Occupational Health and Women: Protecting Female Workers in the Workplace

May is Women’s Health Month—a national observance dedicated to raising awareness about women’s well-being at every stage of life, including in the workplace. From construction to manufacturing and transportation, female employees face unique occupational health risks that must be addressed head-on.

In Alaska, women play a vital role in the state’s workforce. In 2022, the labor force participation rate for women was 60.8%, with approximately 163,000 women actively contributing to the state’s economy, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

At MedPhysicals Plus, we provide reliable occupational health services as part of our employer offerings, helping businesses in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Wasilla maintain a safe, healthy, and compliant workforce.

Common Occupational Health Risks for Women

Women accounted for 58% of the U.S. labor force, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Industries such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation employ large numbers of women and are areas where NIOSH has conducted research specific to female workers. Women in these fields often face a range of occupational health risks, including:

  • Musculoskeletal injuries from lifting, repetitive motion, or poorly designed equipment
  • Loud noise exposure, leading to hearing loss
  • Poorly fitting personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing (PPC)
  • Exposure to hazardous chemicals, physically demanding tasks, and loud machinery
  • Accidents and injuries from slips, trips, and falls

If left unaddressed, these risks can lead to higher injury rates, increased absenteeism, and long-term health consequences.

How MedPhysicals Plus Supports Women at Work

In honor of Women’s Health Month, we’re highlighting the ways MedPhysicals Plus helps employers protect and empower the women who keep their organizations running—through comprehensive occupational health services, including:

✅ Drug testing

✅ Audiology

✅ Mask fitting

✅ Breath alcohol testing

✅ Pre-employment and annual physicals

✅ DOT and non-DOT physicals

Women’s Health Month is a timely reminder to assess whether your workplace health program is truly inclusive. By partnering with MedPhysicals Plus, employers take a proactive step toward advancing equity, wellness, and productivity.

Empower the women in your workforce. Call us at (907) 561-7587 or visit our website to schedule occupational health services for your team.