Fall Protection Safety Needs of Women in Construction

  Understanding the Safety Needs of Women in Construction  

Women comprised almost 11% of the U.S. construction labor force in 2023, according to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. This statistic demonstrates a growing number of women in the industry and illuminates their safety needs..

Yet, women in the construction industry face unique challenges. As a minority within their profession, female construction workers often contend with standard tools and fall protection equipment that don’t fit properly. Ill-fitting gear and inadequate facilities substantially increase their risks when working at height.

Fortunately, there are solutions that can foster a safe and productive environment for women in construction.

  Regulatory and Industry Standards for Women’s Safety  

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that employers provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that fits wearers properly.

OSHA 3151-02R 2023 states:

“All PPE clothing and equipment must be of safe design and construction and be maintained in a clean and reliable fashion. Employers shall take the fit and comfort of PPE into consideration when selecting appropriate items for their workplace. PPE that fits well and is comfortable to wear will encourage employee use.”

However, this mandate refers to PPE in general, not PPE specifically intended for women.

The U.S. Department of Labor is considering a rule to better address the “failure of standard-sized PPE to protect physically smaller construction workers properly, as well as problems with access to properly fitting PPE…especially for some women.”

Furthermore, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is considering updating its fall protection standard to better address women’s safety. For example, the ANSI/ASSP Z359 Fall Protection Code limits its user weight testing from 130 to 310 pounds. This limit does not account for female workers, who often weigh less than 130 pounds. This is a significant omission, given that one in 10 U.S. construction workers are women.

  The Importance of Properly Fitting Fall Protection Gear  

Poorly fitting PPE can increase the risk of trips or falls at height, a looming danger at any construction site. As mentioned in a previous article, OSHA has cited inadequate or nonexistent fall protection as its most common violation for over 10 years.

A survey of female construction employees and employers conducted earlier this year found 67% of job sites do not have standard PPE items, such as a compact hard hat or full-body women’s construction safety harness, readily available in women’s sizes. This lack of essential safety gear puts female workers at risk and impedes individuals in key roles such as women in construction safety, whose duty is to monitor and verify safe operations on work sites.

  Specialized Training and Education for Women on Fall Protection  

Fall protection training largely remains uniform for men and women. Any fall protection training program should have hands-on experience with every common PPE item, such as a self-retracting lifeline, tool tethering system, and safety harness. The last item is especially important as it should be designed to fit women’s distinct body shape, especially hip contours. Training is only effective when the equipment featured is working—and fitting—properly.

  Innovations in Customized Fall Protection Solutions for Women  

Women in construction can benefit from progress in fall protection equipment. Leading brands like FallTech offer adjustable full-body harnesses designed specifically for women. The FallTech FT-One Fit Premium Full-Body Harness features patent-pending hip adjustability to help wearers find a perfect fit. This specially designed equipment eliminates the hassle of having to use a larger (and thus looser) men’s harness to accommodate hip size.

Remember: Something as simple as a proper-fitting safety harness goes a long way to creating a safer worksite.

  Expert Insights on Enhancing Safety for Women in Construction  

Safety experts generally agree on several strategies to enhance safety for women in construction. An employer should offer essential PPE, such as work gloves or safety harnesses, that properly fit female employees. Beyond PPE, it’s important to ensure women have adequate access to clean facilities like restrooms. Moreover, fostering an inclusive culture is crucial and achievable through raising awareness about gender-specific issues and ensuring equal opportunities.

  Cultivating a Safe and Inclusive Workplace Culture  

Workplace culture is key to making every construction site safe for women. Preventing harassment and discrimination ensures everyone feels respected and valued. Incident reporting and anti-harassment policies help create a safe space. To encourage an inclusive workplace, promote gender diversity in leadership through supervisory roles, as with women in construction safety, and foster open communication. This supportive environment creates a workplace where women can thrive and contribute to a safer, more productive environment.