Empowering women in the workplace proves a company’s commitment to equality and inclusion. Alongside other key initiatives, female safety training in more aspects than standard OHS helps meet businesses’ demand for diversity across organizational and sector structures. So, where to begin? From reducing RSI to mental health awareness.
Here are Five Ideas for Female Safety Training:
1. Specialist Safety Knowledge
Throughout commerce and industry, there are countless roles that women fill in the same manner as their male counterparts. However, for women to thrive in these sectors, just like men, specific training is needed, and female workers must be afforded the same opportunities. Specialist safety knowledge, such as understanding Kunkle valve operation for steam control or the release of air and liquids, is a perfect example of the application of unique training.
2. Beating Workplace Injuries
Occupational health and safety extends beyond reducing falls! Specific policies can enhance the overall safety of a business, with particular attention paid to female-related hazards. For example, your company can reassess its worker-to-environment relationship (ergonomics):
- Consider adaptable workstations for women who are pregnant and postpartum.
- Invest in new tech such as hands-free breast pumps and wearable devices.
- Provide more choices for women such as estrogen-rich food options.
- Encourage wellness breaks and support fitness with gender-based workout equipment.
Studies show that women working in the private sector are more likely to experience RSI because of lower muscle mass, a smaller frame, and hormones. Paying attention to how women interact with their workspace on a daily basis will help reduce some of the known problems.
3. Anti-Harassment Female Safety Training
Harassment in the workplace is a major issue for men and women across all sectors. However, women experience issues such as unwanted advances far more than men. 78% of the total workplace harassment lawsuits were filed by women in the US between 2018 and 2021. To combat this, a workplace would benefit from the introduction of an anti-harassment policy. This policy should define harassment, explain how to report it and provide a framework for help.
4. Mental Health Awareness
There are issues unique to women when it comes to mental health. While all workers should be offered the assistance they need, it is more beneficial to assess on a case-by-case basis. Issues such as sexual harassment lead to increased anxiety and depression among women. A toxic workplace culture that also belittles a specific group, such as women, based on appearance and stereotypes makes work more challenging and can lead to absenteeism and eventual job loss.
5. Diverse Leadership Role Models
Women form a significant segment of any workforce. Celebrating the achievements of female workers within a company or sector showcases their contributions. This encourages other potentially marginalized individuals to pursue the career they want. It also helps propel women forward into well-earned leadership roles. This inclusion fosters a healthy and competitive workplace where employees are rewarded on merit, promoting awareness of safety issues.
Summary
Training around specialist skills and services helps companies establish empowerment for women through female safety training. This includes obvious segments such as anti-harassment. Yet encouraging female leadership also creates a diverse and safe workplace.
