Survey Finds Women in Construction Still Lack Appropriate PPE

In July 2023, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a proposed rule to revise its standard on personal protective equipment (PPE) in construction “to ensure that all PPE that is selected properly fits each affected employee.” But a recent survey of women in construction indicates more progress needs to be made, Safety+Health magazine reports.

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.

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