Women in Construction: A Perspective from Safety and Risk

by Krissy Deleon, RFC Corporate Safety & Risk Manager

When people think about construction, they don’t always picture women working in the field, leading crews, managing projects, or overseeing safety and risk. But every day at RFC, women are doing exactly that, contributing their expertise, leading with confidence, and shaping the future of our industry.

In my role in Safety and Risk, I’m fortunate to work across our jobsites, plants, and offices. This gives me a unique vantage point to see how women are impacting construction in ways that go far beyond safety metrics or compliance checklists. Their influence shows up in the way they approach challenges, communicate with teams, and bring fresh perspectives that strengthen the work we do.

Women in construction bring an exceptional level of professionalism and problem‑solving to their roles. Whether they’re coordinating project schedules, running equipment, managing teams, or supporting operations, they demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to quality that elevates our entire organization. These qualities aren’t tied to gender, they are tied to dedication. But it’s important to acknowledge the value that diverse experiences and viewpoints bring to our industry.

Representation matters, especially in professions where women have historically been underrepresented. When young women visit our facilities, attend Touch-A-Truck events, or learn about careers in construction and manufacturing, they begin to see opportunities they may not have considered before. Seeing women in leadership, operations, and safety roles sends a powerful message that there is a place for them here.

At RFC, we take pride in fostering an environment where opportunity is based on talent and

commitment, not stereotypes. We invest in training, leadership development, and inclusive workplaces because we know that a more diverse workforce makes us stronger. Supporting women in construction isn’t a trend or a talking point, it’s an essential part of building a company that grows, innovates, and thrives.

Women in construction is not a new idea. They are a vital part of our present and our future. I’m proud to work in an organization where their contributions are recognized, valued, and supported every day.

In support of Women in Construction Week, we are introducing a Women in Construction sticker for employees to wear and share. This is a simple but meaningful way to recognize the impact women have in construction.

Check out the article for more information.

Contact your BUILD rep or email BUILD@reed.net to get your sticker.