Legal Column: Preventing Sexual Harassment Claims

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