TL;DR
- Construction companies are increasingly taking occupational health seriously as the sector accounts for more than 20% fatalities in the workplace.
- Improving construction occupational health and safety has multiple perks: fewer incidents, lower compensation costs, better regulatory compliance, a better reputation, etc.
- Common risks in the construction industry range from falls, musculoskeletal disorders, and stress to respiratory problems and heatstroke.
- You can improve safety and health at construction sites with:
- OSHA compliance
- Regular assessment of risks
- Intensive and relevant training
- Proper PPE usage
- Employee involvement
- Physical changes
- Work-related modifications
- Innovative technology
Occupational Health: A Cornerstone of Construction Safety
Did you know that in 2023, close to 48% of fatal slips, trips, and falls occurred in the USA’s construction sector? This same industry also accounted for over 20% workplace-related deaths. It’s no surprise, then, that occupational health in construction has become a top priority for safety-conscious employers.
After all, workers endure myriad hazards and challenges every day to put together functional structures. From heights, heat, and dust to high-risk machines, chemicals, and noises, employees deal with plenty of stressors.
Let’s explore the importance of construction workplace safety, key risks, and how to manage your staff’s health and wellbeing.
Boosting Occupational Health in Construction: Key Benefits
Making construction occupational safety a priority can benefit you and your employees in multiple ways:
- Fewer accidents (especially grave ones) and fatalities
- Increased awareness of risks and a better overall safety culture
- Fewer operational interruptions or extended absences related to recovery
- Enhanced employee trust and engagement, which translates to increased productivity
- Better compliance with regulations
- Lower chance of inviting lawsuits
- Less spending on healthcare and workers’ compensation
- Better repute in the industry and among stakeholders
The Biggest Occupational Risks in Construction
As an employer, you must take occupational health in construction seriously, owing to the wide array of risks present. Some of these are as follows:
Physical
- Excessive exertion
- Improper posture
- Falls, trips, slips
- Electrocution
- Hearing loss from loud noises
- Uncontrollable hand-arm vibration
- Musculoskeletal disorders (joint injuries, backache, injuries induced by repetitive strain)
Mental
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Issues associated with substance abuse
Environmental
- Respiratory ailments and cancers (due to dust and hazardous chemical exposure)
- Hypothermia, heatstroke, and skin damage (due to extreme weather)
Also Read: How Occupational Medicine Enhances Workplace Safety & Health
Construction Site Health Management: Tips for Effective Implementation
Now that you are aware of the key risks associated with the construction industry and the benefits of occupational health management, let’s focus on strategic implementation. Here’s how to ensure health and safety in construction:
Align with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Take measures to prevent (often fatal) falls.
- Give employees a heads-up about unsafe chemicals and train them in secure handling.
- Make sure scaffolds are safely erected, utilized, and dismantled.
- Ensure workers’ protection during excavations.
Assess Risks Regularly
- Check tasks, tools, materials, and worksites to spot anything that can pose harm.
- Estimate every hazard’s probability of occurrence and how serious the consequences might be. Then prioritize risks based on what needs attention first.
- Undertake measures like better training, modified processes, and suitable safety equipment to minimize or remove risks.
- Keep first aid kits stocked with the right tools and supplies.
- Update assessments based on changes in work conditions, tasks, and incidents.
Provide Training
- Detect current knowledge gaps by reviewing incident reports, talking to workers, and observing processes.
- Develop interactive, engaging, and realistic programs that resonate with relevant tasks or roles.
- Deliver training in a regular, convenient manner via experienced trainers.
- Assess the programs’ effectiveness through periodic reviews and update them if required.
Ensure Personal Protective Equipment is Used Properly
- Choose suitable PPE based on the types of tasks and hazards for enhanced occupational health in construction.
- Train employees in the proper usage and maintenance of PPE (cover limitations and what to do in case of damage).
- Inspect worksites regularly to ensure PPE is being used appropriately and consistently.
- Promptly replace or fix damaged PPE.
Involve Employees
- Include workers in safety committees so they can share various concerns and views and feel empowered.
- Motivate employees to share feedback via dedicated channels, suggestion boxes, or surveys.
- Hold safety meetings to discuss incidents, exchange information, and devise solutions.
Make Physical Changes to Address Hazards
- Install ventilation systems to clear the air of pollutants, dust, etc.
- Set up barriers for sound deflection or absorption.
- Establish systems that suck up dust or make it settle with water sprays.
Reinvent Work
- Allow workers to switch between tasks to minimize repetitive action-related muscle strain.
- Plan shifts smartly to limit the number of workers exposed to hazards as well as the duration of exposure.
- Conduct health checkups regularly to spot issues proactively and intervene on time.
Leverage Technology
- Use wearables and trackers to monitor the health status and fatigue levels of workers automatically and spot accidents quickly.
- Leverage monitoring systems to keep an eye on noise levels, quality of the air, and other potential environmental risks.
- For robust occupational health in construction, avail doctor-led remote triage services and address injuries promptly. Experienced MDs can assess the situation, suggest treatments, and prescribe medicines, thereby reducing emergency room visits.
Also Read: Common Carpentry Injuries and Prevention Tips
Conclusion
Taking steps to improve occupational health in construction can help you reap many short and long-term benefits while minimizing a host of risks. Besides keeping workers safe and boosting business continuity, you can prevent legal hassles, control costs, and improve brand image.
Implementing health management becomes much easier when you follow the strategies above, ranging from risk assessment and training to workplace adjustments and smart use of technology. Remote medical case management services are especially useful if things go wrong despite taking all precautions.
Handle Emergencies Efficiently and Promote Occupational Health with WorkPartners USA
Fostering a safe culture at the construction site involves both preventive measures and efficient emergency handling. At WorkPartners, we deliver on both fronts. Our occupational physicians assist you in managing most onsite injuries, keeping OSHA recordables low, and controlling associated costs.
We also provide first aid kits specifically designed for your industry’s needs. Additionally, our post-offer employment testing service ensures that new hires are prepared for their responsibilities, helping to prevent avoidable accidents and ensuring smooth operation, even through personnel changes.
Contact us today to learn more about our occupational health services.
Phone: (800) 359-5020 (Injury Intervention Line) // (651) 323-8654 (Inquiries)
Email: info@workpartnersusa.com
Address: 420 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
FAQs
Q1. What is occupational health in construction, and why is it important?
Ans. Preservation and augmentation of worker safety and holistic wellness are the cornerstones of occupational health. From reducing accidents and costs and driving business continuity and productivity to ensuring regulatory and legal compliance, it is a multi-pronged strategy for growth.
Q2. What are the construction sector’s key occupational health hazards?
Ans. Common physical risks include slips, falls, overexertion, musculoskeletal problems, etc. Workers also grapple with mental health risks like depression and anxiety, while environmental dangers include chemical exposure, dust, and extreme climatic conditions.
Q3. What role does construction workplace safety training play in accident prevention?
Ans. Training fixes knowledge gaps, improves workers’ awareness of potential dangers, and helps them to efficiently deal with emergencies.
Q4. How can construction site health management be effectively implemented?
Ans. OSHA compliance, regular hazard assessments, adequate training, and proper PPE usage can go a long way. You should also involve employees more, make necessary physical changes, modify work patterns, and leverage technology.
