Chapter 13 Controlling exposure to physical hazards

Physical hazards occur on all construction sites and threaten the overall health and safety of construction workers. These hazards are the most common type of occupational hazard on construction sites. In 2007 in the United Kingdom alone just less than 100 000 construction workers suffered from an illness which was either caused or made worse as a result of working in the construction industry. Physical hazards include unsafe conditions that can cause injury, illness or death. Exposures and the consequences of exposure to physical hazards can be mitigated and controlled by construction employers through hazard identification and risk assessment techniques, monitoring and management of exposures. This chapter discusses several physical hazards and their health effects. Several practical preventative interventions and mitigating strategies are outlined.