This week, women in Solar Europe (Wisu) give a voice to Canan Koç Yasar, VP HSSE-S at the German Uniper-Renewable energy sources. She says that policy and practices that shape the safety, health and security in the workplace, usually intended to meet the needs of men and emphasizes the importance of designing workplace systems that reflect the reality of everyone in the team.
On the occasion of the World Day for Health and Safety at work, it is essential to not only think about compliance, but also whether our workplaces really serve everyone fairly. In the fast-growing sectors of solar and renewable energy, health, safety and security are more than legal requirements; They form the basis of a resilient and including workforce.
But for many women in the solar industry, these fundamental pillars still do not fully support them. If we go to a more sustainable future, we have to ask ourselves: do we create vacancies and workplaces where everyone can thrive, regardless of gender, safe and with dignity?
Let’s start with the big whole. Cultural and social norms often send women away from technical roles long before they enter the workforce. From childhood, girls are less encouraged to explore science and technology, and by the time they hit the labor market, many see Solar as a ‘man of the man’.
Even those who pursue career in the sector are often confronted with discrimination – subtle or openly – from colleagues, supervisors or even customers. These prejudices can influence the adoption, promotions and daily experiences at work.
But this is not just about attitudes, it is about systems.
“The under -representation of women in the PV industry must be tackled with a holistic approach,” says Carmen Madrid, founder of Women in Solar+ Europe (Wiseu). This means that it goes beyond Slogans and digging the actual policy and the practices that shape safety, health and security in the workplace.
Too often this policy is designed with only the male workforce in mind. For women, this creates challenges ranging from the uncomfortable to the downright dangerous.
Consider only a few examples:
- Poorly fitting PPE: Most personal protective equipment is made to fit men, leading to stumbling dangers, limited mobility and safety risks for women in the field.
- Lack of suitable facilities: The absence of clean, private toilets, hygiene products and removal bins can jeopardize the health and dignity of women.
- Hostile working environments: Intimidation, exclusion and even abuse are still real concerns, especially on external solar sites where support systems can be minimal.
- No work-life balance support: Long hours and irregular diagrams are touching women, especially mothers, harder. When options for childcare do not match the work requirements, the career will not be stuffed before they start.
- Feel alone: Being the only woman on a construction or maintenance team can insulate. The limited mentoring opportunities and increases the pressure to prove itself every day.
- Lack of psychological safety: When women do not feel comfortable to address concerns or allow mistakes, this not only influences safety, but also on job satisfaction and mental health.
So how do we start solving this?
We start to listen – and by designing workplace systems that reflect the reality of everyone in the team. That means including health and safety policy, on sex-sponsive equipment and infrastructure and stronger protocols to prevent and tackle intimidation. It also means supporting the integration of work and private life, offering mentoring and promoting cultures where women are appreciated, heard and empowerment.
The good news? Change is already going on. Organizations in the solar industry begin to act and reconsider how they approach safety, fairness and inclusion and invest in the success of women.
This is not just about honesty. It is a smart business decision. A workplace where everyone feels safe, respected and supported is one true innovation thrives and remains talent.
While we mark the world day for health and safety at work, we let our bet reconfirm – not only to meet the minimum standards, but to increase the bar. The solar industry can and must show the way in creating environments where women, and all employees, feel safe to contribute to their best.
Because when women feel safe, supported and seen, the entire industry seems clearer.
Interested in becoming a member Canan Koç Yasar And other leaders and experts in the industry at women in Solar Europe? More information: www.wiseu.network
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