As Nevada’s construction sector continues to expand alongside the state’s population and economic growth, industry leaders are being urged to modernize worksites to reflect a changing workforce.
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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 construction firms to take measurable steps to ensure job sites are properly equipped to support women safely and effectively.
Nevada ranks among the top 10 states in the nation for women employed in construction, with women making up 14% of the workforce as of 2024. As participation increases in a historically male-dominated field, employers face growing pressure to adapt safety standards, procurement practices and infrastructure to better reflect workforce realities.
Failure to modernize, officials say, can create unnecessary risk exposure, weaken recruitment and retention strategies and limit long-term competitiveness.
One of the most immediate concerns involves personal protective equipment (PPE). Standard bulk purchasing models often prioritize gear designed around male body dimensions, resulting in ill-fitting equipment for many women 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 create secondary hazards, including reduced dexterity, tripping risks and diminished fall protection performance.
Contractors are encouraged to:
Worksite infrastructure is also under review. Clean, private and well-maintained restroom facilities are considered essential to both productivity and safety. Inadequate facilities can contribute to stress, distraction and lower jobsite morale — 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.”
Beyond physical accommodations, SCATS emphasizes the importance of workplace culture. Employers are encouraged to assess training programs, anti-harassment policies and reporting procedures to reduce discrimination and gender bias risks.
A comprehensive safety framework, officials say, combines physical protections with behavioral accountability and supervisory oversight.
“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.”
Construction firms are encouraged to proactively engage in inclusivity training, strengthen incident reporting systems and ensure supervisors are prepared to address concerns promptly and professionally.
To further these efforts, SCATS will host Hard Hats & High Impact: Women in Construction on March 3, 2026, in Las Vegas. The event aims to connect women with career pathways, mentorship and industry leaders.
Contractors may also explore participation in the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), which recognizes employers that maintain strong safety and health management systems and injury rates below national averages reported by the National Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Region IX VPPPA Safety Summit is scheduled for April 14–16, 2026, in Reno.
In addition to event programming, SCATS provides free and confidential on-site consultation, safety education and compliance guidance to businesses statewide. The agency is funded in part through a cooperative agreement totaling $852,404 in federal funds, representing 17.3% of the program’s budget at the time of publication.
By updating procurement standards, improving jobsite facilities and reinforcing inclusive safety culture, Nevada’s construction industry can position itself for long-term workforce stability and resilience.
Originally reported by This is Reno.
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