‘Nightmare’: 10 per cent of Australian female tradies being harassed out of construction industry

Australia has slim hopes of building the houses we desperately need if 10 per cent of female tradies keep being harassed out of the construction industry.

One in 10 women are being harassed out of the construction industry, a new study has revealed.

A survey of more than 650 female Australian construction workers has found nearly two-thirds of women see no change in their workplace when they report harassment.

“I was having nightmares about work, waking up in sweat and panic. My depression was exasperated, and I was always exhausted,” one worker told the researchers.

Consulting firm TDC Global surveyed 654 women across the country earlier this year alongside the National Association of Women In Construction.

A survey of 650 female tradies has found 10 per cent of women are being harassed out of the industry. Picture: National Association of Women In Construction

“The construction sector has been actively trying to overhaul its notorious reputation for its low female participation rate, however, it seems these efforts are in vain,” TDC Global founder Sarah Liu said.

With high employee turnover businesses lose money, and women being forced from the industry cuts the sector’s access to half the population.

“This report highlights once again - that, more often than not, it is the workplace culture and systemic barrier that holds women back,” Ms Liu said.

From left, back row: Plasterer Shannen Box, painter Jasmine Bullock, electrician Becky Fisher, plumber Kathryn Worth, refrigeration mechanic Natasha Kirchner, carpenter Rachael Price, plumber Jasmine Turnball, carpenter joiner Radmila Desic, NAWIC project officer Ruth Gunasleen. Front row: Plumber Carlie Low, plumber Rachael Keiley and plumber Toni Hillman. Picture: National Association of Women In Construction

Of those surveyed, 88 per cent said they had experienced some form of harassment, and 41 per cent of those incidents came from a supervisor or manager.

Eight per cent of women have left the construction industry because of harassment, lack of opportunities and a toxic workplace. The survey heard from women who were mostly still in the industry, but also workers who had left in recent years.

Australia is in a dire shortage of tradies, as the nation attempts to quickly build more houses.

The latest Housing Industry Association estimates project the country needs an extra 83,000 tradies to build the 1.2 million homes, as planned in the National Housing Accord by 2029.

The harassment on worksites leaves Australia on the backfoot in trying to build desperately needed homes. Picture: National Association of Women In Construction

The national building industry workforce sits at just over 277,000 workers at the moment.

“Women simply do not feel safe at work in the construction industry because the issues they face are subtle, and often perpetuated by individuals with influence over women’s careers,” Ms Liu said.

Leadership and better internal structures for calling out poor behaviour was needed, she said.

National Association of Women In Construction board director Lisa Martello said sexist jokes were a constant on the work site.

National Association of Women In Construction board director Lisa Martello. Picture: Supplied

“Women can definitely take a joke, but we’re tired of being expected to put up with nasty comments and unfunny jokes that are simply not acceptable.

“The survey data clearly indicates that we have a lot of work to do to make our industry a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding place to work for all individuals, regardless of gender.”

The association and the TDC Global are calling for mandatory manager training, anonymous reporting mechanisms, more women in leadership and peer support networks to address harassment.