Autodesk is funding a grant program with the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) to select in-need member contractors with fall protection harnesses sized for women who work at height. The program will fund the purchase of approximately 300 fall protection harnesses sized for women.
According to AGC, women represent approximately 10 percent of the overall construction labor force. With the industry actively trying to attract and retain more women in the field, job sites are encouraged to recognize the needs of a gender-diverse workforce, including comfortable, properly sized PPE.
PPE that doesn’t properly fit can range from uncomfortable to dangerous to use. AGC says fall protection harness that is too loose may still catch a woman’s fall, but could seriously injure her neck or shoulders in the process. When accidents occur, the contractor also incurs lost time and productivity.
As the landscape in the construction workforce begins to shift, contractors are becoming more concerned with properly equipping their employees. Earlier this year, for example, Skansa created gloves and two custom safety vests designed for women based on feedback from its own female employees.
Source: AGC
