• Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • CONTRACTORS
  • ENGINEERS
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
  • INSIGHTS
  • MEDIA
  • RESOURCES
  • EMAGAZINE
  • SIGN UP!
cart
facebook instagram twitter linkedin youtube
  • CONTRACTORS
  • BATH & KITCHEN PRO
  • BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
  • HIGH EFFICIENCY HOMES
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • WATER TREATMENT
  • PMC COLUMNS
  • PMC COLUMNS
  • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
  • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
  • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
  • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
  • Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions
  • ENGINEERS
  • CONTINUING EDUCATION
  • DECARBONIZATION | ELECTRIFICATION
  • FIRE PROTECTION
  • GEOTHERMAL | SOLAR THERMAL
  • PIPING | PLUMBING | PVF
  • PME COLUMNS
  • PME COLUMNS
  • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
  • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
  • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
  • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
  • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
  • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
  • RADIANT COMFORT REPORT
  • THE GLITCH & THE FIX
  • INSIGHTS
  • CODES
  • GREEN PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
  • PROJECT PROFILES
  • COLUMNS
  • SPONSOR INSIGHTS
  • COLUMNS
  • Codes Corner
  • Natalie Forster: Editorial Opinion
  • Guest Editorial
  • MEDIA
  • EBOOKS
  • PODCASTS
  • VIDEOS
  • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
  • INDUSTRY CALENDAR
  • DIRECTORIES
  • PM BOOKSTORE
  • CE CENTER
  • MARKET RESEARCH
  • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EMAGAZINE
  • EMAGAZINE
  • ARCHIVE ISSUES
  • CONTACT
  • ADVERTISE
  • PME EMAGAZINE ARCHIVES
search
cart
facebook instagram twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • CONTRACTORS
    • BATH & KITCHEN PRO
    • BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
    • HIGH EFFICIENCY HOMES
    • TECHNOLOGY
    • WATER TREATMENT
    • PMC COLUMNS
      • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
      • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
      • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
      • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
      • Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions
  • ENGINEERS
    • CONTINUING EDUCATION
    • DECARBONIZATION | ELECTRIFICATION
    • FIRE PROTECTION
    • GEOTHERMAL | SOLAR THERMAL
    • PIPING | PLUMBING | PVF
    • PME COLUMNS
      • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
      • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
      • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
      • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
      • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
      • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
    • RADIANT COMFORT REPORT
    • THE GLITCH & THE FIX
  • INSIGHTS
    • CODES
    • GREEN PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
    • PROJECT PROFILES
    • COLUMNS
      • Codes Corner
      • Natalie Forster: Editorial Opinion
      • Guest Editorial
    • SPONSOR INSIGHTS
  • MEDIA
    • EBOOKS
    • PODCASTS
    • VIDEOS
    • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
    • INDUSTRY CALENDAR
    • DIRECTORIES
    • PM BOOKSTORE
    • CE CENTER
    • MARKET RESEARCH
    • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EMAGAZINE
    • EMAGAZINE
    • ARCHIVE ISSUES
    • CONTACT
    • ADVERTISE
    • PME EMAGAZINE ARCHIVES
  • SIGN UP!
Plumbing NewsColumnsBusiness Management

Merry Beth Hall: Respecting and protecting tradeswomen

By Merry Beth Hall
Mary Beth Hall: Respecting and protecting tradeswomen
March 30, 2018

Since early October, more than 50 highly influential men have fallen from grace by public accusations of sexual harassment and misconduct, spawning a national movement drawing attention to the once verboten issue.

I have spent some time over the last couple months thinking about how the widespread accusations and their aftermath might affect the construction trades and what opportunities it presents for our industry.

In a 2013 study conducted by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) on women in construction, 31% of respondents indicated that they had been harassed. According to the report: “Sexual harassment ranged from inappropriate touching and unwanted and derogatory comments to intimidation in isolated areas. One woman feared for her life.”

Some respondents (14%) indicated that they tolerated the harassment for fear of retaliation, and another 2% left their jobs because of harassment. Here are some comments from the survey:

  • “Harassment and discrimination are a normal part of my job.”
  • “The rigger said, ‘I don’t want her, don’t you have anyone else?’”
  • “Gender discrimination is rampant, constant, and considered normal in the industry.”

The IWPR study also identified a need for stronger enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and affirmative action rules in the construction industry. In this study, only 41% of women in construction felt that they were being treated equally to their male counterparts with regard to promotions. And just 57% of women felt they were being treated equally to men with regard to assignments.

“Examples of discrimination included being demoted or not promoted because men didn’t want to work for a woman, being assigned the hardest work, being last to get work and first to be laid off, being hit with cranes, and having tires flattened,” reads the report.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for 2017, women make up 2.3% of the workforce in skilled construction trades (plumbing, HVAC and electrical) — a number that has not changed since the 2011 BLS data were released.

Rather than belabor the issue any further, let’s look at the opportunities this information presents to the construction trades and how we can use it to improve our industry to become a more desirable workplace.

 

HOW CAN EMPLOYERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

One of the most important things employers can do is support existing women in the workplace by addressing the most common issues they face. An excellent start is to train all staff to be more sensitive to avoiding comments that may be interpreted as belittling or harassing.

These comments, over time, create what is known as a hostile workplace and can be costly to an employer if not addressed. Training courses are available in many formats, and a simple online search will present many options.

Many women in construction also report that they feel isolated as the only female on a job site. Employers should be sure to pair women with other women when possible. When not possible, ensure that women are mentored by trustworthy colleagues and receive the same training and focused attention as their peers.

 

HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Employers, please also remember there are some specific health and safety concerns in the construction industry that affect women and some men who are smaller in stature.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) that fits most men is often too large for many women. When clothing is too loose, it can get caught in machinery, and respirators that don’t fit well will not protect adequately against airborne hazards. PPE that fits women properly is now being manufactured and should be made available to ensure their safety.

Another issue that can be easily addressed is the lack of clean restroom facilities on job sites. OSHA requires clean toilets and hand washing facilities on every job site. Contractors, make sure your portable facilities are clean and have working locks on the doors, and that you have hand washing facilities available. This is a basic health need.

Finally, ensure that all workers, women and men, receive the same safety training. Help women and smaller men find tools in smaller sizes that fit their hand sizes better. And adapt lifting demands to fit upper body strength.

There are many simple things the construction trades can do to become equally respectful of women so that we can start attracting people into this fine industry. We have to take a hard look at some of our male-oriented traditions and realize that what we have always done is no longer acceptable.

Times have changed. It’s no longer acceptable to have a pin-up calendar on the wall in the back of the shop (yes, I saw that in 2017).

I’m going to leave you with two quotes from the 2013 IWPR Tradeswomen Survey that aims a brighter light on our industry:

  • “If more women would put themselves out there and get into the construction trades, I think the opportunities are available.”
  • “Let women know that there are women out there in nontraditional jobs. I did not know.”

With a few tweaks to what we are doing, I think we could see a big change toward these thoughts becoming more typical.

 

KEYWORDS: business coaching plumbers and pipefitters safety trades training Women in Plumbing

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Merry Beth Hall is vice president, education content for the PHCC Educational Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide workforce development, management education and technical training to those employed in the plumbing and HVACR industry. In her current role, Hall is responsible for the development of apprenticeship curriculum and online training programs. In addition, she manages the foundation’s national plumbing and HVAC apprentice contests and serves as co-chair of the SkillsUSA national plumbing contest technical committee.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Worker using the Milwaukee Tool SWITCH PACK drain cleaner

    Pipeline profits: Drain cleaning, pipe inspection create opportunities

    Drain cleaning and inspection services offer lucrative...
    Plumbing News
    By: Nicole Krawcke
  • Uponor employee, Arturo Moreno

    The reinvestment in American manufacturing and training

    Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke and...
    Plumbing News
    By: Nicole Krawcke and Natalie Forster
  • March 2024 Women in Plumbing hero image of woman engineer overlayed by circle of hexagon shapes with numbers from 1 to 10

    Celebrating 10 Influential Women in the Plumbing Industry

    Celebrating Women's History Month and Women in...
    Plumbing News
    By: Nicole Krawcke
Manage My Account
  • eNewsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • eMagazine
  • Manage My Preferences

AI can boost efficiency and profitability for plumbing, HVAC contractors

AI can boost efficiency and profitability for plumbing, HVAC contractors

NIBCO Press Solutions

NIBCO Press Solutions

Bell & Gossett Illustrates Path to Net-zero at AHR Expo

Bell & Gossett Illustrates Path to Net-zero at AHR Expo

IPEX celebrates grand opening of new Florida distribution center

IPEX celebrates grand opening of new Florida distribution center

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Plumbing & Mechanical audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Plumbing & Mechanical or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • J.J. Keller CMV vehicles on road
    Sponsored byJ. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

    The dash cam game-changer for small business safety

Popular Stories

Buildup inside the iron pumps

Hidden issues and high bills: troubleshooting radiant heat in a luxury home

Heat pump of air-water technology for the home.

Rethinking Heat Transfer: Why 'Natural' Isn't Always Ideal for Air-to-Water Systems

Harry Warren, Inc. directors posing for a group photo in the conference room.

Plumbing & Mechanical 2025 Rep of the Year: Harry Warren, Inc.

2025 Bath & Kitchen Pro eBook

Events

November 13, 2024

Future Proofing MEP: Navigating the 2026 High Efficiency Water Heating Standards

Join our deep dive into DOE’s new standards so you can future-proof your MEP practice.

EARN: 0.1 ASPE CEU; 1 AIA LU/HSW; 0.1 IACET CEU*; 1 PDH

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Will business be up or down in 2025?

Do you anticipate business in 2025 to be up or down in comparison to 2024?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Water Came To A Stop

The Water Came To A Stop

See More Products

Download the FREE Water Conservation, Quality & Safety eBook: Plumbing Trends Increasing Safe Water Availability

Related Articles

  • Your prized possessions

    Merry Beth Hall: Your prized possessions

    See More
  • Merry Beth

    Merry Beth Hall: Finding our future workforce

    See More
  • Beth Dobkin 1170x658 headshot

    Women in Plumbing: Beth Dobkin, Quality Service Contractors

    See More
×

Keep your content unclogged with our newsletters!

Stay in the know on the latest plumbing & piping industry trends.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Supply House Times
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

search
cart
facebook instagram twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • CONTRACTORS
    • BATH & KITCHEN PRO
    • BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
    • HIGH EFFICIENCY HOMES
    • TECHNOLOGY
    • WATER TREATMENT
    • PMC COLUMNS
      • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
      • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
      • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
      • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
      • Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions
  • ENGINEERS
    • CONTINUING EDUCATION
    • DECARBONIZATION | ELECTRIFICATION
    • FIRE PROTECTION
    • GEOTHERMAL | SOLAR THERMAL
    • PIPING | PLUMBING | PVF
    • PME COLUMNS
      • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
      • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
      • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
      • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
      • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
      • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
    • RADIANT COMFORT REPORT
    • THE GLITCH & THE FIX
  • INSIGHTS
    • CODES
    • GREEN PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
    • PROJECT PROFILES
    • COLUMNS
      • Codes Corner
      • Natalie Forster: Editorial Opinion
      • Guest Editorial
    • SPONSOR INSIGHTS
  • MEDIA
    • EBOOKS
    • PODCASTS
    • VIDEOS
    • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
    • INDUSTRY CALENDAR
    • DIRECTORIES
    • PM BOOKSTORE
    • CE CENTER
    • MARKET RESEARCH
    • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EMAGAZINE
    • EMAGAZINE
    • ARCHIVE ISSUES
    • CONTACT
    • ADVERTISE
    • PME EMAGAZINE ARCHIVES
  • SIGN UP!