Occupational health and hygiene

Chapter 3.1 The structure and functions of the human body (Dr T. Coates) 425 

Chapter 3.4 Radiation (Dr A. D. Wrixon and updated by Peter Shaw and Dr M. Maslanyi) 524 

Chapter 3.5 Noise and vibration (R. W. Smith and updated by Terry Bramer) 542 

Chapter 3.6 Workplace pollution, heat and ventilation (F. S. Gill) 567 

Chapter 3.7 Lighting (E. G. Hooper and updated by Jonathan David) 581 

Traditionally the construction industry s high level of injury accidents has received the attention of enforcement, media publicity and management action. Arguably, the size of that problem has led to a neglect of the less tangible consequences of occupational hygiene and health problems, apart from well-publicised topics such as asbestos. There is little general awareness of just how big the occupational health risks are in construction compare the numbers already discussed for conventional injuries with the fact that mesothelioma, a form of cancer linked specifically to asbestos exposure, kills around 1400 people 

A general downgrading of normal health can also occur. Reports suggest that construction workers age prematurely due to hypothermia caused by working in the cold and wet. Respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma are also thought to occur at above average levels in construction workers. 

Experience with the implementation of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations in construction shows that there is little awareness of the principles of assessment, or significant appreciation of the risks to workers from substances brought onto the site -and especially from those created there. Also, there is said to be a disappointing response from the Industry to the noise controls (mostly managerial action and measurement 

In 1998/99, 4173 reports were made of dangerous occurrences. Some 25% dealt with failures of lifting machinery of 

Acknowledgement The Health and Safety Executive s assistance with the provision of statistical information is gratefully acknowledged. 

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U.S. Army. 1997. Occupational Health and Hygiene Plan (JACADS) (PL 40). Prepared by Raytheon Demilitarization Company. Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. U.S. Army Program Manager for Chemical Demilitarization. 

Geisler O. 1991. Occupational health and hygiene following a fire in a warehouse with an asbestos cement roof [Fetter Comment]. J Soc Occup Med 41(3) 143. 

External verification J. Murphy of BSI-QA has verified the environmental statement, which comprises the whole report other than three pages, which discuss community liaison, schools, the CIA Speak out and listen programme , Investing in People and occupational health and hygiene. 

Santoso MS (1986) Occupational health and hygiene in industry. A comparative study among Batik Solo, Batik Pekalongan, and Batik Yogyakarta (in Indonesian). Research Centre University of Sebelas Maret, Solo, Indonesia... 

All of the above limitations have been described in isolation from the effects of the external environment. General environmental conditions such as noise, glare and lighting level, dust and fumes, social environment, etc. will influence the factors which have been described above. For example, noise and high temperature both have an effect on the arousal level. Noise increases it, heat decreases it, and both have an effect on the accuracy of detection of information and the speed of processing it. These physical environmental factors are dealt with in the chapters on Occupational Health and Hygiene. The effects of fatigue and the social environment upon individual behaviour are dealt with here. 

Part III Occupational health and hygiene Table 18.1. Environmental stress... 

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