Back to basics: How to effectively manage ill health risks in the construction industry

Learn all you need to know about workplace health risks. Keep your people safe and comply with the latest legislation.

Construction is a high-risk industry for occupational ill health such as lung disease, cancer, hearing damage and the effects of exposure to excessive vibration. Common construction health risks include exposure to hazardous substances, noise and vibrations.  

CHAPTER 1

How healthy is your business?

Construction employers and managers have a legal and moral responsibility to safeguard workers from all occupational ill health risks. These can include:

• Respiratory health issues and lung diseases caused by exposure to construction dusts
• Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) caused by vibrations from power tools
• Back and muscle pain caused by shocks and jolts from heavy machinery
• Life-changing hearing damage caused by loud, repetitive noises

As the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) places an ever-increasing focus on work-related ill health in the UK, it is now more important than ever for your construction organisation to take a more proactive approach to controlling workplace risks. Last year, a staggering 1.4 million cases of work-related ill health were reported and an estimated 13,000 fatalities per year are related to occupational lung disease, and there are no signs of these numbers slowing down.

Turning our advice into action can help prevent you and your people from suffering work-related ill health. Protect your workforce and become safer, healthier and stronger.