F.I.C.

What is F.I.C.?

F.I.C. is a program that supports the integration of women into the construction industry.

What makes it stand out?

F.I.C. is a community integration program. Thanks to a mobile app, we can monitor the integration of workers in real time.

F.I.C. is an autonomy-boosting program. It supports women in developing their autonomy and a strong internal network to facilitate their retention in this atypical sector.

F.I.C. is a motivational program. It guides learners to the right training courses to help them manage their own career advancement and skills development.

What makes it an ally?

F.I.C. is a catalyst for the integration of women in the industry. It isn’t a referral network, nor is it a training organization; rather, it’s a source of information that aims to support the development of learners’ skills.

moving the industry forward

Founded in 2010, Les Elles de la Construction became a non-profit organization in 2013. It’s a group dedicated to female professionals in the construction industry, women entrepreneurs and skilled tradeswomen. Its mission is to promote their rights and interests, by fostering their integration and creating a women’s information-sharing network. To achieve this, Les Elles is a respectful, diversified, welcoming and forward-thinking creator of opportunities. For Les Elles, the future of construction lies in transforming the industry’s culture and making inclusion the norm in Quebec and worldwide.

In an industry in search of a high-quality workforce, retaining qualified resources and attracting new talent remain key priorities. Maintaining existing teams is becoming a major competitive advantage for ensuring company growth.

In addition, several studies have shown that gender diversity in the workplace is a real source of added value in terms of innovation and performance.

It’s in this context that the F.I.C. program supports the integration of women in the construction sector. On the one hand, it motivates companies to hire more women; on the other, it encourages women to apply for traditionally male-dominated jobs.

Thanks to ESSI (Sound, Safe and Inclusive Environment) certification, awarded to companies joining the F.I.C. program, future employees benefit from a welcoming, respectful, equitable, supportive and rewarding working environment.

Innovative components of the F.I.C. program

To facilitate women’s tasks on construction sites and encourage female workers to remain in the various construction professions, the program is divided into three components.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics plays a central role in adapting construction trades to a diverse workforce. With the expertise of an ergonomist, tools, equipment and work methods are adjusted. To achieve this, several measures are put in place to reduce the risk of injury and increase day-to-day comfort, so as to make these traditionally male-dominated professions more accessible to women.

Reducing the risk of injury

Reducing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
Preventing accidents caused by awkward posture, carrying heavy loads or repetitive movements
Treating pain and exhaustion

Improving efficiency and comfort

Suitable tools (weight, handles, vibration, size)
Optimized workstation heights and layouts
Reduced physical fatigue

By promoting a work environment that’s better suited to the needs of all workers, ergonomics contributes not only to safety, but also to staff retention. Indeed, greater well-being at work means less absenteeism for companies.

Kinesiology

Kinesiology is the science of human movement. It focuses on how the body moves, to prevent injury. Targeted interventions help to improve postures, optimize work movements and support better musculoskeletal health. In physically demanding environments such as construction, kinesiology is particularly relevant.

Preventing injuries

Analysis of work postures and repetitive movements
Tips on warming up before work
Optimization of lifting and transport techniques and the use of tools

Rehabilitation

Follow-up after a workplace injury
Gradual return to employment with a tailored program

Awareness-raising

Training on the biomechanics of safe work
Workshops on overall health through movement

How to move when pain is already present, what strengthening exercises to do, how to control breathing during physical exertion – these are just some of the questions the kinesiologist will be able to answer. They work to help develop strength, endurance and mobility in a safe manner, taking body diversity into account.