Women are more likely to file sexual harassment charges in male-dominated industries like transportation. Source: University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2020. DOL.gov

Background

On April 4, 2022, the Biden-Harris administration announced a Day of Action to raise awareness and advocate for the prevention of sexual assault and sexual harassment in the trucking industry. Gender-based violence undermines safety, health, well-being, economic potential and human rights. In the trucking industry, it’s also a barrier to women’s entry and retention. A stronger trucking workforce is one where trucking jobs are safe for all workers. And safety must always include freedom from sexual assault, violence and harassment – including recruitment, hiring, training and retention. This is an important message not just during National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, but all year round. 

On April 28, 2022, we participated in the Day of Action to Promote Safety and Prevent Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the Trucking Industry by sharing the key messages below across our social media channels, using the hashtags #EndSexualViolenceInTrucking and #TruckingDayOfAction to raise awareness.

Key messages

Sexual harassment and sexual assault impact too many women in trucking. Their prevalence prevents women from joining the industry and pushes them out. The strongest possible trucking workforce is one in which trucking jobs are safe for all workers. 

The trucking industry has the potential to offer drivers a fulfilling career with good pay and benefits. However, the prevalence of sexual assault and sexual harassment prevents too many women from joining and staying in the industry. 

Ways trucking employers can continue to promote workplace safety:

  • Update manuals, codes of conduct or other guidance 
  • Adopt zero-tolerance policies for sexual assault and violence 
  • Ensure trainees, apprentices and drivers understand how to report sexual assault, violence and harassment
  • Educate staff on how you’ll investigate, prevent retaliation, and hold perpetrators accountable
  • Commit to regular, comprehensive sexual harassment training for all staff
  • Publicly condemn the harmful impact of sexual assault, violence and harassment 

Get more ideas here: https://blog.dol.gov/2022/04/25/day-of-action-to-promote-safety-and-prevent-sexual-assault-and-sexual-harassment-in-the-trucking-industry

 

 

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Nearly 44% of women and about 25% of men experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. DOL.gov