Construction site safety hazards that you need to know
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 150,000 injuries on construction job sites every year. There are a few hazards that are more common than others on construction sites. Here are six hazards at a construction site to avoid so you can stay safe.
Noise exposure
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA), noise-related hearing loss has been listed as one of the most prevalent occupational health concerns in the United States for more than 25 years. Exposure to high levels of noise can cause permanent hearing loss. Short-term exposure to loud noise can also cause a temporary change in hearing (your ears may feel stuffed up) or a ringing in your ears (tinnitus). These short-term problems may go away within a few minutes or hours after leaving the noisy area. However, repeated exposures to loud noise can lead to permanent tinnitus and/or hearing loss. Wearing earmuffs or earplugs can protect your hearing from these construction site hazards.
Silica
Silica is a basic component of sand, quartz and granite rock. Activities such as roof bolting, stonecutting, drilling, brick/block/concrete cutting, asphalt paving, hammering, chipping and sweeping concrete can create an airborne silica exposure hazard. One of the most dangerous hazards of construction, overexposure to silica results in approximately 300 deaths annually in the construction industry. (Source: osha.gov)
Wood dust
Breathing wood dust that becomes airborne through sanding and cutting may cause allergic respiratory symptoms, mucosal and non-allergic respiratory symptoms, and cancer. The extent of these hazards and the associated wood types have not been clearly established but safety equipment and reducing exposure are definitely recommended. OSHA has several suggestions for respirators and other work place safety tips to keep you from breathing as much wood dust.
Asbestos
Also among the safety hazards in construction,Breathing asbestos fibers can cause a loss of lung function that often progresses to disability and death. Asbestos can also cause lung cancer and other diseases such as mesothelioma. PeopleReady will not knowingly send you to a job where asbestos is present. If you are on a job where it is found, do not touch it, leave the site and contact your branch manager immediately. Additional information about asbestos is included in your safety handbook and from OSHA.
Lead
OSHA estimates that approximately 838,000 construction workers may be exposed to various forms of lead in the workplace. Workers are exposed to lead when they are working near the production, use, maintenance, recycling, and disposal of lead material and products. Workers are often exposed during the removal, renovation, or demolition of structures painted with lead pigments. Learn more about how to control your exposure from OSHA.
Synthetic mineral fibers
Another one of the safety hazards on a construction site, synthetic mineral fibers are made primarily from rock, clay, slag, or glass. These fibers are generally put into three groups into three general groups: fiberglass, mineral wool, and refractory ceramic fibers. There are more than 225,000 workers in the U.S. exposed to synthetic mineral fibers in manufacturing and end-use applications. Learn from OSHA how you can be better prepared for this exposure.
PeopleReady connects you with jobs in construction
Above all, your safety is very important to us. PeopleReady hopes these tips about hazards in construction help keep you healthy and on the job. We also provide access to a variety of construction jobs within your local community. Our app, JobStack, lets you apply to jobs 24/7 and choose ones that fit your skill set and schedule.
Meanwhile, if you’re a skilled laborer or tradesperson, our specialized subdivision, PeopleReady Skilled Trades, can connect you with jobs in construction. For example:
- Cleanup crew members
- Carpenters
- Construction managers
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Welders
- And more!
