Women's Safety and Health Issues At Work

Women have been an integral part of the workforce since World War I, acting as a significant crutch to the workforce while many men were off fighting wars. The workforce has changed significantly in the last 50 years.

The percent of women in the workforce has increased from 34% in the 1950s to 60% today, while the percent of men in the workforce has actually decreased from 84% in the 1950s to 73% today.

Nowadays, women are pursuing their education and a career, putting off marriage and childbirth until later in life than women in the past. Additionally, more women are balancing their work life with being a mother.

Women face different workplace health challenges than men, partly because women and men have different jobs. Overall, women have more work-related cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, respiratory disease, infectious and parasitic diseases and anxiety and stress disorders, compared to men. Other areas of concern are heavy workload demands, family balance issues and sexual harassment.


JOB AREAS

Agriculture - "In 2004, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated 580,000 women were working in agriculture, forestry, and fishing. In agriculture alone, about 24% of farmers are women."¹

Construction - "In 2004, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated 975,000 women were working in construction. NIOSH and its partners have done many studies to improve construction safety and health problems. Women working in construction may be concerned with musculoskeletal disorders, loud noise and hearing loss, fumes, and job stress."

Health Care - "In 2004, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated over 13 million women were working in health care and social assistance. In the U.S., 91% of the nurses and nursing aides are women.¹ Women working in health care may be worried about illnesses and injuries caused by long hours, shift changes, physical tasks, violence, and possible exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous chemicals."

Manufacturing - "Food, clothes, chemicals, furniture, oil and coal are just a few products processed by manufacturing workers. In 2004, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated over five million women were working in manufacturing - three million of these were production jobs. With the wide range of products processed, women working in manufacturing may be at risk for exposure to hazardous chemicals, physical demands, loud equipment, and long work hours."

Sales - "Women make up almost half of the workers in sales and management positions. In 2004, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated 9.3 million women were working this industry. Women working in this industry may be concerned about work stress, workplace violence, musculoskeletal disorders, and long hours."

Services - "In 2004, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated over 29 million women were working in service jobs. This includes jobs such as finance, insurance, food service, education, entertainment, and public administration. In 2003, almost half of the job-related injuries and illnesses suffered by women happened in service jobs, yet only 20% of working women held these jobs.¹ Women working in service jobs may be concerned with musculoskeletal disorders, workplace violence and injuries from falls."

Transportation - "In 2004, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated 1.7 million women were working in transportation, warehousing, and utilities, combined. Women working in transportation may be concerned about transportation accidents, injuries from falls, and respiratory illnesses."

Injuries and Illnesses
Bloodborne Diseases
Cancer
Ergonomics
Muscle and Bone Disorders
Heart Disease
Personal Protective Equipment (from lack of use)
Reproductive Health
Respiratory Disease
Serious Injury
Work Structure and Stress