The Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS), known for its commitment to improving construction industry standards, has recently introduced an important update to its contractor checklist: the inclusion of women's personal protective equipment (PPE). This change is part of an ongoing effort to enhance safety and inclusivity in the industry.
Under the CCS's code of considerate practice, member companies are now required to ensure the availability of appropriately sized PPE for women on their sites. This is a significant step, considering that PPE has traditionally been designed with a male physique in mind, often leaving women in the industry with ill-fitting and unsafe equipment.
The need for this change was highlighted by a survey conducted by the Yorkshire region of the National Association of Women in Construction. The survey revealed a concerning statistic: 60% of employers were not providing PPE specifically designed for women. Moreover, of the 157 respondents, 42% reported that unsuitable PPE had negatively impacted their careers.
The CCS, through its voluntary code, assesses contractors at least twice annually on various measures, including community engagement, environmental actions, and respect for the workforce. The addition of women's PPE to the checklist emphasizes the Scheme's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the construction sector.
Philip Sayer, CCS's head of assurance and challenge, expressed the organization's dedication to addressing the construction industry's skills gap by improving access and conditions for women. "Improving access for women in the industry is integral to this, and we are delighted to play our part by promoting the provision of female-specific PPE on sites that sign up to our Code of Considerate Practice," Sayer stated.
The move aligns with the wider industry's efforts, such as those by the Chartered Institute of Building, to improve the provision of safety equipment for women. Stories from the field, like those highlighted by Construction News in January 2022, underscore the challenges women face with inappropriate PPE, from oversized boots to the risks posed by ill-fitting clothing.
As of October, women constitute 15.8% of the construction industry workforce, according to the Office for National Statistics. The CCS's initiative is a step towards not just compliance with safety standards but also towards building an environment where every worker, regardless of gender, can perform their job safely and efficiently.
For more information about how Find A Start supports initiatives like these and aids in connecting skilled tradespeople with contractors, ensuring inclusive and safe work environments, please visit our website at www.findastart.co.uk.
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