Challenges women face in safety and health

In support of International Women’s Day on 08 March 2025, Olivia Barrett TechIOSH focuses on the challenges women still face in safety and health. Olivia's role as a health and safety consultant gives her an insight into the concerns being raised by employees in different sectors. She looks at the key issues, why they exist, and considers how to address them.

PPE that doesn't fit

A prominent issue in many industries is the lack of appropriately sized personal protective equipment (PPE) for women. Historically, PPE such as helmets, gloves, boots and body armour were designed with the average male worker in mind. As a result, women are often left with gear that is either too large or too small, compromising both comfort and safety.

For example, women may find hard hats do not fit securely or work boots that are uncomfortable and do not provide adequate protection. These ill-fitting PPE items can lead to injuries such as strains, sprains and even accidents due to the distraction of discomfort ^{[ref 1]}.

Solution: manufacturers and employers need to prioritise the development and distribution of PPE that accommodates the unique needs of women, considering factors like body shape, weight distribution and size. By creating a diverse range of sizes and designs, industries can ensure all workers have the necessary protection to stay safe.

Manual handling

The physical demands of many jobs – whether it’s lifting heavy objects or standing for many hours – often assume that all workers have the same body type and physical strength. However, women generally have different physical capabilities due to factors like body composition and strength. This means that tasks designed for male workers can sometimes be too demanding for women, putting them at greater risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

In industries like healthcare, manufacturing and even office work, women might be tasked with lifting heavy equipment, patients or materials without adequate support or assistance. This leads to an increased risk of back, neck and joint injuries, especially when safety measures are not designed to accommodate the physical differences between men and women ^{[ref 2]}.

Solution: to address this issue, employers need to assess the physical demands of tasks and adjust accordingly. This could mean implementing more mechanical assistance, provide ergonomic training and ensure workspaces are designed with the diverse needs of the workforce in mind.

Gender bias

Another significant challenge women face in relation to health and safety is the gender bias that often exists in training programmes and policies. Traditionally, health and safety policies have been shaped by the experiences of male-dominated workplaces. Consequently, many aspects of safety training and protocol may overlook or underestimate health concerns that are unique to women.

For example, workplace policies may not address reproductive health risks, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or physical strain during pregnancy. Or, they may fail to provide clear protocols for dealing with issues like menstruation-related discomfort or menopause. In addition, women in some industries may find that there’s a lack of awareness or support around their specific health concerns ^{[ref 3]}.

Olivia Barrett TechIOSH

Job role

Future leaders community steering group member

Harassment and mental health concerns

While not always directly linked to physical safety, mental health and emotional wellbeing are critical components of overall workplace safety. Women in many industries face higher rates of harassment, whether it’s sexual harassment, gender-based discrimination or bullying. This harassment can create an unsafe work environment, leading to both psychological and physical stress.

In male-dominated fields, women often feel isolated, unsupported or overlooked, which can significantly affect their mental health and job performance. Stress from harassment and discrimination can lead to anxiety, depression and burnout, all of which impact a woman's ability to focus on the physical safety risks of their environment ^{[ref 4]}.

Solution: employers must create clear anti-harassment policies and procedures that protect all workers, regardless of gender. Additionally, promoting a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion is essential in ensuring that women feel safe in the workplace. Mental health resources, such as counselling and employee support programmes, should be made available to all employees to help them cope with the pressures of their work environment.

Lack of female representation in leadership

Another barrier to improving health and safety for women is the lack of female representation in leadership and decision-making roles related to workplace safety. Women are under-represented in high-level roles, such as safety officers or managers, which means that policies and safety measures are often shaped by a limited perspective.

As a result, issues that are specific to women’s health and safety may be overlooked or dismissed by those in charge of creating and implementing safety protocols ^{[ref 3]}.

Solution: companies should actively encourage and support women in safety and leadership roles. This can be done by promoting gender diversity in leadership positions, providing mentorship opportunities, and creating an inclusive culture that values the contributions of women. By ensuring that women are well-represented in safety leadership roles, industries can develop more comprehensive and effective safety policies that account for the unique needs of all workers ^{[ref 5]}.

Conclusion

The challenges women face in health and safety across industries are multi-faceted and deeply ingrained in both the physical and cultural structures of the workplace. However, by recognising these issues and actively working toward more inclusive and adaptive safety protocols, industries can create environments where everyone, regardless of gender, can work safely and effectively.

This means providing better PPE, designing ergonomic work environments, promoting gender-inclusive training, addressing harassment, and fostering female leadership in safety roles.

Ultimately, a focus on women's health and safety is not just about protecting one demographic – it’s about ensuring all workers have the opportunity to thrive in their work environments. When safety measures are designed with diversity in mind, everyone benefits.