Cardon Construction, lung disease in construction, prevent lung diseases in construction
21
Nov

Building a Healthier Workplace: Preventing Lung Diseases in Construction

Year-on-year the construction industry workers are diagnosed with preventable cases of irreversible lung disease, usually caused by exposure to dust. These respiratory conditions can have a huge impact on the worker’s health and is an ever-growing problem in the industry. The HSE is actively trying to reduce these risks with their ‘Dust Kills’ campaign which provides advice to workers and businesses on preventive control measures, but more must be done to foster a safer work environment.

How can construction reduce the risks?

Understanding the Risks

Firstly, it is important to understand the risks to enable prevention. Construction sites generate various airborne hazards. Dust from materials like concrete, silica, and wood can cause respiratory issues if inhaled regularly. Additionally, fumes from welding, paint, and chemicals pose significant threats to lung health.

Prioritise Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial. Enclosed spaces should have adequate airflow and proper exhaust systems to remove harmful particles and fumes. Regular maintenance of ventilation systems is key to ensuring their efficiency.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Equip workers with appropriate PPE. This goes without saying on any construction site, but this does not stop at hard hats and his vis vests. Respirators or masks designed to filter out dust and fumes should be provided and worn consistently in areas where exposure is high. Proper training on how to wear and maintain this equipment is essential.

Control Dust at the Source

Once the source of dust is identified, a plan should be made to reduce dust generation for example wet methods such as spraying water on surfaces can prevent dust from becoming airborne. Using tools equipped with dust collection systems is another effective measure.

Education and Training

This is a big consideration as all the preventive measures and plans in the world will be ineffective if workers are not following them or not advised. Ensure that all workers are educated about the risks and trained in safety protocols. This includes recognising hazardous materials, understanding the importance of PPE, and knowing how to use equipment properly. Ensure that all training sessions are documented and that each worker has acknowledged that they fully understand the protocols.

Regular Health Check-ups and Lifestyle Advice

As part of your staff’s health and wellbeing initiatives, a good way to help identify early decisions of lung disease is to encourage routine health check-ups for workers exposed to potential respiratory hazards. Early dedication can help to minimise long-term damage.

Your initiatives could also include lifestyle support and advice such as help to quit smoking and fitness programmes.

Implementing Regulations and Standards

Stay updated and compliant with occupational safety regulations. Regulations are designed to protect workers; adhering to them can significantly reduce the risk of lung diseases.

Promote a Culture of Safety

Safety first on-site should be everyone’s priority. Encourage open communication about potential hazards, and empower workers to report any concerns without fear of repercussions. Regular safety meetings should take place with workers and risks identified and minimised where possible.

Regular Site Inspections

Conducting frequent inspections to identify potential risks and addressing them quickly is a proactive approach and can prevent accidents and potential risks to ensure a safer working environment. Ensure these inspections are documented and risk identified are actioned.

Remember, preventing lung diseases in construction requires a collaborative effort from everyone involved. Employers, supervisors, and workers must work together to prioritise safety and create an environment where the risk of respiratory issues is minimised. At Cardon Construction, we have implemented these preventive measures that we regularly monitor, and we encourage construction sites to become safer spaces where workers thrive without compromising their lung health.