Women in construction still lack PPE that fits, survey shows

Saratoga, CA — It’s still an issue: A recent survey of women in the construction industry found that gender-appropriate personal protective equipment and maternity-friendly safety equipment is lacking on jobsites.

Researchers at Lumber, a construction workforce management organization, surveyed 100 female construction company owners, executives and decision-makers about worksite challenges. Sixty-seven percent of respondents said PPE such as safety harnesses and hard hats weren’t readily available in women’s sizes, while 85% couldn’t access maternity-friendly safety equipment.

In July, OSHA issued a proposed rule to revise its standard on PPE in construction (1926.95) “to ensure that all PPE that is selected properly fits each affected employee.” The comment deadline was Sept. 18.

“This report underscores the urgency of addressing systemic barriers and fostering environments where every individual can thrive,” Meghan Schoen, director of client relations at Lumber and a former construction company owner, said in a press release. “Together, we can build a future where diversity is celebrated, opportunities abound and women play a pivotal role in shaping the construction landscape.”