Women’s well-being in construction: a systematic review of hazards and primary preventive measures

Women in construction industry face unique challenges that negatively impact their health and well-being. Although substantial research has been conducted on the mental health of construction workers, much of it has primarily concentrated on the male workforce, often neglecting the experiences of women. This article presents a systematic review of 62 studies published between 2004 and 2025, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, to identify hazards and primary preventive measures affecting women in construction. Guided conceptually by gendered organisation theory and the Job Demand-Resource model, the review reveals 28 hazards (categorised as biological, psychosocial and gender-specific) and 38 primary preventive measures (categorised across 3-tiers at individual, organisational, and industry levels). Lack of work–life balance and gender discrimination were the most persistent hazards, while flexible work arrangements, provision of remote working and mentorship programs were the most frequently discussed preventive strategies. A conceptual framework is proposed to demonstrate how hazards act as job demands, preventive measures as job resources, and how their interaction shapes women’s well-being. By integrating both the problems and potential solutions, this study advances theoretical understanding and provides practical pathways for policymakers and construction firms to create more inclusive and supportive workplaces.