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Women in Safety: Women More Likely to Encounter Workplace Assault

March 14, 2019
National Safety Council reports disparity among genders in the workplace when it comes to injuries.

The number of women who experience workplace violence greatly outweighs men who sustain nonfatal assault injuries, the National Safety Council (NSC) reported.

Seventy percent of all assault-related injuries that required missed work days involved females. 

"Our workplaces should be safe havens for everyone, and these data show us we can do more to protect women in the workplace," said Nick Smith, interim president and NSC CEO. "As employers examine the biggest risks facing their workforce, we urge them to consider these trends and make sure safety is extending to all employees."

In 2017,  12,820 women sustained assault-related injuries, a 60% increase from 2011. Only 5,530 male workers reported injuries related to workplace violence.

Besides assault, other work-related injuries and illnesses that disproportionately impact women include accidental injury by another person (59%), falls on the same level (57%), and ergonomic issues, such as complications from repetitive motion (60%), the NSC found.

Women working in certain industries experience a disproportionate number of various nonfatal injuries and illnesses. The percentages of nonfatal injuries and illnesses involving women in the following sectors are

  • Healthcare (80%)
  • Education (61%)
  • Management, business and financial (60%)  

To observe Women’s History Month, NSC is encouraging employers to review their employee assistance programs (EAPs) and ensure they include appropriate support resources. Employers also should examine historical safety trends involving women in the workplace so that safety measures are aptly addressed for those most vulnerable.

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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