Long-term damage to the body is common in construction work. Because these injuries do not arise from a single tragic event, but rather develop slowly over years or decades of work, they are more likely to be overlooked. However, they can have a major impact on patients' lives. Working in construction is known to be a dangerous occupation.
There are many risks that construction workers need to identify, manage and avoid on a daily basis, from personal safety to ensuring that a building meets standards and is safe for future users. Construction sites are often noisy places to work. Using heavy machinery to drill and excavate can be very detrimental to the hearing of construction workers. The number of hearing loss compensation claims is extremely high, even though proper safety equipment, such as hearing protectors, is mandatory as part of most sites' health and safety regulations.
In addition to total hearing loss, tinnitus, a constant ringing in the ears, can be a problem. In general, construction jobs have a very high rate of workers with health problems due to noise and vibrations. Respiratory problems and lung diseases The physical appearance of construction sites can affect the body of workers, even if they are trained to move large objects correctly. Back and limb injuries are some of the most common among construction workers and one of the key reasons for more than seven days of absence from work among employees, usually caused by manual handling activities.
This is because lifting heavy objects on a daily basis creates a strain on the muscles, even among the fittest people. More serious injuries include sprains and tears, which are usually caused by improper use of machinery or trips and falls. In construction, the body often suffers permanent damage for a long time. It is less common for such injuries to appear at the same time due to the lack of a tragic incident, however long or tedious the injuries that develop throughout your life.
In terms of environmental exposure, the high potential for lung disease and cancer is probably one of the most worrying health risks. The presence of fumes, gases, dust and fumes in general on construction sites is one of the leading causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among construction workers. But there are also problems with specific materials commonly used in the industry for the past 100 years or so. Mesothelioma risks attributed to asbestos exposure have received much attention in the past.
Perhaps less well known is the possibility that construction workers will develop asbestos lung cancer. This is where exposure to asbestos fibers combined with other forms of pollution and lifestyle elements contribute to the development of cancer in the future. However, both have clear roots in construction activities. Contemporary workers are unlikely to work with asbestos as a production material.
However, they may still be exposed to fibers when renovating or dismantling buildings in which asbestos was used. Part of the solution here is to ensure that any project has frequent assessments regarding the presence of such hazardous materials. Not only asbestos, but also crystalline silica, which is known as the new asbestos. But it is also necessary to pay equal attention to mitigating the prevalence of common hazardous airborne particles.
This includes highlighting activities that may produce harmful dust so that workers can use respirators and site limitations. From a long-term perspective, encouraging regular lung testing among workers can ensure problems are detected early. Construction sites are full of ugly things. Drywall dust, metal shavings, glue fumes, exhaust, silica dust.
Unless you're running around with a full respirator all the time, you'll inhale this crap. .
