TOOL BOX TALK

Delivery & Guidance

TBT-005 Health on site

Prepare: Quiet Location / No Distractions / Phones Off / 15 minutes Duration

Reason: Many work relate Health issues are on the rise
Why: Work related health matters are often overlooked by construction
operatives
Outline the TBT: This TBT will cover the common health issues that can affect the
construction workers and the necessary preventive measures

How’s your health?

1. Contact with some hazardous substances can result in a severe form of dermatitis
(inflammation of the skin) which could result in sufferers having to give up their trade
2. Exposure to noise and vibration can cause permanent health problems (deafness and
HAVS)
3. How’s your suntan? The short-term effects are sunburn and blisters but there are
40,000 new cases of skin cancer each year resulting from too much sun exposure
4. What about your weight? Try to eat a healthy, well balanced diet with plenty of
vegetables and fruit
5. All dust is hazardous to health, some types more so than others. For example, silica
or hardwood dusts can cause long-term health problems including cancer
6. Fumes from solvents and paint can cause headaches and make you feel sick,
breathless or lightheaded. Your concentration and safety will be affected
7. Breathing in welding fumes can bring on an illness with flu-like symptoms
8. Do your working hours or working conditions leave you feeling stressed? Effects such
as anxiety, poor decision making and loss of concentration will adversely affect your
safety and maybe that of OTHERS!

Question: Do you feel that you can do more to protect your health and well-being?

Answer: Open ended question to start discussion

What are you going to do about it?

1. Hazardous substances must be assessed before they are first put to use – use the
appropriate control measures including wearing the correct PPE
2. Hand inspections are becoming a common event with the “at risk” trades – check
yours regularly
3. If working in a noisy environment, wear hearing protection.
4. If suffering the effects of work related vibration (white hand), report it to your
supervisor immediately
5. Resist the temptation to get a suntan – keep covered up at all times when in direct
sunlight
6. Site canteens don’t always offer the most healthy food – is bringing your own food a
healthier or more practical option? Can you eat somewhere else?
7. Be prepared to wear facemasks or respirators when the levels of dust and fumes
becomes a hazard, your employer should have already assessed this situation and
provided if necessary

©2014 ‐ This document is the property of FREYSSINET Middle East. It cannot be reproduced or distributed without preliminary written authorization.
 TOOL BOX TALK
Delivery & Guidance

TBT-005 Health on site

8. Workplace stress is a growing problem. It is not easy to admit to, but you must
address the issue with your line manager, if you are stressed, you are NOT safe!

Question: What would you do if you thought your work could adversely affect the health of
another person on site?

Answer: You should stop work immediately, report it to your supervisor and reassess the
situation.

Now ask the workforce if they have any questions for you regarding the TBT and
that they have understood it.

©2014 ‐ This document is the property of FREYSSINET Middle East. It cannot be reproduced or distributed without preliminary written authorization.