Sexist, racist and homophobic language is being used on a regular basis in the construction industry, according to a recent survey.

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) released the results from an online survey revealing the use and extent of inappropriate language in the workplace.

The survey, consisting of 500 construction workers, discovered that some 61% had heard sexist language at work in the past year, with 14% saying they had heard it at least once a week or more. Shockingly, more than half (53%) of respondents had witnessed racist language at work in the past 12 months, with 14% again claiming to have heard racist language used at least once a week. The use of homophobic language was heard by just under half the respondents (48%) in the last year, with 14% saying they witnessed it on a weekly basis.

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While most of the inappropriate language used has been described by the respondents as 'banter', 17% of incidents were said to be patronising and 6% as direct insults.

CITB revealed that in the industry, predominantly male in its occupation, offensive language has 'knocked the confidence' of 12% of the female respondents, 4% admitting they had left a job as a direct result.

Drawing on this, CITB Director of Communications and Change, Nicola Thompson said the survey highlighted the challenge that faces the construction industry as it looks to address diversity issues.

"If people feel unhappy coming to work because of the language and behaviours they face, it risks leading to the exclusion of talented people from the industry. We need to take action."

She added that CITB is trying to address diversity issues through its Be Fair Framework, which launches in June this year.

"Developed with industry, its aim is to help create more inclusive working environments, both in office and on sites, making sure workers are treated fairly and with respect."

(HMC/IT)