Track: Diversity and Inclusion / Women in Industry and Academia (WIIA)

Abstract

The health and safety of women in construction in the form of the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitary facilities to female workers in South Africa was explored in this study. This specific focus is largely overlooked in the South African context. The study explored, through a qualitative approach, the perspectives and experiences of female construction workers (end-user) on the provisions of sanitary and personal protective equipment. The main source of data collection was through semi-structured interviews and further supported with site observations to triangulate the interview responses. The key findings of the study revealed that the availability of PPE for females in the certain parts of the construction industry in South Africa has improved as women are provided with female size PPE. However, quality and advanced gender sensitive PPE still needs attention. Sanitary facilities at established sites are generally up to standard. However, female workers still share these facilities with their male counter parts. Sanitary facilities at unestablished sites still need attention. Participation of women in construction will struggle to increase, as long as these issues persist.