentic, unfiltered and full of passion.

Editorial Team: What responsibility do you have as an influencer when it comes to product recommendations?

Annalena: Credibility is the most important. I only show what I use and can recommend. If something doesn’t work, I say so. Especially in the craft, it’s not about lifestyle but about safety and quality – so you must be sincere.

Editorial Team: You also refurbished your half-timber house. Was PPE as important there?

Annalena: Yes, absolutely. When it comes to private projects, you'd think: Well, I can do it without wearing a mask. However, respiratory pro-tection was essential during the renovation works – think old materials, dust, mould, you don't want your lungs unprotected. And when you stand on a ladder moving heavy stuff, you quickly realise that sloppiness is not a good idea. At home, there is no boss to remind you – you are responsi-ble for yourself.

Editorial Team: What trends do you observe in PPE, especially for working on roof-tops?

Annalena: A lot has changed in recent years. Helmets are much lighter yet more durable, many with ventilation systems to prevent overheating. In terms of fall protection, you can see that manufacturers pay more at-tention to freedom of movement – harnesses fit better and restrict less. There is also improvement in terms of footwear: lighter soles, still slip-resistant, which is extremely important on wet rooftops. I have the im-pression that ergonomics and safety increasingly go hand in hand. And I also notice a big trend in terms of weight and aesthetics for safety foot-wear. And exoskeletons are on the rise.

Editorial Team: What are you hoping for from your first visit to A+A 2025?

Annalena: I want to see innovations, especially in terms of ergonomic footwear, helmets and fall protection. A+A is the best place to try out equipment and to speak directly with the manufacturers. I’m also looking forward to meeting other influencers and exhibitors – that often sparks unexpected ideas.

Editorial Team: A+A: Your PPE tip for aspiring craftspeople?

Annalena: Buy gear that fits you and that you like wearing. It sounds simple, but it’s crucial – one who feels comfortable keeps on wearing PPE consistently, and that’s the best protection ever. PPE is not uncool! Who wants to be deaf at forty? Maybe choose a cool color. Meanwhile, there are plenty of color shades, literally.
Whether on the rooftop, in master school or soon among the exhibition stands at A+A 2025, Annalena proves that PPE and ergonomic workwear make a difference. For her, it’s not a side issue but an essential part of safe, professional and modern craftsmanship.