Report Highlights Barriers and Safety Gaps for Women in Construction
Stack Construction Technologies report identifies bias, PPE gaps, and workplace barriers impacting safety, retention, and career advancement for women in construction.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Mar 23, 2026
A new report from Stack Construction Technologies highlights ongoing barriers facing women in construction, including workplace bias, limited opportunities for advancement, and jobsite safety challenges.
The State of Women in Construction 2026 report found that a significant number of women continue to experience bias on the job, reflecting persistent cultural and organizational issues across the industry.
The findings also point to challenges in career advancement, with many women reporting difficulty accessing leadership opportunities, mentorship, and clear growth pathways.
Beyond cultural factors, the report emphasizes jobsite conditions that directly affect safety and retention. Key concerns include access to properly fitting personal protective equipment (PPE), adequate facilities, and protections against harassment—all of which contribute to a safer and more inclusive work environment.
Industry leaders note that these challenges have broader implications as companies work to address labor shortages and attract new talent. Women remain underrepresented in many construction roles, particularly in the skilled trades.
The report also highlights structural barriers, such as informal networking and workplace practices, that can limit inclusion. Addressing these issues through standardized safety programs, inclusive policies, and targeted workforce development initiatives is seen as critical to improving both safety outcomes and retention.
As the construction workforce evolves, the findings suggest that organizations prioritizing inclusive safety practices and equitable career development may be better positioned to strengthen jobsite performance and workforce stability.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco brings a strong and varied journalism background to her role at Occupational Health & Safety, having previously served as a multimedia editor, broadcast journalist, professor and reviewer across major news organizations. As Content Editor, she writes news and feature articles, hosts sponsor and editorial webinars, co-hosts the SafetyPod worker health and safety podcast, and manages the brand’s digital and social media presence. She is committed to informing and engaging the safety community through compelling reporting and conversations that support safer, healthier workplaces.