INDUSTRY RISKS
· CONSTRUCTION

Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that approximately 1.85 million workers are currently exposed to Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) in US construction workplaces. This, along with other risks such as gas exposure can come about due to certain processes and conditions in construction and building environments.

• International Labour Organisation (ILO)  estimates that 220 million people work globally in construction
•  The UN Environment Programme claims the construction sector is by far the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, accounting for a staggering 37% of global emissions
  
• According to UK Parliament, 25% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to the building environment
• OSHA estimates that approximately 1.85 million workers are currently exposed to RCS in US construction workplaces
• Every year, an estimated 600,000 workers are exposed to silica in the UK according to British Safety Council

• Construction dust
• Diesel Engine Exhaust Emissions (DEEE)
• RCS
• Wood dust

• Diesel + petrol leaks
• Flammable gases
• Lead, pigments + catalysts
• Solvents
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

• Chasing concrete
• Cutting paving blocks + tiles
• Dry cutting + sweeping
• Sanding + polishing wood
• Scrabbling + grinding concrete
• Use of construction vehicles

• Cutting into natural materials
• Mixing chemicals for materials
• Use of construction vehicles
• Welding + soldering materials
• Confined space access