Hello fellow Mountaineers! Did you know that while women are stepping boldly into roles traditionally held by men, they’re often stepping into oversized boots and helmets? That’s right, in the Mountain State, where resilience and grit run deep, we’re seeing more women light up industries like construction and manufacturing. Yet, despite their growing numbers, women face unique challenges that impact not just their safety but our entire community’s fabric.
Imagine this: for every dollar we put into making workplaces safer, we’re not just avoiding a bruise or a trip to the ER—we’re potentially tripling our money back! According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), businesses see a return of $2 to $6 for every dollar spent on safety improvements. That means fewer accidents, lower healthcare costs, and more money to fuel our local economies. It’s not just about avoiding costs; it’s about investing in our people and our future.
Safer workplaces don’t just mean fewer injuries; they mean our folks can keep working, supporting their families, and contributing to our communities without interruption. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimated that workplace injuries cost the U.S. economy a staggering $198 billion annually, highlighting the broader impact of workplace safety on national economic health. The NCS also points out that employers nationwide lose over $1,100 per worker each year because of injuries that keep folks away from work. That’s cash that could be flowing through our local businesses, helping keep our towns alive and vibrant.
When our workers—our mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers—are safe on the job, it’s like a promise kept to our families. They leave home knowing they’ll come back in one piece, ready to share a dinner, not a disaster. Incorporating safety into workplace culture significantly boosts community morale and economic stability. Research underscores that workplace safety is not just about avoiding injuries; it plays a pivotal role in enhancing overall well-being and job satisfaction, which, in turn, contributes to higher productivity and reduced costs associated with injuries and absenteeism. Businesses that make safety a priority are also the ones that attract the best hands, keeping jobs local and spirits high.
Here’s the kicker: although more women are donning hard hats and safety goggles, many find that the gear just doesn’t fit. Improperly fitting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s dangerous. A significant challenge in the construction industry is the availability of PPE that properly fits women. In a recent survey of female construction company owners and executives, 67% reported that PPE such as safety harnesses and hard hats were not readily available in women’s sizes. It’s high time we tailor not only the gear but the training to meet everyone’s needs. By ensuring that our hard-working women have what they need to succeed safely, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive economy.
Improving safety isn’t just about dodging fines or ticking boxes; it’s about weaving a safety net so tight that every worker, man or woman, feels supported. WV Women Work is on the front lines, ready to lead the charge, but we need every hand on deck. Whether you’re a business leader, a community member, or a worker on the ground, your voice matters. Join us in championing safety standards that uplift everyone, and let’s show the country what West Virginia is made of—grit, grace, and a spirit that never quits.
If you’re interested in enhancing safety standards on your job site, WV Women Work offers the SAFE Program, designed to promote safety education tailored for the unique challenges of blue-collar work in Appalachia. Check out our program on our website and schedule a consultation today to learn how we can help you transform your workplace safety culture.
Want to directly support the safety of a woman breaking barriers in the trades? With a donation of just $25, you can provide a woman in our program with properly fitting PPE. This gear ensures she can work safely and effectively, right from the start. Visit our website now and contribute to outfitting a tradeswoman today. Together, we’re not just changing individual lives—we’re transforming our community one safe job at a time.
Written by Carol Phillips, Executive Director, West Virginia Women Work
