The number of women in the construction industry has grown over the years. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, between 2017 and 2018 alone the number of women working in construction trades increased by 17.6%. With this growth, the need for safety equipment that is more accommodating for the female body has grown as well. Ill-fitting vests, gloves, goggles, etcetera can present a hazard at the work site. In an effort to provide a more inclusive workplace, Skanska has taken the feedback they have gathered from their female employees and launched a line of safety equipment that is tailored for female bodies. The first launch of items includes safety vests that include a tapered waist for a firmer fit, as well as a vest with an elastic waist band that also helps to ensure a flexibility and optimal safety. You can take a look at the vests below.
In addition to the vests, Skanska is also working on other PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) that will be tailored to their female workforce such as female specific gloves for use with touchscreens and general use. They are also working on construction helmets that provide additional protection to a person’s front, side and rear of their head. It will also include a chin strap that ensures the helmet will stay in place. This improvement is being made for all construction workers and will be made available worldwide once launched. The great thing about Skanska’s efforts in their female tailored line is that it is not limited to their employees. They have launched these items and made them readily available for women in the construction industry everywhere. With a goal of “providing an inclusive environment that promotes wellbeing and success,” I believe Skanska has been successful and is moving in the right direction. I’m sure women in this industry are looking forward to what other PPE Skanska will develop and I hope that construction companies everywhere will see the importance of providing this equipment for their female workforce.
