Breaking the Silence: How Construction Workers Are Fighting Back Against Sexual Harassment in America’s Building Sites
The construction industry, long dominated by men and plagued by a culture of silence, is facing a reckoning. Two-thirds of 1,248 respondents to ENR’s first-ever survey report an incident in construction-sector workplaces, revealing the staggering scope of sexual harassment and misconduct that has been allowed to flourish in jobsites across the nation. For too long, workers have endured inappropriate behavior, unwanted advances, and hostile work environments, but recent legal developments are empowering victims to seek justice.
The Alarming Reality of Sexual Harassment in Construction
The statistics paint a disturbing picture of workplace misconduct in the construction industry. NIOSH found that, in a one year period, 41% of female construction workers suffered from gender harassment, while in the CWIT study, 88% of the respondents reported sexual harassment. Even more concerning, 59 percent of women between 28 to 40 years old who are employed in the construction industry have experienced sexual harassment at some point in their career.
The problem extends beyond just statistics. Female construction workers have the second-highest rate of sexual harassment complaints per 100,000 employed women, according to analysis of U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This epidemic of misconduct ranges from subtle forms such as being stared at or seeing “pinups” of naked and nearly naked women to more blatant forms such as unwanted sexual remarks (including comments on appearance), being touched in sexual ways and sexual assault.
Why Construction Sites Become Breeding Grounds for Harassment
Several factors contribute to the pervasive nature of sexual harassment in construction. The construction industry has been overwhelmingly male dominated for years, and on many jobsites women construction workers are not welcome. This creates an environment where the predominately male environment can set the tone for victimization of female employees. Some men may feel threatened by women on the jobsite and use sexual harassment as a means of dominating them.
The isolation factor cannot be understated. Isolation – working as the only female on a job site or being ostracized by co-workers – evokes both fear of assault and stress. Many female workers find themselves reluctant to report incidents because they are reluctant to report workplace safety and health problems for fear of being tagged as complainers or whiners, which would further strain their workplace relationships and jeopardize their employment.
The Legal Landscape is Changing
Recent developments show that the legal system is taking construction industry harassment more seriously than ever before. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has continued its focus on discrimination and harassment in the construction industry, settling three lawsuits against building firms in recent weeks for a combined total of more than $2.9 million. The EEOC has made construction a priority, with the agency, which is responsible for enforcing federal laws prohibiting discrimination in the workplace, singled out construction in its five-year roadmap for enforcement, issued a scathing report about racist and sexist harassment on building sites and published a guide to recommended best practices for AEC firms to prevent discriminatory behavior at work.
High-profile cases are sending a clear message to employers. In 2024, Balfour Beatty has settled a sexual harassment lawsuit in North Carolina for $80,000 (£60,300), according to the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The case involved a female truck driver working in Craven County, North Carolina, allegedly faced sexual harassment from several male co-workers. According to the lawsuit, the driver was subjected to harassment for more than a year, with one colleague asking her to “talk dirty” to him, send pictures of her breasts, and sit on his lap.
Why Victims Need Experienced Legal Representation
Construction workers facing sexual harassment often find themselves in complex legal situations that require specialized expertise. The fragmented nature of the industry, with multiple subcontractors and temporary assignments, can make it difficult to identify the proper defendants and establish liability. Additionally, many of the women who reported experiencing sexual harassment said that they did not report the harassment or perpetrator to their employer. This is most likely due to a fear of being ignored, excluded, or fired.
For workers in Brooklyn and the greater New York area, finding the right legal advocate is crucial. A sexual harrassment attorney Brooklyn, NY with experience in employment law can help victims navigate the complex legal landscape and fight for their rights. Our lawyers have helped clients recover millions of dollars for sexual harassment, discrimination, and unpaid wages, demonstrating the importance of having skilled legal representation.
The Howley Law Firm: Champions for Workers’ Rights
The Howley Law Firm, located in New York, has established itself as a formidable advocate for workers facing harassment and discrimination. Here at The Howley Law Firm, we specialize in employment and whistleblower law. Contact us today if you need legal representation in New York. The firm’s commitment to individual clients is evident in their approach: At The Howley Law Firm, we care about you. We will listen to you. We will help you make smart decisions. We will fight for your rights to compensation and justice.
With over three decades of experience, John Howley, Esq. has represented clients in employment disputes and as whistleblowers for more than 30 years. The firm’s track record speaks for itself, having represented clients in some of the largest and most important cases, including an $80M settlement in a discrimination class action. Their expertise spans sexual harassment, unpaid wages and overtime, employment discrimination, and family and medical leave rights.
What Construction Workers Can Do
If you’re experiencing sexual harassment in the construction industry, it’s important to know that you have rights and options. Document incidents as they occur, report harassment through proper channels when safe to do so, and seek legal counsel early in the process. Sexual harassment in the workplace is not only an equal employment opportunity issue but is also increasingly recognized as a safety and health issue.
The construction industry’s culture of silence is beginning to crack, and workers are finding their voices. Harassment is pervasive on many jobsites and poses a significant barrier to the recruitment and retention of women and workers of color in the industry, but legal action is creating accountability and driving change.
With experienced legal advocates fighting for workers’ rights and the EEOC intensifying its focus on construction industry harassment, there has never been a better time for victims to step forward and seek justice. The message is clear: sexual harassment will no longer be tolerated on America’s construction sites, and those who perpetrate or enable such behavior will face serious legal consequences.