How Workers Can Expose To Biological Hazards In Construction

Construction workers are constantly at risk of being exposed to biological hazards. From asbestos and lead paint to mold and bacteria, there are several dangers that construction workers face daily. In this blog post, we will discuss the different ways workers can be exposed to biological hazards in construction and the steps they can take to protect themselves.

Biological hazards, also known as biohazards, refer to biological substances that threaten the health of living organisms, primarily humans. This can include medical waste or samples of a microorganism, viruses, or toxins (from a biological source) that can affect human health.

Biological agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi (mold), other microorganisms, and their associated toxins. They have the ability to adversely affect human health in a variety of ways, ranging from relatively mild allergic reactions to serious medical conditions, even death.

Biological Hazards

Sources of biological hazards may include bacteria, viruses, insects, plants, birds, animals, and humans. These sources can cause various health effects ranging from skin irritation and allergies to infections (e.g., tuberculosis, AIDS), cancer, and so on.

• Anthrax
• Antibiotic/Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacteria and Organisms
• Avian Influenza
• Bed Bugs in the Workplace
• Clostridium Difficile
• Common Cold
• Flood Clean-up
• HIV/AIDS (11)
• Hantavirus
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Histoplasmosis
• Indoor Air Quality – Moulds and Fungi
• Influenza
• Legionnaires’ Disease
• Lyme Disease
• Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
• Needlestick and Sharps Injuries
• Pandemic Influenza (Flu)
• Psittacosis
• Q Fever
• Rabies
• Toxoplasmosis
• Tuberculosis
• Working Safely around Stinging Insects
• Zika Virus

Exposure to Biological Hazards

Exposure to biological hazards may occur during demolition, renovation, sewer work, work on air handling systems, or other construction work from contact with contaminated or disease-carrying materials, such as:

• soil
• water
• insects (mosquitoes, ticks)
• bird or bat droppings
• animals
• structures

The most common biological health hazards in the workplace are found:

• while working in health care facilities
• where there is an accumulation of animal waste and the presence of rodents, insects, and birds
• during demolition and remodeling of old structures and buildings where there is likely the presence of mold
• Removing plants, trees, and other foliage during landscaping and clearing operations.

One of the most common ways workers can be exposed to biological hazards in construction is through contact with asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once used extensively in construction due to its fire-resistant properties. However, it has been linked to several serious health conditions, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. If you work in construction, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with asbestos and take steps to protect yourself.

Another way workers can be exposed to biological hazards in construction is through contact with lead paint. Lead paint was once commonly used in homes and other buildings, but it has since been banned due to its health risks. If you work in construction, you may come into contact with lead paint while working on an older building. If you think you may have been exposed to lead paint, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Mold is another type of biological hazard found in construction settings. Mold thrives in damp and humid environments, so it is not surprising that it is often found in buildings under construction. Mold exposure can cause several health problems, including respiratory infections and allergic reactions. If you work in construction, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with mold and take steps to protect yourself.

Bacteria are another type of biological hazard found in construction settings. Bacteria can cause serious health problems, including respiratory infections and food poisoning. If you work in construction, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with bacteria and take steps to protect yourself.

You can take several steps to protect yourself from biological hazards in construction. First, it is important to be aware of your dangers. Second, you should always follow safety protocols when working with hazardous materials. Finally, if you think you may have been exposed to a biological hazard, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Taking these steps can help keep yourself safe from the dangers of working in construction.

Risk Factors in Construction

Construction work is dynamic, diverse, and constantly changing. This leads to a great challenge in protecting the health and safety of construction workers. Workers are at risk of exposure to many hazards that can result in physical injury, illness, disability, or even death.

Here’s a list of factors that increase the health and safety risk of workers while working on construction sites:

• Constantly changing job site environments and conditions affect the health and safety of workers. Constant change is the most common factor causing injuries and illnesses in construction
• Multiple contractors and subcontractors may create hazards unknown to others due to poor communication and coordination.
• High turnover and unskilled laborers result in a lack of awareness of hazards.
• Lack of education and training on hazards and safe work practices.
• Diversity of work activities that happen simultaneously quickly creates new hazards.
• Exposures to health hazards, both from their own work as well as from nearby activities.