The Diversity Advantage

A recent insightful AIHS webinar, “Breaking Barriers: Progressing Gender Inclusivity in WHS,” featured a panel of experts who highlighted the compelling business case for prioritising gender diversity across health and safety roles.

The panel included Angela Hucker from EPIC, Erin Flannery from Ventia, Anica Weereratne from The Next Step, and the Safe Step's own, Keilee Armstrong. Through thought-provoking discussions, they explored the importance of creating environments that are truly inclusive of all genders, addressing key challenges still faced by women in traditionally male-dominated WHS fields and how fostering greater gender diversity unlocks benefits like increased innovation, higher profits, and improved safety outcomes for organisations.

Anica Weereratne from The Next Step noted, the benefits of gender diversity go well beyond just being fair and ethical. Businesses with greater diversity produce up to 10% higher profits and drive more innovation. Companies with above-average gender diversity on their management teams outperform others by 25% on profitability (DDI, 2022).

However, the panel acknowledged that women remain significantly underrepresented in WHS across male-dominated industries. Only 14% of workers in construction are women (WGEA, 2022). Angela Hucker from EPIC explained: “The statistics around gender inequality in our industry are really quite shocking. On site, women often lack basic facilities and properly fitting PPE”.

A cultural shift

Driving lasting change requires a top-down cultural commitment, starting with leadership.

Some practical steps for boosting gender diversity in WHS team:

• Implement robust gender diversity and inclusion policies
• Have transparent targets and accountability measures
• Ensure equal pay through wage auditing
• Offer flexible work arrangements and family support
• Actively develop a pipeline of female WHS talent
• Showcase positive female role models

Female mentors from within the Safety profession

As Erin Flannery from Ventia shared, having visible women in leadership roles makes it easier for others to see themselves progressing. Her own team is an impressive 60% female – the result of simply "hiring the right people for the job."

Breaking barriers on site

For those operating in more traditional workplace settings, basic requirements like having proper amenities should be a no-brainer. But there are more subtle barriers too, like archaic attitudes or a lack of mentors and sponsors.

Some ways companies are getting it right are:

• Tier 1 construction firms such as Gamuda running women-only training programs to build competencies
• Having clear pathways for career progression and development
• Women in leadership training programs
• Skills-based hiring, with a broad lens on what ‘good’ might look like

Gender diversity must be prioritised from the start of the hiring process. As Keilee Armstrong noted, "Inclusion for all genders needs to start before a new employee joins.". As we've highlighted in a previous blog “Women Working in Workplace Health & Safety” , female health and safety professionals bring unique skills and perspectives that drive innovation and enhance problem-solving within WHS teams, ensuring organisations achieve the best results. Gender diversity introduces different ways of thinking and working together that are essential for avoiding groupthink and understanding a variety of perspectives critical to success in this rewarding profession.

At The Safe Step, we use skills-based hiring to consider a wide range of qualified, diverse candidates. By partnering throughout the recruitment process - from inclusive job posts to fair interviews and hiring - we help build truly diverse, high-performing workplace health and safety teams.

Take the first step

Reaping the benefits of greater gender inclusion doesn't happen overnight – it requires an ongoing commitment from the top. But by taking proactive steps to create a supportive culture, organisations can drive real progress while improving safety performance. It's a winning formula that helps make great things happen in the world of work.

How can we help?

If you're an employer striving to build a top-tier, gender-diverse WHS team, or a professional seeking to advance your career in this critical field, our specialised consultants can help. We'll guide you through proven strategies to attract exceptional female talent and foster an inclusive culture that empowers women in WHS roles.