Understanding Common Occupational Health Hazards in Construction
Construction sites are dynamic environments where progress and productivity drive every project forward. However, beneath the surface of this industry's achievements lies a critical concern that every employer and worker must address: occupational health hazards. Understanding these risks and knowing how to manage them isn't just about regulatory compliance—it's about protecting lives and ensuring everyone returns home safely at the end of each workday.
Construction workers face a unique combination of health hazards that fall into four distinct categories. Chemical hazards include exposure to substances like silica dust, asbestos, lead paint, solvents, and adhesives that can cause respiratory issues, cancer, and organ damage over time. Physical hazards encompass noise exposure leading to hearing loss, vibration from power tools causing nerve damage, extreme temperatures, and radiation from welding operations.