Occupational Health in
Construction & Utilities
Health Hazards
The construction sector, foundational to urban development, is not without its health hazards. Workers often confront risks ranging from heavy machinery accidents to exposure to harmful substances. This brief introduction delves into the health challenges in construction, emphasizing the importance of safety protocols.
Challenges to consider
Activities like heavy lifting, maintaining improper postures, or repetitive movements can lead to musculo-skeletal disorders.
Prolonged exposure to loud noises can result in hearing impairments and conditions like tinnitus.
Continuous exposure to vibrations can lead to neurological and circulatory problems, as well as musculo-skeletal disorders.
The fumes from welding can be a source of respiratory issues, ranging from occupational asthma to severe conditions like lung cancer.
Utilizing spray paints and coatings can result in skin irritations and respiratory complications.
The Imperative of Health Surveillance
When Health Surveillance becomes a necessity
- The nature of the work has known health implications, and there’s a reasonable likelihood of health issues arising due to specific work conditions.
- There have been prior instances of work-related health concerns within the workforce or workplace.
- There’s a dependency on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as a primary measure to control exposure.
Your risk assessment procedures should ideally identify the need for health surveillance.
Instances of Health Surveillance
Certain scenarios where health surveillance becomes paramount include:
- Previous cases of work-related health issues within the workforce or workplace.
- Dependency on PPE, such as gloves or respirators, to control exposure. It’s essential to understand that even with rigorous supervision, PPE might not always offer complete protection.
- Recognized health issues associated with specific jobs within the industry.
It’s advisable to steer clear of blanket screening for all employees, as it might not always yield accurate results and could divert resources that could be better utilized elsewhere.
Customized Health Surveillance and Screening
At Prohms, we adhere to the highest standards in health management, offering tailored health surveillance and screening services.
Audiometry
For assessing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.
Vibration Assessments
For issues arising from vibration exposure and poor ergonomic positioning when using hand tools.
Respiratory Checks
For conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases caused by various construction-related factors.
Fitness Evaluations
Specifically for workers in safety-critical roles.
Skin Evaluations
For conditions like dermatitis resulting from materials like cement or prolonged wet work.
Specialized Medical Examinations
For specific areas like lead, asbestos, radiation, and offshore tasks.