{"id":67256,"date":"2022-06-02T10:14:45","date_gmt":"2022-06-02T14:14:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smart-union.org\/?p=67256"},"modified":"2022-06-02T10:14:47","modified_gmt":"2022-06-02T14:14:47","slug":"smohit-on-safeguarding-womens-health-in-the-trades","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smart-union.org\/smohit-on-safeguarding-womens-health-in-the-trades\/","title":{"rendered":"SMOHIT on Safeguarding Women’s Health in the Trades","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the last several years, an increase in HVAC, construction, ventilation verification and other work has led to a growth in continent-wide demand for the skills and expertise provided by SMART members. As the need for sheet metal workers has intensified, so too has the drive to recruit more women into the trade, and the 21st-century workforce looks more diverse than ever before. With this opportunity comes a similar sense of responsibility: the greater and more diverse our union and industry grow, the harder we must work to safeguard the well-being of every <\/em>member of our union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health and safety concerns in construction and the trades affect both women and men, but some problems can have a greater impact on women. Interviews and focus groups of women construction workers conducted by Chicago Women in Trades<\/a> and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health<\/a> identified several recurring issues. As in other male-dominated fields, women in construction have reported facing a hostile workplace, sexual harassment, isolation and job insecurity. These stresses can add to the pressure already created by tight deadlines and complicated work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Physical challenges and job site dynamics unique to women add to this disparity. Women are between two and five times more likely than men to experience upper body sprains and strains at work. Excessive lifting and repetitive motions are all known risk factors for back injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders, regardless of gender \u2014 and it\u2019s important to remember that many things on a job site, from tools to protective equipment to portable toilets, have historically been designed for men\u2019s bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we step into a bright future, it\u2019s up to all of us, men and women, to help one another survive and thrive in the sheet metal industry. Among other things, that means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n