When working in construction, workers have a 3.5 percent probability of becoming ill or injured on the job. Although it may not appear to be a significant risk, but when you consider that people only have a 1.2 percent chance of being harmed in a motorcycle accident, this profession may be a higher cause of possible suffering and discomfort than people believe. Staying healthy when working on construction sites demands paying attention to the important elements affecting overall health and safety. Weather, Harmful substances, Diseases, Muscular and skeletal damage and Accidents are potentially harmful areas to which the workers are exposed to on the sites.
Weather
It’s not a question of whether, but when, weather changes will put your health in jeopardy. The human body can only handle so much temperature extremes, whether it’s the heat of summer or the freezing of winter. It’s simpler to deal with the extremes if you’re prepared. Wearing clothing that wicks moisture away from your skin is a simple extra step that can make a major difference in your comfort and overall health throughout the year.
We don’t always have a choice in the weather conditions we have to work in, so choose your work apparel, footwear, and accessories properly. We may assist our body adjust to changing situations by being prepared to layer the garments as needed. Consider using materials that help you stay cool in the summer, such as lightweight fabrics.
Injury and Accidents
The physical requirements of construction work almost always result in an injury or mishap. Many construction activities are monotonous, which frequently results in repetitive motion injuries. There are also responsibilities and tasks that demand physical strength, putting the workers at risk of muscular and skeletal problems if they overwork themselves.
It is critical to maintain good physical fitness in order to reduce the risk of injury. Stretching activities are also a great way to warm up before starting your day. Workers can do them at any time during the day, especially if they’re doing activities that require them to repeat the same movement repeatedly.
The best outcome in the case of accidents is to simply avoid them. Because it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Paying attention to what you’re doing, wearing the proper protective gear, and being willing to inform others if something doesn’t feel right are all strategies that can help you avoid injury and illness on the job.
Diseases
Working in physically demanding environments for long periods of time can lead to increased risk to illnesses as a result of stress. Stress can increase the risk of catching a virus, but it can also raise the risk of diabetes in overweight people, increase stomach acid, which can lead to stomach ulcers, and even increase buildup of plaque in arteries.
Taking a break and stretching are two things that may do on the site. Drinking water, exercising relaxation techniques such as meditation, asking for help, establishing work-life boundaries, and using healthy stress management techniques are all good ways of dealing with stress. Other ways to prevent diseases include eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding contact with people who are ill.
Harmful Substances
Harmful compounds are used to finish, seal, bond, and protect materials in the construction industry. Also, there are hazardous substances present, such as dust generated by grinding and cutting. Most construction materials can injure, bruise, or scrape you, resulting in secondary infections of various intensity.
Make sure you get a tetanus injection every 10 years as one of the first layers of defense. When working, make sure you’re wearing the necessary protective gear or using the right engineering controls to reduce or eliminate your exposure to hazardous substances. Workers should also spend time learning about the hazards of the compounds they work with and what to do if their exposure exceeds the recommended levels.