November 23, 2005—As the construction field continues to grow, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) is providing workplace safety tips aimed at helping reduce injuries and illnesses for women in the construction industry.
Both men and women working in construction are susceptible to reproductive hazards, sanitary concerns, muscle strains and lifting issues. However, these issues are not solved the same way for men as for women, notes ASSE member and author Carol Schmeidler, CSP, of Buffalo, NY. In ASSE’s Construction Safety Management and Engineering book, Schmeidler stated in her Safety and Health Issues for Women in Construction’ chapter that personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing are often designed for average-sized men, so equipment and clothing that does not properly fit could reduce its effectiveness in providing protection. So for women, make sure the PPE fits and protects.
As for heavy loads, women construction workers may want to use alternate means such as dragging the load instead of lifting it or using a wheelbarrow or cart to move the load. The average construction worker can lift 30 to 50 pounds, but the actual load capacity can vary from person to person, regardless of gender.
Also alternate methods of completing a task can be helpful, such as using a ladder when hammering nails just out of reach. Unnecessary stretching and awkward positioning to complete a task could result in back strain, muscle aches or even cause a fall if unbalanced.
For more tips, visit the ASSE Web site.
