Deconstructing disparities: analysis of occupational hazards for women in construction.

Abstract

Women professionals in construction face hazards that extend beyond physical safety risks. However, existing occupational health research remains largely gender-neutral and concentrated in developed contexts, leaving the multidimensional hazard structure under-examined. This study addresses this gap by empirically identifying latent hazard dimensions for women in the Nepalese construction industry. Using a mixed-methods approach, (systematic literature review, expert validation and quantitative survey of 153 respondents), exploratory factor analysis revealed a six-factor hazard structure: gendered workplace culture and discrimination; health and safety challenges; job demands and lack of flexibility; harassment and physical risks; socio-cultural and career barriers; pay and job insecurity. The factors demonstrate strong reliability and validity. Demographic analyses show hazard exposure is socially patterned, with married women, mothers, mid-career professionals, and those in contracting roles reporting higher exposure across specific dimensions. The findings provide a validated hazard structure to inform gender-responsive risk assessment and policy reform in developing construction contexts.