The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) has issued a stark warning about a “silent and growing crisis” in women’s health within the workplace. The society has urged employers and occupational health practitioners to intensify their efforts in mitigating risks that affect women’s well-being.
In a comprehensive report delving into the extent of work-related illnesses among women and proposing strategies to address the issue, BOHS contends that women are experiencing worsening health conditions at work in comparison to their male counterparts.
One illustrative example from the report, titled “Uncovering the UK’s Hidden Crisis in Women’s Workplace Health,” is drawn from the Health and Safety Executive’s 2022 Labour Force Survey. The survey estimated that approximately 918,000 women endure deteriorated health due to work-related exposures, as opposed to 778,000 men. However, BOHS underscores that even these figures might be underreported due to a significant gap in the monitoring, measurement, and reporting of the true extent of the problem.
The report reveals that women bear a greater burden of occupational diseases than men, prompting BOHS to emphasize the necessity for immediate action to address this escalating crisis before it becomes overwhelming.
Alex Wilson, the President of BOHS, commented, “We are witnessing a silent and growing crisis that is significantly damaging women’s health in the workplace. As scientists committed to the prevention of workplace ill health, I am delighted that our society and occupational hygienists are showing leadership in this neglected area.”
BOHS has made a strong call for employers to consider the impact of the work environment on women’s health as a yardstick for national equality policies, the implications for health and safety, and the preservation of social sustainability.
Furthermore, the society advocates for improved monitoring and reporting mechanisms concerning women’s health and well-being. The lack of comprehensive monitoring and reporting, according to BOHS, contributes to an inadequate grasp of the full magnitude of the crisis.
BOHS is urging all stakeholders in occupational health protection to prioritize the assessment of workplace effects on women’s health. The society highlights the urgency of collaborative endeavors to address this issue and establish a healthier and more equitable working environment for women.
