Across Queensland's construction sites, mine shafts, and manufacturing floors, a slow but significant transformation is taking place. More and more women are taking up roles traditionally dominated by men, but with this comes an array of new safety challenges that have left gaping holes in safety protocol for female workers.
Despite making important strides, women remain significantly underrepresented in many industries, comprising just 17% of construction workers (with only 5% in trades roles), 20% of mining employees and 29% of manufacturing workers across the state.
Behind these numbers lies a complex reality where equipment design, workplace culture and even basic facilities present distinct challenges for Queensland's female workforce.
More Than Just a "Fit" Issue: When Safety Equipment Fails Women
For Rachel, a construction tradie in Brisbane, the issue became painfully clear on her first day. "They handed me a high-vis vest and safety gloves meant for men. The vest gaped open and the gloves were so loose they became a safety hazard themselves," she recalls.
This isn't an uncommon story. Most Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is designed for male bodies, which creates serious safety concerns for women. Poorly-fitting equipment isn’t just uncomfortable, it compromises protection.
"Where PPE is required, companies should invest in and provide PPE tailored to the anatomical differences of female workers," notes Nyaisha Sullivan, Construction Lead at Veriforce CHAS.
There are forward-thinking Queensland employers already involving women in PPE trials and selection processes, and the International Women in Mining's PPE directory has emerged as a valuable resource for sourcing appropriate gear.
Beyond PPE, the actual physical design of many workplaces often fails to account for the difference between men and women physiologically:
- Tools and equipment designed for male bodies create ergonomic challenges for women
- Women in mining face a significantly higher risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders than their male counterparts (73% versus 54.3%)
- Poor access to clean, safe bathrooms and adequate changing facilities remains a persistent issue across industries.
Hidden Health Risks: From Reproductive Health to Chemical Exposure
The hazards faced by women working in these industries go beyond immediate safety concerns to encompass longer-term issues that are often overlooked in predominantly male environments.
In mining operations, for example, women are at risk of several reproductive health challenges that are rarely discussed when it comes to workplace safety. Research has identified that exposure to extreme temperatures, vibration and certain chemicals can result in menstrual disorders and complications with pregnancy.
According to a recent Public Health Review, chemical and physical hazards were the most dangerous occupational factors affecting sexual and reproductive health outcomes among female workers in the oil, gas, and mining industry.
While Australian-specific data remains limited, these findings are a timely reminder for Queensland employers to consider gender-specific health impacts in their safety protocols, which is rarely mentioned in traditional workplace risk assessments.
The Cultural Barriers: When Speaking Up Feels Unsafe
Perhaps the most pervasive safety challenge for women working in Queensland's high-risk industries isn't physical at all, it's cultural. Female workers frequently report that masculine workplace cultures create environments where raising safety concerns can feel like a dangerous idea.
"A substantial body of international literature points to construction's heavily masculine culture as the primary factor keeping a lid on the numbers of women entering the industry," notes Construction Skills Queensland in their Women in Construction Report.
This culture manifests in several concerning ways:
- Harassment and exclusion that discourages women from reporting safety issues
- Fewer mentorship opportunities, leaving many women without proper guidance on safety protocols
- Gender stereotypes that undermine women's authority and knowledge
- Fear of being labeled "difficult" when raising legitimate concerns
This reluctance to report safety concerns affects more than just the individual women who are afraid to make their voices heard, it compromises site safety for everyone.
Queensland's Progress: Employers Leading Change
Despite these challenges, there are already Queensland employers implementing innovative approaches to addressing women's safety needs, such as:
1. Inclusive Facility Design
Progressive mining and construction companies are providing adequate bathrooms, changing rooms and private spaces for their female employees.
2. Women-Specific Safety Training
Some organisations are implementing new safety training that addresses the specific challenges faced by women, including how to adapt standard procedures when using equipment designed for men and sensitivity training.
3. Culture Change Initiatives
The Queensland Government's Women in Manufacturing Strategy highlights employers who are actively working to transform workplace cultures through comprehensive anti-harassment policies, leadership training and inclusive communication strategies.
4. Equipment Innovations
From adjustable workstations to specialised tools, some companies are investing in equipment that works for men and women of all shapes and sizes.
Industry Leaders Setting Standards
Women are projected to make up 20% of the Australian mining workforce by the end of 2025, with rising representation in leadership roles, which is why major employers like Rio Tinto and BHP have become pioneers in improving working conditions for their female employees by:
- Diversifying leadership teams to ensure women's safety concerns are heard by decision-makers
- Creating mentorship programs that help women navigate safety challenges
- Establishing clear reporting protocols for gender-specific safety issues
- Consulting directly with female employees about their unique needs
The results suggest that when women's safety is prioritised, everyone benefits, as workplaces with more females often report overall improvements in safety culture and outcomes.
The Path Forward: Practical Solutions
For Queensland's high-risk industries to truly address women's safety challenges, everyone involved needs to work together towards a comprehensive approach.
For Employers:
- Involve women in choosing and testing safety equipment
- Conduct regular audits of facilities and amenities
- Implement zero-tolerance policies for harassment and discrimination
- Provide flexible work arrangements that accommodate women’s unique health needs
- Offer specific training on gender-related health risks
For Female Workers:
- Proactively communicate PPE and facility needs to supervisors
- Connect with professional networks for support and advocacy
- Document and report safety concerns through the appropriate channels
- Pursue ongoing training in safety procedures and leadership
For Industry Bodies:
- Collect gender-disaggregated data on safety incidents and outcomes
- Develop industry-specific guidelines for women's safety
- Showcase successful initiatives to encourage wider adoption
- Advocate for regulatory approaches that recognise gender differences
Beyond Accommodation: Reimagining Workplace Safety
The most progressive Queensland employers are already fundamentally reimagining workplace safety through a gender-inclusive lens, recognising that women aren't just smaller versions of men requiring adjusted equipment; they have distinct perspectives that can enhance safety for everyone.
According to Queensland's manufacturing strategy, addressing the "stereotypes of 'women's work'" and creating pathways to leadership for women aren't just equity issues, they're a huge part of creating truly safe work environments.
The journey toward genuinely inclusive safety practices in Queensland's high-risk industries is far from over. True progress requires commitment from employers, industry bodies, and the workers themselves to challenge assumptions about who belongs in these workplaces and what defines safety.
For the growing number of women working in Queensland's construction, mining, and manufacturing sectors, these changes are long overdue. Their safety, health, and well-being depend on workplaces that protect all workers, regardless of gender.
