ASSIGNMENT

ON OPERATIONAL AND
OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS IN
CONSTRUCTION

Graduate Programme in Construction Safety

Management
NICMAR, SODE (PUNE)

SUBMITED BY: SANTANU KUMAR SAHU

Registration Number 214-05-28-51515-2153

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NICMAR / SODE OFFICE
Course No.

- GPSM 13

Course Title

- Operational and Occupational Hazards in Construction

Assignment No:

- M-G51

Date of Dispatch

- 08/12/2014

Last date of receipt of

Assignment at Sode Office

- 15/12/2014

Identify the hazards associated with construction process?

What are the main safety considerations during hazardous construction process?
How to minimise hazards associated with construction processes?
Answer
As an industry, the field of construction is one of those that present hazards to workers. These work hazards
can be due to negligence in the construction site, faulty handling of equipment and materials, lack of proper
coordination between labourers, and sometimes, the blatant disregard of work site safety rules. Following
are the hazards identified at found at construction sites:
1. Chemical hazards

Chemical hazards are often airborne and can appear as dusts, fumes, mists, vapours or gases; thus,
exposure occurs by inhalation, although some airborne hazards may settle on and be absorbed through the
intact skin (e.g., pesticides and some organic solvents). Chemical hazards also occur in liquid or semi-liquid
state (e.g., glues or adhesives, tar) or as powders (e.g., dry cement). Skin contact with chemicals in this
state can occur in addition to possible inhalation of the vapour resulting in systemic poisoning or contact
dermatitis.

Chemicals

might

also

be

ingested

with

food

or

water,

or

by

smoking.

Several illnesses have been linked to the construction trades, among them:

Silicosis among sand blasters, tunnel builders and rock drill operators

Asbestosis (and other diseases caused by asbestos) among asbestos insulation workers, steam
pipe fitters, building demolition workers and others

Bronchitis White finger (Raynauds syndrome) appears among some jackhammer operators and
other workers who use vibrating drills.

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Alcoholism and other alcohol-related disease is more frequent than expected among construction
workers. Specific occupational causes have not been identified, but it is possible that it is related
to stress resulting from lack of control over employment prospects, heavy work demands or
social isolation due to unstable working relationships, among welders.

Skin allergies among masons and others who work with cement

Neurologic disorders among painters and others exposed to organic solvents and lead.

Elevated death rates from cancer of the lung and respiratory tree have been found among
asbestos insulation workers, roofers, welders and some woodworkers.

Lead poisoning occurs among bridge rehabilitation workers and painters, and heat stress (from
wearing full-body protective suits) among hazardous-waste clean-up workers and roofers.

Physical hazards
Physical hazards are present in every construction project. These hazards
include noise, heat and cold, radiation, vibration and barometric pressure. Construction work often must
be done in extreme heat or cold, in windy, rainy, snowy, or foggy weather or at night. Ionizing and nonionizing

radiation

is

encountered,

as

are

extremes

of

barometric

pressure.

The machines that have transformed construction into an increasingly mechanized activity have also made
it increasingly noisy. The sources of noise are engines of all kinds (e.g., on vehicles, air compressors and
cranes), winches, rivet guns, nail guns, paint guns, pneumatic hammers, power saws, sanders, routers,
planers, explosives and many more. Noise is present on demolition projects by the very activity of
demolition. It affects not only the person operating a noise-making machine, but all those close-by and not
only causes noise-induced hearing loss, but also masks other sounds that are important for communication
and for safety. Pneumatic hammers, many hand tools and earth-moving and other large mobile machines
also subject workers to segmental and whole-body vibration. Heat and cold hazards arise primarily because
a large portion of construction work is conducted while exposed to the weather, the principal source of
heat and cold hazards. Roofers are exposed to the sun, often with no protection, and often must heat pots

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of tar, thus receiving both heavy radiant and convective heat loads in addition to metabolic heat from
physical labour. Heavy equipment operators may sit beside a hot engine and work in an enclosed cab with
windows and without ventilation. Those that work in an open cab with no roof have no protection from
the sun. Workers in protective gear, such as that needed for removal of hazardous waste, may generate
metabolic heat from hard physical labour and get little relief since they may be in an airtight suit. A shortage
of potable water or shade contributes to heat stress as well. Construction workers also work in especially
cold conditions during the winter, with danger of frostbite and hypothermia and risk of slipping on ice. The
principal sources of non-ionizing ultraviolet (UV) radiation are the sun and electric arc welding. Exposure
to ionizing radiation is less common, but can occur with x-ray inspection of welds, for example, or it may
occur with instruments such as flow meters that use radioactive isotopes. Lasers are becoming more
common and may cause injury, especially to the eyes, if the beam is intercepted. Those who work under
water or in pressurized tunnels, in caissons or as divers are exposed to high barometric pressure. Such
workers are at risk of developing a variety of conditions associated with high pressure: decompression
sickness, inert gas narcosis, aseptic bone necrosis and other disorders. Strains and sprains are among the
most common injuries among construction workers. These, and many chronically disabling musculoskeletal
disorders (such as tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and low-back pain) occur as a result of either
traumatic injury, repetitive forceful movements, awkward postures or overexertion. Falls due to unstable
footing, unguarded holes and slips off scaffolding and ladders are very common.

Biological hazards

Biological hazards are presented by exposure to infectious microorganisms, to toxic substances of biological
origin or animal attacks. Excavation workers, for example, can develop histoplasmosis, an infection of the
lung caused by a common soil fungus. Since there is constant change in the composition of the labour force
on any one project, individual workers come in contact with other workers and, as a consequence, may
become infected with contagious diseasesinfluenza or tuberculosis, for example. Workers may also be at
risk of malaria, yellow fever or Lyme disease if work is conducted in areas where these organisms and their

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insect vectors are prevalent. Toxic substances of plant origin come from poison ivy, poison oak, poison
sumac and nettles, all of which can cause skin eruptions. Some wood dusts are carcinogenic, and some
(e.g., western red cedar) are allergenic. Attacks by animals are rare but may occur whenever a construction
project disturbs them or encroaches on their habitat. This could include wasps, hornets, fire ants, snakes
and many others. Underwater workers may be at risk from attack by sharks or other fish.

Social hazards

Social hazards stem from the social organization of the industry. Employment is intermittent and constantly
changing, and control over many aspects of employment is limited because construction activity is
dependent on many factors over which construction workers have no control, such as the state of an
economy or the weather. Because of the same factors, there can be intense pressure to become more
productive. Since the workforce is constantly changing, and with it the hours and location of work, and
many projects require living in work camps away from home and family, construction workers may lack
stable and dependable networks of social support. Features of construction work such as heavy workload,
limited control and limited social support are the very factors associated with increased stress in other
industries. These hazards are not unique to any trade, but are common to all construction workers in one
way or another.

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Safety Considerations in the Construction Industry

Scaffolding

Scaffold must be sound, rigid and sufficient to carry its own weight plus four times the
maximum intended load without settling or displacement.

Unstable objects, such as barrels, boxes, loose bricks or concrete blocks must not be used
to support scaffolds or planks.

Scaffold must not be erected, moved, dismantled or altered except under the supervision
of a competent person.

Scaffold must be equipped with guardrails, mid rails and toe boards.

Scaffold accessories such as braces, brackets, trusses, screw legs or ladders that are
damaged or weakened from any cause must be immediately repaired or replaced.

Scaffold platforms must be tightly planked with scaffold plank grade material or
equivalent.

Employees must be instructed about the hazards of using diagonal braces as fall
protection.

Fall Protection

Consider using elevated platforms to provide safer elevated working surfaces;

Erect guardrail systems with toe boards and warning lines or install control line systems
to protect workers near the edges of floors and roofs;

Cover floor holes; and/or

Use safety net systems or personal fall arrest systems (body harnesses).

Ladders

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Use the correct ladder for the task.

Have a competent person visually inspect a ladder before use for any defects such as,
structural damage, split/bent side rails, broken or missing rungs/steps/cleats and missing or
damaged safety devices; grease, dirt or other contaminants that could cause slips or falls;
paint or stickers (except warning labels) that could hide possible defects.

Make sure that ladders are long enough to safely reach the work area.

Mark or tag ("Do Not Use") damaged or defective ladders for repair or replacement, or
destroy them immediately.

Never load ladders beyond the maximum intended load or beyond the manufacturer's rated
capacity.

Be sure the load rating can support the weight of the user, including materials and tools.

Avoid using ladders with metallic components near electrical work and overhead power lines.

Stairways

Stairway treads and walkways must be free of dangerous objects, debris and materials.

Slippery conditions on stairways and walkways must be corrected immediately.

Make sure that treads cover the entire step and landing.

Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches must have at least one
handrail.

Trenching

Never enter an unprotected trench.

Always use a protective system for trenches feet deep or greater.

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Employ a registered professional engineer to design a protective system for trenches 20

feet deep or greater.

Protective Systems:
o

Sloping to protect workers by cutting back the trench wall at an angle inclined away
from the excavation not steeper than a height/depth ratio of 11 2 :1, according to the
sloping requirements for the type of soil.

Shoring to protect workers by installing supports to prevent soil movement for trenches
that do not exceed 20 feet in depth.

Shielding to protect workers by using trench boxes or other types of supports to prevent
soil cave-ins.

Always provide a way to exit a trench--such as a ladder, stairway or ramp--no more than
25 feet of lateral travel for employees in the trench.

Keep spoils at least two feet back from the edge of a trench.

Make sure that trenches are inspected by a competent person prior to entry and after
any hazard-increasing event such as a rainstorm, vibrations or excessive surcharge loads.

Hazard Communication

Maintain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical in the facility.

Make this information accessible to employees at all times in a language or formats that
are clearly understood by all affected personnel.

Train employees on how to read and use the MSDS.

Follow manufacturer's MSDS instructions for handling hazardous chemicals.

Train employees about the risks of each hazardous chemical being used.

Provide spill clean-up kits in areas where chemicals are stored.

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Have a written spill control plan.

Train employees to clean up spills, protect themselves and properly dispose of used
materials.

Provide proper personal protective equipment and enforce its use.

Store chemicals safely and securely.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Eye and Face Protection

Safety glasses or face shields are worn anytime work operations can cause foreign objects
getting into the eye such as during welding, cutting, grinding, nailing (or when working
with concrete and/or harmful chemicals or when exposed to flying particles).

Eye and face protectors are selected based on anticipated hazards.

Safety glasses or face shields are worn when exposed to any electrical hazards including
work on energized electrical systems.

Foot Protection

Construction workers should wear work shoes or boots with slip-resistant and punctureresistant soles.

Safety-toed footwear is worn to prevent crushed toes when working around heavy
equipment or falling objects.

Hand Protection

Gloves should fit snugly.

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Workers wear the right gloves for the job (for example, heavy-duty rubber gloves for
concrete work, welding gloves for welding, insulated gloves and sleeves when exposed to
electrical hazards).

Head Protection

Workers shall wear hard hats where there is a potential for objects falling from above or
of accidental head contact with electrical hazards.

Hard hats are routinely inspected for dents, cracks or deterioration.

Hard hats are replaced after a heavy blow or electrical shock.

Hard hats are maintained in good condition.

Electrical Safety

Work on new and existing energized (hot) electrical circuits is prohibited until all power is
shut off and grounds are attached.

An effective Lockout/Tag out system is in place.

Frayed, damaged or worn electrical cords or cables are promptly replaced.

All extension cords have grounding prongs.

Protect flexible cords and cables from damage. Sharp corners and projections should be
avoided.

Use extension cord sets used with portable electric tools and appliances that are the
three-wire type and designed for hard or extra-hard service. (Look for some of the
following letters imprinted on the casing: S, ST, SO, STO.)

All electrical tools and equipment are maintained in safe condition and checked regularly
for defects and taken out of service if a defect is found.

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Do not bypass any protective system or device designed to protect employees from
contact with electrical energy.

Overhead electrical power lines are located and identified.

Ensure that ladders, scaffolds, equipment or materials never come within 10 feet of
electrical power lines.

All electrical tools must be properly grounded unless they are of the double insulated
type.

Multiple plug adapters are prohibited.

Floor and Wall Openings

Floor openings (12 inches or more) are guarded by a secured cover, a guardrail or
equivalent on all sides (except at entrances to stairways).

Toe boards are installed around the edges of permanent floor openings (where persons
may pass below the opening).

Elevated Surfaces

Signs are posted, when appropriate, showing the elevated surface load capacity.

Surfaces elevated more than 48 inches above the floor or ground have standard
guardrails.

All elevated surfaces (beneath which people or machinery could be exposed to falling
objects) have standard 4-inch toe boards.

A permanent means of entry and exit with handrails is provided to elevated storage and
work surfaces.

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Material is piled, stacked or racked in a way that prevents it from tipping, falling,
collapsing, rolling or spreading.

Hazard Communication

A list of hazardous substances used in the workplace is maintained and readily available
at the worksite.

There is a written hazard communication program addressing Material Safety Data

Sheets (MSDS), labelling and employee training.

Each container of a hazardous substance (vats, bottles, storage tanks) is labelled with
product identity and a hazard warning(s) (communicating the specific health hazards and
physical hazards).

Material Safety Data Sheets are readily available at all times for each hazardous
substance used.

There is an effective employee training program for hazardous substances.

Hazards on construction sites can be minimised by developing and implementing an effective

safety and health management system that focuses on the four elements.
I. Management Leadership and Employee Involvement

Develop a policy that leads employees in making decisions that favour safety. Ensure that
employees understand that safety is at least equally, if not more important, than production, and
they are not to place themselves or workers around them in dangerous situations.

Demonstrate management leadership by requiring all managers and supervisors (superintendents

or foremen) to have an active role in safety (i.e., perform safety meetings/training sessions,
inspect the site).

Provide adequate resources for employees to prevent hazards.

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Implement an accountability system that holds all personnel responsible for working safely on the
construction site, If employee continues to work unsafely, then you must consider discipline.

Involve the trades in discussing hazards and implementing methods to prevent fall, electrical,
caught in, and struck by hazards.

II. Work-site Hazard Analysis

Implement a system to identify safety hazards on your construction site through implementation
of the following:

Involve experts (e.g.: someone with the knowledge of safety engineering) in the evaluation of
your site. In some cases, engineers may be required to design your scaffolds.

Plan for the project by reviewing the safety needs in relation to preventing fall, electrical, caught
in, and struck by hazards prior to the commencement of construction activities (planning needs
to be pro-active, not reactive).

Perform frequently documented self-inspections of your construction site to identify fall,

electrical, caught in, and struck by hazards.
a. scaffolding (fall hazards)
b. excavation/trenching (fall, electrical, caught in, struck by hazards)
c. accident prevention
d. cranes (struck by and caught in hazards)
e. fall protection (fall hazard)

Perform a project hazard analysis daily and communicate it to all personnel involved with the
tasks. A project hazard analysis consists of:
a. Identification of work to be performed;
b. Analysing the hazards associated with the phase of construction;
c. Determine resources needed;

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d. Taking steps to eliminate possible hazards.

III. Hazard Prevention and Control

Prevent or control all safety hazards on construction sites immediately through:

Elimination of the hazard;

Engineering controls (e.g., guards);

Work practices

Personal protective equipment.

Implement an effective preventative maintenance program that requires frequent inspection of

all tools and equipment used on the site.

IV. Safety and Health Training

All managers, supervisors (superintendents, foremen) and tradesmen need safety training that is
appropriate for the tasks being performed and their areas of responsibility.

Tradesman or labourers on construction sites may need the following training:

Topics like how to prevent falls from height, electrical, struck by and caught in accidents (fall
protection, electrical safety, use of ladders, hazard communication, confined space entry, aerial
lifts, forklift operation, respiratory protection).

Job-related training (use of equipment including powder-actuated tools, construction vehiclesearthmoving/cranes, scaffolding assembly, lifting, rigging, accident prevention, and safe work
procedures).

Safety program management (emergency preparedness, policy, goals, responsibilities,

accountability system, and resources).