Page 48 - Build 153

4
3
6
B
—
A
3
—
A
6
—
p
p
r
i
r
i
l
l
/
/
M
M
Hazards
Danger in the air
Exposure to dangerous chemicals and solvents is statistically more likely for construction workers than having an accident. To get the message out, WorkSafe New Zealand has rolled out the Clean Air programme.
BY MARCUS NALTER, CONSTRUCTION AND MANUFACTURING PROGRAMME MANAGER, WORKSAFE NEW ZEALAND
FOR TOO LONG, the health part of workplace health and safety has been missing from the agenda. Conservative estimates tell us that, for every person who dies in a workplace incident, 10 are likely to die from a work-related health condition. Many more may have their quality of life seriously impaired for years to come.
Making health a priority
This imbalance can no longer continue. We all need to prioritise health as we have been prioritising safety. Addressing workplace health issues not only vastly improves workers’ wellbeing, it also makes good business sense.
WorkSafe New Zealand’s immediate objective in occupational health is to reduce
the risk of exposure to respirable crystalline silica and organic solvents in the construction sector through the Clean Air programme. Dangers of silica dust
Silica is found in substances used on most construction sites, including concrete, wallboard, blocks and paving, brick, stone aggregate, tile and sand. It is produced by cutting, sawing, breaking, hammering, crushing, drilling, chipping or grinding concrete or masonry or abrasive blasting.
When dusts containing silica are disturbed, as during material handling and manufacturing, they are easily inhaled into the lungs. Dangers of solvents
Organic solvents are in a variety of products, including paints and glues. They are used for spray painting metal, chemically stripping paint, gluing joinery and spraying adhesives and resins on ooring.
Organic solvents are inhaled into the lungs as a vapour and are easily absorbed into the deep tissue of the lungs and then spread into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, solvents can a ect a variety of organs as well as the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. Repeated exposure can cause irreversible chronic conditions, including brain injuries.
Higher risk than workplace accidents
These substances are toxic, and like asbestos, wood dust and welding fumes, they are all too common in many construction businesses. WorkSafe estimates that construction workers are 20 times more likely to die prematurely from breathing in harmful substances than from a workplace accident.
A key part of the Clean Air programme is raising awareness of the health risks of these substances and how they can be eliminated or controlled.
4
6
B
a
a
y
2
y
2
0
0
1
1
6
—
u
u
i
i
l
l
d
1
d
1
5
5
FEATURE SECTION