Examining Workplace Disparities
and Safety Concerns
Continuing our focus on the construction industry, this month we are re-visiting the issues women face. The construction industry continues to show significant gender disparities in both representation and workplace conditions. These recent statistics highlight the ongoing challenges faced by women in construction:
Industry Representation
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2024 data:
- Women make up only 11.2% of construction industry workers, compared to 47.4% of the overall workforce
- Female representation in construction trades is even lower at 4.7% of workers
- Women in construction management positions represent 16.3% of the total, significantly lower than the 40.2% average across all industries
Wage Gap Analysis
The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) reports:
- Women in construction earn 83.7 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts
- The gender wage gap in construction is slightly smaller than the national average of 82 cents, but it persists despite equal work requirements
- Female construction apprentices earn on average 79.5% of what male apprentices earn
Workplace Safety Concerns
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has identified several safety concerns specific to women in construction:
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) is often designed for male body types, leaving women with ill-fitting safety gear
- Women report 27% higher rates of musculoskeletal disorders due to tools and equipment designed for male physical proportions
- Female construction workers are 2.5 times more likely to experience workplace harassment than their male colleagues
Legal Rights and Protections
Women in construction have specific legal protections under various laws:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits gender-based discrimination in hiring, promotion, and workplace conditions
- The Equal Pay Act requires equal compensation for equal work, regardless of gender
- OSHA regulations mandate appropriate PPE for all workers, including properly fitting equipment for women
At Buzin & Berman, we are committed to protecting the rights of all construction workers. If you, or anyone you know has been injured on a construction site, contact us for a confidential consultation to discuss your legal options.
