
To ensure that we supply the skilled plasterers, cement masons and shop hands our industry urgently needs in the coming years, it is essential that more women join our union and learn our crafts.
One critical issue that has been too often overlooked is the need for proper protective equipment (PPE) for women. Historically, most manufacturers and suppliers made and sold PPE designed to fit average-sized men. As a result, women have either used PPE that did not adequately protect them or stopped using PPE due to discomfort. As our partners at CPWR—The Center for Construction Research and Training noted, fewer than one in five tradeswomen and non-binary tradespeople surveyed by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research reported they were always provided with gloves or safety equipment in sizes that fit them while working.
Whether involving fall harnesses, safety shoes, safety glasses, hardhats or helmets, ear plugs or muffs, gloves, and respirators, PPE must fit each worker properly to provide proper protection and allow them to safely perform their jobs. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Employers should identify the PPE needs of their workers, provide the appropriate PPE sizes and types, and ensure the PPE fits properly. There is a continuing need to provide regular PPE training for all workers in the construction industry.” We agree and we make PPE training a core part of our curriculum.
Fortunately, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) last year issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to revise the current PPE standard in construction. Unlike general industry and maritime standards, OSHA has not clearly stated that PPE in construction must adequately fit each affected employee. The proposed change would require that equipment fit each affected employee properly to protect them from occupational hazards. Women will be the greatest beneficiaries and we strongly support the proposed rule.
In addition, CWPR has compiled a comprehensive list of commercially available PPE that has been designed accommodate women and anyone else not fitting the definition of an “average-sized man.” We encourage all OPCMIA signatory contractors to use this list in providing PPE to our members.
Rest assured, the OPCMIA ITF will continue doing everything in our power to ensure that women in our crafts receive PPE that fits and protects them.