Occupational Health and Safety Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Occupational Health and Safety - Essay Example 1) Falls and Trips: Falls and trips could occur while working on ladders, scaffolding, roofs, mobile elevating work platforms, or any other form of working at heights. 23 worker deaths in construction resulted from falls from heights in 2006-2007. Use of fall protection equipment such as work restraint systems, work positioning systems, rope access systems, or fall arrest systems can minimize falls and trips. 2) Workplace Transport Accidents: Accidents involving workplace vehicles cause fatalities every year. Accidents could include being struck by a moving vehicle, falling from a vehicle, materials falling from a vehicle, collapse/overturn of a vehicle, or hit against a vehicle. There were 66 workplace transport fatalities in 2006-2007. Planning, training, awareness, and appropriate use of vehicles can reduce accidents. 1) Asbestos: Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and/or pleural thickening. 1000 people who worked in building or maintenance die every year from lung cancer. Training and personal protective equipment is required for working with asbestos containing material. 2) Noise: Exposure to high levels of noise (over 85dBA) for over long periods of time can cause noise induced hearing loss. Use of hearing protective devices is necessary to keep noise exposure to acceptable levels. Exposure to noise can also be reduced by use of engineering or administrative controls. 3) Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): Repetitive manual handling of heavy weights create excessive stress and strain on the body, and may lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 have been developed to reduce MSDs in construction work. Health and Safety Executive. (2008). Work-related injuries and ill health in construction - Summary. Retrieved March 2, 2009, from Health and Safety Executive Web site: