Occupational Health

What is 'occupational health' in construction?

• AOnly treating injuries
• BPrevention and management of work-related illness, disease, and health monitoring✓
• COnly mental health
• DNot the employer's concern

Answer: Occupational health focuses on preventing and managing work-related diseases and conditions through risk assessment, exposure control, medical surveillance, and health promotion.

What is 'noise-induced hearing loss' (NIHL) and how is it prevented?

• ANot preventable
• BPermanent hearing damage from exposure; prevented by reducing exposure, using hearing protection, and monitoring✓
• CTemporary and recovers
• DOnly affects older workers

Answer: NIHL is irreversible hearing damage from noise exposure. Prevention requires: engineering controls (quieter equipment), work rotation, hearing protection (earplugs, muffs), and monitoring.

What are the duties under the Noise at Work Regulations 2005?

• ANo duties
• BAssess noise exposure, provide hearing protection, health monitoring, and reduce exposure to levels below action values✓
• COnly ear defenders needed
• DOnly for very loud work

Answer: Noise Regulations require: exposure assessment, exposure action values (85 dB(A) and 87 dB(A)), provision of hearing protection, and exposure reduction measures.

What is 'Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome' (HAVS)?

• ANot a real condition
• BVascular and neurological damage from vibrating tool use causing pain, numbness, and circulation problems✓
• COnly tremors
• DOnly temporary discomfort

Answer: HAVS is an occupational disease from prolonged use of vibrating tools. Symptoms include white fingers, numbness, and loss of grip strength. Prevention includes tool selection and work rotation.

What are the duties under the Hand-Arm Vibration Regulations 2005?

• ANo duties
• BAssess vibration exposure, reduce exposure through tool selection and work rotation, health monitoring, and provide information✓
• COnly stop work
• DOnly for very powerful tools

Answer: HAV Regulations require: vibration exposure assessment, control measures (quieter tools, reduced use time), health monitoring of workers, and information provision.

What is 'silicosis' and how is it prevented in construction?

• ANot a concern
• BLung disease from inhaling silica dust (found in sandstone, concrete cutting); prevented by wet cutting and respiratory protection✓
• COnly affects stone masons
• DJust a minor irritation

Answer: Silicosis is a serious lung disease from silica dust. Prevention: wet cutting methods, dust extraction, respiratory protection, medical surveillance, and exposure reduction.

What is a 'COSHH assessment' and what are its purposes?

• ANot necessary
• BControl of Substances Hazardous to Health assessment identifying substances, hazards, and control measures to protect workers✓
• COnly for very toxic materials
• DOptional if careful

Answer: COSHH assessments identify: hazardous substances present, health hazards, exposure routes (inhalation, skin, ingestion), persons at risk, and required control measures.

What information must be provided for hazardous substances under COSHH?

• ANothing if substance is common
• BSafety Data Sheets (SDS) with hazard classification, exposure limits, safe handling procedures, and emergency response✓
• COnly supplier contact
• DOnly chemical formula

Answer: Suppliers must provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) containing: hazard classification, physical properties, health effects, exposure limits, protective measures, and emergency procedures.

What is 'health surveillance' in occupational health?

• ANot necessary
• BRegular health monitoring of workers exposed to health risks (medical checks, lung tests, hearing tests)✓
• COnly fitness testing
• DOnly required if someone gets ill

Answer: Health surveillance monitors workers exposed to occupational hazards through: medical questionnaires, clinical examinations, lung function tests, hearing tests, and biological monitoring.

What is 'asthma' in occupational settings and its triggers in construction?

• ANot work-related
• BOccupational asthma triggered by substances like isocyanates (paints), dusts, and cleaning agents; prevented by exposure control✓
• COnly from outside work
• DNot preventable

Answer: Occupational asthma in construction is triggered by: spray paint fumes (isocyanates), wood dust, cement dust, and cleaning chemicals. Prevention: substitution, extraction, respiratory protection.

What is 'dermatitis' in construction and how is it prevented?

• ANot a concern
• BSkin inflammation from exposure to irritants/allergens (cement, epoxy); prevented by skin protection and hygiene✓
• COnly from direct caustics
• DNot preventable

Answer: Occupational dermatitis is triggered by cement (alkaline), epoxy resins, solvents, and cleaning products. Prevention: gloves, skin barriers, washing, and protective creams.

What is 'manual handling injury' and what controls are needed?

• ANo controls needed
• BBack/musculoskeletal injury from lifting or handling; prevented by proper techniques, mechanical aids, and training✓
• COnly from very heavy loads
• DInevitable part of construction

Answer: Manual handling injuries (back strain, hernia, joint damage) are prevented by: mechanical aids (trolleys, hoists), proper training, team lifting, and limiting load weight.