Thursday, March 31, 2022

Women in Construction

Best practices to recruit and retain women in the construction workplace.

How can recruiters, employers, and supervisors support women in entering, and excelling in careers in trades?

Best Practice #1: Conduct interviews, job expectations, and evaluations with consistency.

Women make an intentional decision to enter the construction sector. If the candidate has previous experience or completed a pre-trades program, it is safe to assume that they are making an informed career choice and can be seriously considered for the job.

Ask candidates questions connected to their ability to perform and fit in with the workplace culture. Ask about their transferrable skills and competencies.

If the woman is incapable of doing the work and is posing a danger to the workplace, do not be afraid to let her go, as you would with any employee who is not meeting the expectations. That said, do not judge any further women candidates based on any past experiences.

Evaluate potential recruits based on their own merit and capabilities, and not stereotyping or reflecting past experiences.

Check out the recent Women in the Trades infographic from Statistics Canada for the latest numbers.

Best Practice #2: Foster a respectful, inclusive workplace culture through clear communication.

New hires and employers often identify similar challenges in the workplace. Common concerns include personal safety, understanding job expectations, and navigating workplace culture. Employers also note the importance of making expectations, norms, and support systems clear to all employees.

Workplaces are shaped by assumptions, attitudes, roles, and norms, many of which may be unspoken, unwritten, or informal. In environments where one group has historically been overrepresented, these norms can sometimes make it more challenging for newcomers or underrepresented employees to confidently navigate workplace expectations and culture. Clear communication and inclusive practices help everyone adapt and succeed.

When orienting new employees, be sure to clearly explain the following workplace norms and expectations.

Formal and informal hierarchy
Start times, end times, and breaks
How/when/who to ask for help
The role of the apprentice
Standards with regards to respect in the workplace and humour

Best Practice #3: Post and implement a workplace respect policy.

Creating and enforcing a workplace respect policy is an effective way to improve workplace culture and address norms that may negatively affect women in the industry. These policies help create a safer environment by clearly identifying and addressing behaviour that violates standards of respect.

Violations of respect include unprofessional conduct, harassment, and workplace violence. When workplace policies are established, practiced, and enforced, productivity increases and communication is more effective. Improved workplace respect also helps site supervisors spend less time managing workplace harassment issues, which frees them up to focus more on daily tasks.

Best Practice #4: Provide a Comprehensive Site and Safety Orientation

A welcoming environment for women and newcomers on site means providing a complete and comprehensive safety orientation. Be sure to check in on new employees at the start and end of their shift during their first week of employment.

New recruits may be reluctant to approach supervisors with questions or concerns because they don’t want to bring attention to the fact that they don’t know the answer. Encourage open communication and take the time to answer any questions. This is vital to retaining new hires.

5 Things to Include on Site and Safety Orientation

A site map showing key locations (e.g. washrooms, muster areas, medical shacks, emergency equipment, break rooms, lockers)
A comprehensive tour of the work site
Key emergency contact information
Expectations regarding the new employee’s role, specific safety and work procedures, and relevant performance standards or policies
Acceptable standards of attire and conduct.

Best Practice #5: Provide safety training and properly fitting personal protective equipment (PPE)

One of the primary and important safety concerns for women on construction sites is improperly fitting PPE. In a male-dominated industry, much of the equipment is designed with men in mind and does not fit women well, creating a safety hazard. It causes many women to shift the equipment to a more comfortable position, which is a further safety hazard.

5 Ways That Training and Equipment Can Become Made Safer for Women

Seek out suppliers that offer PPE that is specifically designed for women.
Make sure that all employees know how to appropriately handle hazardous material.
Provide clean and lockable washroom facilities.
Provide clear guidelines regarding safe work policies and practices. Remember, new recruits may be reluctant to speak up.
Ensure new recruits know who to talk to about safety concerns

CLAC has begun to research fall protection harnesses for women to ensure that women are provided the best equipment to work well in their trade and feel welcome on their site.

Sources: Women Building Futures (WBF, womenbuildingfutures.ca) and Construction Owners Association of Alberta (COAA, coaa.ab.ca)