TRADESWOMENS PERSPECTIVES ON OCCUPATIONAL-HEALTH AND SAFETY - A QUALITATIVE INVESTIGATION

Qualitative research methods were used to determine the health and saf ety concerns of women employed in the construction trades. Major categ ories of concern were identified including: 1) exposure to chemical an d physical agents; 2) injuries from lifting/bending/twisting, falling, and lacerations; 3) lack of proper education and training; and 3) the health and safety risks related specifically to tradeswomen. Many of the issues identified by the workers are amenable to change through ei ther engineering, behavioral, or administrative interventions. (C) 199 6 Wiley-Liss, Inc.