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Construction is a potentially
harmful industry, given the
strenuous effort required in
some cases, and the exposure
to potentially fatal elements,
including heights and electricity.
Here are some tips for playing it
safe while on the job:
Don’t breathe the asphalt (fumes). Workers
are exposed to potentially harmful fumes when
roofing, waterproofing, or paving roads with
hot coal tar. These can cause skin, eye, and
construction feature
respiratory problems, and possibly even cancer
down the road. Make sure you’re using the best
equipment available to reduce fumes, as well as
wearing proper protective gear.
Be aware of the hazards of stone-cutting.
The National Institute for Safety and Health
(NIOSH) warns that you can get the lung
disease silicosis from dry-cutting masonry or
stone, since the dust may contain silica. Wet-
cut this material instead, or make sure your
employer supplies you with a full respirator correctly. You probably know the drill, but just
Always wear eye protection. According to
system. in case, here it is: Bend your knees when lifting
NIOSH, the best safety combination is to pair
-- bending at the waist puts too much strain on eye goggles with face shields. This will protect
Use ergonomically correct hand your back. Put one foot slightly in front of the
you from dust, chemicals, and airborne particles
and power tools. You may love your electric other for balance, avoid twisting to the side,
such as flying metal shards.
drill, but does it vibrate so much that your and you’ll avoid a lot of back aches.
hand feels numb? And what about your
Avoid dampness when using electric tools.
pliers, hammers, tin snips, and screwdrivers? Sit down on the job. That is, when you have to
If you’re working in standing water or have
When used frequently, even these classic tools work at a lower level. It’s often easier to sit on
on wet clothing -- or even if there’s high
can cause overuse injuries like carpal tunnel a stool than strain your ligaments by stooping
humidity -- wear protective equipment such
syndrome. Look for lighter tools that require at the waist. It’s also better than squatting,
as insulated rubber gloves and boots. And in
less force to use and ones that are balanced, which can strain your knees and put you in an
hot weather or a warm environment, towel off
frequently -- believe it or not, even perspiration
meaning they won’t tip forward or backward unstable position. Move a stable stool close to
can be conductive! Dry your hands carefully
during use. Also, test each tool handle to make your work and enjoy some solid support.
before handling flexible cords and equipment
sure it’s comfortable and fits your hand.
that’s plugged in, and if possible, turn off the
Don’t shock yourself. Before you or an
electricity before you start working. Don’t run
Keep your wrists and arms in neutral. electrician starts working on electric equipment,
extension cords in damp or wet areas, and be
Working with your wrist flexed back or make sure the power is turned off. This may
especially careful on ladders or scaffolding
forwards increases the chances that you’ll seem obvious, but reports from the Electronic -- even a small shock can make you lose your
develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Avoid working Library of Construction confirm that people balance.
with your arms outstretched, if possible; this responsible for installing or maintaining
puts more strain on your body. And if you electrical equipment often fail to turn off the Protect your lungs. Respiratory problems, such
develop pain, swelling, tingling, and signs of an power source before beginning to work on as chronic bronchitis, asthma, and lung cancer,
overuse injury, take the time to rest. Trying to it, sometimes with tragic results. Avoid risky are common among construction workers.
work through the pain will only make it worse. shortcuts as well, including removing the third Wear a facemask whenever working on a job
prong from a plug, using household extension that creates dust. If you’re working with paint
Lift things properly. Many back problems cords, overloading a power box, and interfering or lacquer, use a respirator to avoid breathing in
could be prevented if people would lift things with safety lights. the hazardous fumes.
BusinessFocus • June/July 2007 | 6
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