Construction Physical Health Hazard Examples
The level of exposure to physical health hazards in the construction industry can vary depending on the specific hazards and circumstances of a construction project. However, the occupation generally considered to have the highest potential for exposure to physical health hazards due to the nature of their work is asbestos abatement workers, as asbestos exposure can lead to severe health risks.
The table below lists other occupations that involve potential exposure to common health hazards in the construction industry.
| Occupations | Potential Physical Health Hazards |
|---|---|
| Brick masons | asbestos, cement dermatitis, awkward postures, and heavy loads |
| Drywall installers | awkward postures, plaster dust, and heavy loads |
| Electricians | heavy metals in solder fumes, awkward postures, heavy loads, and asbestos |
| Painters | asbestos, solvent vapors, toxic metals in pigments, and paint additives |
| Carpet layers | knee trauma, awkward postures, glue and glue vapor |
| Insulation workers | asbestos, synthetic fibers, and awkward postures |
| Roofers | asbestos, roofing tar and heat |
| Carpenters | asbestos, noise, awkward postures, and repetitive motion |
| Drillers (earth and rock) | silica dust, whole-body vibration, noise |
| Excavating/loading machine operators | silica dust, whole-body vibration, heat stress, and noise |
| Hazardous waste workers | asbestos, heat stress and toxic chemicals |
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-2. Which of the following occupations is considered to have the highest potential for exposure to physical health hazards in construction?
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