New site standard aims to stop women being ‘walked into the lion’s den’
Summary
The article reports the launch of the National Site Standard (NSS) for women, a framework intended to improve welfare, reporting, safeguarding and behavioural standards on construction sites. It is being promoted as a cultural change measure to reduce bullying and sexual harassment and to help attract and retain more women in the sector.
Why it matters
While aimed at construction sites, the standard is relevant to surveyors involved in site inspections, project monitoring and development work because it raises expectations around site welfare, conduct and accountability. Surveyors may also encounter NSS-related requirements in tendering, contractor management and site access arrangements.
Key points
- The NSS sets minimum conditions for supporting and protecting women on construction sites.
- It includes welfare provision, PPE suitability, safeguarding, reporting mechanisms and leadership accountability.
- Participating firms will be audited and must appoint personnel on site.
- The standard is intended to support recruitment, retention and tendering credibility.
- The Considerate Constructors Scheme has already adopted the NSS.
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