Women in many industries face unique risks, including harassment, discrimination, and inadequate safety measures, especially in male-dominated fields.
At DeMayo Law Offices, we analyzed available data and found that industries like manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and law enforcement pose significant dangers to women’s physical safety and mental well-being. Addressing these risks is essential to creating safer, more equitable workplaces.
While physical hazards such as falls, burns, or heavy machinery are well-known, women often encounter additional risks that are less visible—harassment, discrimination, and a lack of protective equipment designed with their needs in mind.
Identifying these patterns is critical to driving policy changes that reduce harm and improve working conditions across these high-risk sectors.
Industries With the Highest Risks for Women
Our analysis highlights the most dangerous industries for women, where risks stem from both workplace hazards and gender-based challenges.
Below are some key takeaways on why these industries are particularly dangerous:
- Manufacturing (29.3% women): Women in manufacturing face physical hazards such as heavy machinery and chemical exposure, as well as higher rates of workplace harassment.
- Agriculture and farming (28.7% women): Agricultural workers encounter extreme heat, dangerous machinery, and exposure to pesticides and fertilizers. Women in isolated rural areas are also at greater risk of harassment.
- Transportation/truck drivers (21.4% women): Long hours on the road, higher crash rates, and isolation make this one of the most dangerous industries for women. Harassment from other drivers also adds to the risks.
- Police officers (14.4% women): Law enforcement is one of the most mentally and physically demanding fields for women. Officers report mental health challenges, exposure to dangerous substances, and harassment from colleagues or civilians.
- Welding (5.8% women): Welders experience burn risks, eye injuries, and electric shock hazards, particularly when protective gear isn’t properly fitted for women.
- Construction trades (5.1% women): Women in construction or other maintenance work face heights, weather-related risks, and falling objects. Additionally, personal protective equipment (PPE) often isn’t designed for women’s bodies, making it harder to stay safe on the job.
- Roofers (4.4% women): Working at heights and dealing with worn-out equipment are significant risks for women in roofing.
- Electricians (2.9% women): Electricians are at risk for electric shock, electrocution, and burns, often made worse by inadequate PPE.
Less Obvious but Still Dangerous Fields
Some industries may not immediately come to mind as dangerous, but teaching, healthcare, and social work also present unique hazards for women:
- Teachers: Data shows that 7% of teachers are threatened with injury each year, while 16% of students report bringing weapons to school. Teachers also deal with high stress and emotional exhaustion, which can impact their mental health.
- Medical providers (Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics): These roles come with risks of exposure to diseases, physical attacks from patients, and harassment, particularly in high-pressure environments like emergency rooms.
- Social workers: Social workers often enter unfamiliar or volatile environments, which can put them at risk for physical harm. The emotional toll of dealing with difficult cases also leads to burnout and mental health challenges.
Gender-Based Violence and Harassment
In male-dominated industries, women are more likely to experience harassment, discrimination, and violence. According to data from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), 78.2% of sexual harassment charges filed in the workplace between 2018 and 2021 were made by women.
However, it’s important to recognize that this number only includes reported incidents. Many women don’t report harassment due to fear of retaliation or job loss.
The problem is particularly pronounced in industries where women are isolated or working alone, such as farming, transportation, and social work. Harassment and discrimination can take both physical and emotional forms, impacting women’s mental health and career progression.
Long-Term Impacts on Women’s Mental Health
Our findings show that women accounted for 71% of all mental health leave taken in the first quarter of 2024. The toll on women’s mental health is a growing concern, particularly in dangerous industries. Some of the key contributing factors include:
- Pay inequity: Women earn 16% less than men, on average, for doing the same work. This financial stress adds to workplace challenges.
- Workplace harassment: Constant exposure to harassment and discrimination causes emotional distress that often goes untreated.
- Parenting and caregiving responsibilities: Many women juggle work and caregiving roles, leading to burnout and increased stress levels.
Making Workplaces Safer for Women
The data clearly shows that women in dangerous industries face a wide range of risks that must be addressed to create safer working environments. This includes better workplace policies, gender-specific safety measures, and stronger enforcement of anti-harassment policies.
Employers in these industries need to recognize the unique challenges women face and take steps to provide properly fitted PPE, ensure safety protocols account for gender differences, and improve mental health resources.
Until these changes are made, women will continue to bear the brunt of workplace dangers, both physical and emotional. We must prioritize workplace safety reforms to reduce risks, improve working conditions, and create environments where women feel safe, respected, and valued.
