Women in safety face six common career challenges, researcher says

So with the possible exception of #5 this article describes barriers to ALL safety practitioners, particularly those starting out. Claiming this as a "Women Only" set of barriers does not help to address these concerns and only minimizes the actual problem while fostering resentment and even giving credence to the misogynistic belief that woman complain about their position as safety professionals. Making correlations between these barriers and sex without empirical evidence does nothing for us as safety practitioners. It is frustrating to see this gender/race ideology continually permeating into this and other professional journals.

Over 25 yrs working in the industry, I have been called many unwanted names for stating required compliance info whilst a male counterpart is merely called “hardnose” or “that is just how he is.” Also, many men prefer younger, sexually attractive women and not older women. Some men are respectful but majority are not and they refuse to acknowledge unless you play their game. Companies also seem to hire men more than women.

1. Work hours and travel required. - In most cases this is a requirement of the job. An employer can (and should) only make reasonable accommodations, pilots need to travel for work, and so do some safety professionals. 2. Lack of formal education in safety before career began. - Many people are promoted or brought into a role without prior formal education. Hire for fit, train for skill. What seems to be the problem? 3. Low number of women in the industry. - This can be due to many factors including desire. Without evidence to support this claim; something about correlation and causation..... 4. Frequently having authority questioned on the job. - Careful with the extent to which you desire to exercise "authority". Safety leadership is largely dependent on your ability to understand an issue and communicate it effectively. Start with the "why" and give reasons why the requirement exists. If you jump to enforcement/exercising authority, you'll never make real positive change. 5. The notion that the industry is not for women. - Where did you get this "notion" outside of a personal feeling? I have met some badass women in trades and leadership roles. If you're good, you'll get respect in the field, regardless of gender, age, etc. 6. Being perceived as young and inexperienced augmenting feelings of frustration around the job. - Are you young and inexperienced? Safety in most cases is not an entry level role and requires some level of experience and understanding. Even Jesus waited until he was in his 30's to start preaching.