The Hidden Reality of Sexual Harassment in the UK Construction Industry and the Urgent Need for Change
Walking onto a construction site, many imagine hard hats, heavy machinery, and bustling teamwork. What they might not picture is the deeply troubling and often hidden reality faced by women working within this traditionally male-dominated industry: a pervasive culture of sexual harassment and assault that too often goes unspoken and unaddressed. Recent findings from a comprehensive survey conducted by Unite, the leading trades union in the UK, reveal an alarming picture—31% of women construction workers have been sexually assaulted at work, a staggering statistic that calls urgent attention to the safety and dignity of women in this sector.
The data unearthed by Unite’s Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment campaign exposes a widespread problem that stretches far beyond isolated incidents. More than half of the surveyed women reported being inappropriately touched, while 17% experienced sexual coercion, defined as being pressured or manipulated into unwanted sexual activity. These numbers illuminate a distressing reality where workplace boundaries are too often violated, and the culture of silence allows predators to operate with impunity.
It’s important to understand the human stories behind these numbers. Many women recounted experiences not just of one-off incidents, but repeated harassment that created an unsafe and hostile work environment. For example, one woman shared how a male colleague persistently touched her and another coworker. When management was informed, the offender was merely reprimanded, yet the repercussions fell on the victims—they were labeled “dangerous” for speaking up, their complaints dismissed, and their safety overlooked. This scenario is far from unique and represents the chilling effect that inadequate management responses can have on survivors, forcing many into silence.
This widespread silence is reflected in the survey’s finding that 76% of women did not report incidents of harassment, often due to fears of disbelief, job loss, or retaliation. The risk of losing a livelihood is a powerful deterrent, especially in an industry where women are already underrepresented and may feel isolated. The lack of confidence in reporting systems also reveals a systemic failure: only 8% of women who did speak up felt their concerns were adequately addressed by management.
These challenges are compounded by the physical layout and facilities of many construction sites. Women noted that inadequate or shared changing rooms and toilets often contribute to an environment where unwanted encounters and harassment can flourish unchecked. The absence of safe, private spaces is not merely an inconvenience—it’s a safety issue that demands immediate attention.
The consequences of this toxic culture extend beyond immediate trauma. Women who report harassment often face continued exposure to their abusers or find themselves edged out of their roles, forced to choose between their safety and their careers. One woman detailed having to continue working alongside her harasser after reporting him, while others described being pushed out of positions they once held with pride. This not only harms individual lives but also weakens efforts to diversify and strengthen the construction workforce.
Union leaders like Sharon Graham have been vocal in condemning this crisis and demanding change. She highlights that staff safety should be paramount and calls on employers to embrace a zero-tolerance approach. It’s a call that resonates deeply with those who have witnessed the human cost of neglecting such issues.
The cultural shift needed to eradicate sexual harassment in construction is multifaceted. It requires firm leadership, transparent reporting processes, and robust protections for those who come forward. Importantly, it also calls for education and training that challenge ingrained attitudes and foster respect and equality on site. Creating a workplace where every person feels safe and valued is not only a moral imperative but also essential for productivity and long-term success.
Real progress also hinges on amplifying voices of survivors and allies, transforming shame and fear into courage and solidarity. Each story shared breaks the silence and chips away at the stigma, encouraging others to speak out. When women can work without fear, with facilities designed for their needs, and with management that responds swiftly and decisively, the construction industry will be better equipped to welcome and retain talent from all backgrounds.
Understanding the scale and complexity of this issue offers hope that targeted actions and sustained commitment can foster meaningful change. While the survey’s figures are sobering, they also spotlight an opportunity—a collective reckoning that can lead to safer, more inclusive workplaces. Change will not happen overnight, but the voices of those affected, combined with unwavering advocacy, are powerful forces that can reshape the construction industry’s culture and future.
The stories behind the statistics remind us all that beyond the hard hats and steel beams are real people whose dignity and well-being must be protected at all costs. Creating workplaces free from harassment is a shared responsibility, one that calls for courage, empathy, and concrete action. Only by confronting the uncomfortable truths can the industry build foundations not just of concrete, but of trust, respect, and safety for every worker.