RENO, Nev. (Feb. 26, 2026) — As Nevada’s construction industry continues to power the state’s economic expansion, employers face a clear operational imperative: modernize jobsite practices to support a workforce that is more diverse than ever before. During National Women in Construction Week, March 1–7, 2026, the Nevada Division of Industrial Relations’ Safety Consultation and Training Section (SCATS) is calling on contractors and industry leaders to take measurable steps to ensure worksites are equipped to safely and effectively accommodate women.
Nevada ranks among the top 10 states in the nation for women working in construction, with women comprising 14% of the workforce as of 2024. As participation grows in this traditionally male-dominated sector, employers must align safety protocols, infrastructure and procurement practices with the realities of today’s labor force. Failing to do so creates avoidable risk exposure, undermines retention efforts and limits the industry’s ability to compete for talent.
Modernizing PPE procurement and safety standards
Personal protective equipment (PPE) remains one of the most immediate areas for improvement. Standard bulk purchasing practices often result in gear designed to male body dimensions being issued to all workers. Industry surveys show that approximately 67% of women report receiving ill-fitting PPE on construction sites.
Improperly fitting hard hats, gloves, safety harnesses and high-visibility apparel can introduce secondary hazards, including reduced dexterity, tripping risks and compromised fall protection performance. Contractors should evaluate vendor options that offer size-inclusive PPE, conduct fit-testing where appropriate and update procurement policies to ensure compliant, properly fitting equipment is available to every worker.
Upgrading jobsite facilities to meet workforce needs
Worksite infrastructure also plays a critical role in workforce integration and safety. Construction employers are encouraged to ensure job sites include clean, private, well-maintained restroom facilities that accommodate all employees. Inadequate facilities can contribute to stress, distraction, and decreased productivity, all of which have direct safety implications.
“Workplace infrastructure and equipment are not peripheral issues—they are core safety components,” said Gabriela Nuñez Rios, Safety Consultant at Nevada SCATS. “If contractors want to strengthen recruitment and retention in a tight labor market, they must evaluate whether their jobsites are operationally prepared to support the full workforce.”
Strengthening culture, compliance and training
In addition to physical accommodations, employers should assess policies and training programs to mitigate harassment, discrimination and gender bias risks. A comprehensive safety culture integrates physical protections with behavioral expectations and supervisory accountability.
“Empowering women in construction means more than increasing representation,” said Yessica Romero, National Association for Women in Construction Chapter 74 President and Senior Safety Manager at Suffolk. “It means building safer systems, smarter infrastructure and inclusive worksites that elevate the entire industry.”
SCATS encourages construction firms to proactively engage in safety and inclusivity training, review incident reporting procedures and ensure supervisors are equipped to address concerns promptly and professionally.
Engage with resources that support women’s safety
To support these efforts, SCATS is hosting Hard Hats & High Impact: Women in Construction on March 3, 2026, in Las Vegas. The event will connect women with career pathways, training and industry leaders in construction.
Contractors are also encouraged to explore participation in the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), which recognizes employers that implement robust safety and health management systems and maintain injury and illness rates below national averages reported by the National Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Region IX VPPPA Safety Summit will take place in Reno, Nev., April 14–16, 2026, offering additional technical guidance and peer collaboration.
In addition to these events, Nevada SCATS continues to provide free, confidential worksite safety consultation, education and training services to businesses and contractors statewide. By modernizing equipment standards, upgrading facilities and reinforcing inclusive safety cultures, Nevada’s construction industry can position itself for long-term resilience and workforce stability. To learn more about SCATS’ services and upcoming programs, visit SCATSNV.org.
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About Nevada SCATS
The Safety Consultation and Training Section (SCATS), part of Nevada’s Division of Industrial Relations, provides free and confidential consultation and safety services to assist businesses in Nevada to be in compliance with OSHA standards. SCATS helps Nevada businesses keep their employees safe and offers on-site consultation services designed to help employers recognize and control potential safety and health hazards at their workplaces, improve their safety and health programs, and assist in training employees. SCATS also offers Workplace Safety and Health Training classes in Northern and Southern Nevada. Bilingual services are also available. Visit SCATSNV.org to learn more.
Funding Statement:
The Nevada On-Site Consultation program (SCATS), at the time of initial publication of this document (10/2025), is funded by a cooperative agreement for $852,404 federal funds, which constitutes 17.3% percent of the program budget. 0% percent, or $ 0.00 of the program budget, is financed through non-governmental sources.
