HEALTH HAZARDS IN THE

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

1. Hand-arm vibration
Hand-held power tools are regularly used in construction and the vibration can cause
hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). This condition affects fingers, hands and
arms and can cause permanent damage over time.

The more a worker is exposed to vibration, the more likely it is that problems will
occur. As an employer, the law states that you need to assess and control any risk
from vibration. Wherever possible, try to opt for low vibration tools. If you would like
more information on the legislation, take a look at the Control of Vibration at Work
Regulations 2005.

2. Noise
Regular exposure to high noise levels can lead to tinnitus and hearing loss, although
it may take many years for the symptoms to become apparent.
PPE Compliance Employers have a legal responsibility to protect their workers from
excessive noise. The risk should be assessed and controlled. Where the noise has
already been reduced by other controls, but an acceptable level has still not been
reached, hearing protection should be provided.
Select your ear defenders carefully and make sure they are kept in good condition.
You should always ensure that your workers have been properly trained to use the
supplied equipment.

3. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

MSDs cover any injury, damage or disorder of the joints or other tissues in the upper
or lower limbs or back. Issues can be caused by regularly lifting, carrying or handling
materials and items, as well as repetitive work such as plastering or rebar tying.
To reduce the risks from manual handling you should avoid hazardous manual
handling operations as far as is reasonably practicable. Then you will need to assess
those hazardous manual handling operations that simply cant be avoided and
reduce the risk where possible.
 4. Working at Height
The construction of buildings or indeed, demolition works frequently requires
tradesmen to work at height. Fatalities and injuries involving height relating factors
account for many accidents each year.
The risks associated with working at a height are often increased by added access
and mobility restrictions. Training, including safety awareness training is essential for
employees required to work at height. Santia (part of the Alcumus Group) provides
an e-learning course aimed at raising you and your employees awareness of
working at height and the risk and controls.

5. Material & Manual Handling

Materials and equipment is being constantly lifted and moved around on a

construction site, whether manually or by the use of lifting equipment. Different
trades will involve greater demands, but all may involve some degree of risk.

Where employees duties involve manual handling, then adequate training must be
carried out. Where lifting equipment is used, then adequate training must also be
carried out but may involve some form of test, to confirm competency. Records of
training must be maintained for verification.
 Assignment No: 01

Five Potential Physical Hazards of Construction Industry

M.Sc. Occupational Health and Safety

Submitted To: Ms. Samreen Afza.

Submitted By: Ghayas Ahmed.
Reg # 1458-216107.