The U.S. Department of Labor estimated
that as of 1990, only about 2% of
workers in construction trades, including
painting and wallpapering, were
women. Since sexual harassment most
often occurs in work environments
where there are more men than women,
construction companies are prime candidates.
This is especially true because
the most likely targets of sexual harassment
are women working in jobs that
are traditionally done by men.
The cost to an employer of a successful
sexual harassment claim can be
staggering. Besides high attorney fees to
defend against a claim, a loss in court
can force payment of back wages, damages
for emotional distress, and the victim's
attorney's fees. The nonmonetary
costs are equally expensive. In addition
to the