women’s ppe

Background:

The construction industry as a whole is facing a nationwide crisis with the respect to the availability of qualified labor. Creating an appealing potential work environment for non-typical hires such as females is vital to mitigate the increasing labor shortage. By creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace, employers are amplifying their potential to attract new employee talent such as females which have been historically deterred from the industry. Not only is it important to entice new talent, it is just as if not equally important for employers to maintain new talent by providing solutions and programs that promote employee retention. Women are interested in the trades but current conditions are not inclusive. The involvement of employers and non-profits promoting STEM careers to females often stops at the promotional stage and lacks follow-through by execution. In recent years, we have experienced a positive trend that encourages the promotion of young females to consider non-traditional careers in the STEM and trades field. While this is a much needed first step in the effort to generate change, we shall be reminded that change requires a continuous improvement and adjustments of our standard protocols and process from start to finish. Once the females reach the industry, it is imperative that organizations make the necessary adaptations to their operational protocols and corporate policies that affect day to day work conditions.

employer challenges:

• Limited knowledge and education in how to obtain health and safety products specifically, designed for females working in non-traditional industrial setting jobs.

• Limited product availability of a full range of stock and sizes of PPE, at the retail/wholesale/distributor levels for health and safety product lines designed for women workers.

Combating the us construction industry labor shortage

"Associated General Contractors of America officials noted that 78% of construction firms reported difficulties earlier this year finding enough qualified workers to hire. As a result, the decline in construction spending in some categories likely reflects the fact firms are turning down or delaying projects until they have enough people to do the work." 

- Lack of Skilled Workers Hits US Construction Spend, KHL Magazine

This most recent evidence indicates that there is an imperative need to source talent within our industry. Attracting female talent is crucial for the industry to maintain stability of the labor force. If your company is seeking ways to proactively attract and engage with potential female talent or if you are trying to retain your current female employees then a solution is readily available. One of the many ways to attract new female talent can be ensuring that your company offers women's fit PPE and safety gear as a minimum standard for female employees.

Recruiting Female Talent is Crucial to Maintain Stability in the US Construction Labor Market

Sourcing properly fitting products for women can be challenging. Over the past year safety manufacturers have continued to roll out new product designs that offer solutions to enhance the performance of working women in industries such as construction, oil & gas, mining, and manufacturing. It is now the hands of employers actively source and supply these products. Now is the time for employers to take action with this movement in an effort to maintain the highest safety and equality standards to protect their employees. The benefits of this initiative are two-fold, as employers will continue to reap the benefits by not only protecting and maintaining satisfaction of their current employees but also will be able to more effectively attract new talent.