The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced the expansion of its Women in Construction initiative to include restoration-specific safety training modules, covering personal protective equipment selection for mold and asbestos work, respiratory protection for fire and smoke restoration, and confined space entry procedures for water damage jobs in crawl spaces and basements.
The new modules, developed in partnership with the IICRC and the American Industrial Hygiene Association, are available free on OSHA's website and are designed to supplement — not replace — IICRC certification training.
"Restoration work has unique safety hazards that aren't always covered in general construction safety training," said OSHA Deputy Assistant Secretary Jim Frederick. "These modules fill that gap with content specifically designed for the restoration environment."
The initiative also includes a mentorship matching program that connects women new to the restoration trades with experienced practitioners who can provide guidance on safety practices, career development, and navigating the insurance claims process.
OSHA estimates that approximately 14,000 women are currently employed in restoration and remediation trades, a number the agency expects to grow significantly over the next decade as the frequency of weather-related disasters increases.
