Enhancing Female Participation in Hydrology: Prioritizing Safety Above All
In the dynamic world of hydrography, a significant concern has emerged regarding the safety of women working in the field, particularly in offshore oil and gas operations. The root of the issue lies in the design of mission-critical safety equipment, which is based on the Reference Man, a standardised model that does not accurately represent the diverse body types and shapes of women.
This discrepancy has led to numerous safety concerns, as equipment designed for men may not fit women properly, compromising their mobility, thermal protection, and comfort. For instance, too-large suits can lead to reduced mobility and increased risk of water entering the suit, while too-small suits can restrict movement and cause discomfort. Both scenarios pose a significant risk to safety and performance.
Moreover, thermal needs of women might differ due to differences in body fat distribution and metabolism. If the suits are not tailored to address these differences, women might experience inadequate thermal protection, increasing the risk of hypothermia.
Reduced mobility can impair the ability to perform tasks safely and efficiently, while discomfort can lead to decreased focus and increased risk of accidents during hydrographic surveys. Furthermore, safety features like reinforcement and flotation, often positioned based on the male anatomy, might not provide adequate support and protection in emergency situations, increasing the risk of injury or fatality.
To address these barriers, hydrographic survey workplaces are encouraged to consider several solutions. Firstly, providing suits that are designed to fit women properly, taking into account their body types and needs, is crucial. Secondly, including women in the design process to ensure that suits are tailored to their specific requirements is essential. Lastly, encouraging feedback from women using these suits to identify areas for improvement is vital.
Recognising and addressing these issues can significantly enhance women’s safety and performance in the hydrographic survey workplace. To facilitate this change, the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) has proposed the formation of a Women in Hydrography Development Fund. This fund, in collaboration with IHO member states, philanthropies, and other organisations, aims to address these safety issues by creating a set of curated Minimum Adequate Solution Cards. These cards will guide users on how to correct common industrial safety challenges, with an example given for eliminating hazards caused by poorly fitting safety coveralls.
The IHO also recommends that task groups be women-led and women-centered, and include as many women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds and age groups as feasible. Furthermore, the IHO, IOC, IMO, and UN are proposing to review and redesign the SOLAS International Life-Saving Appliance Code (LSA) to accommodate women’s bodies and physical needs.
This call for action extends beyond the hydrographic industry, as similar issues have been identified in other sectors. For instance, the United States Air Force has identified fighter aircraft cockpit design as a critical problem that excludes women due to being based on the Reference Man, affecting career progression for female pilot candidates.
In conclusion, the safety of women in the hydrographic survey workplace should not be a privilege only enjoyed by women in resource-rich areas. The proposed Women in Hydrography Development Fund aims to create a more inclusive and safer environment for all women in the industry, regardless of their geographical location or resource availability. By working together, we can ensure that the hydrographic survey workplace is a safe and productive environment for all.
Science should not overlook the unique needs of women in safety-critical fields such as hydrographic surveys, including appropriate designs for health-and-wellness equipment like suits and life-saving appliances. Mental health and women's health could also benefit from considering these issues, as inadequate safety equipment can lead to stress, discomfort, and potential accidents, impacting focus and performance.
