Abstract
This review attempts to identify the health hazards, risks and causes of poor safety practices in construction sites. In addition, the differences in safety practices in both developed and developing countries and methods to improve construction site safety are discussed. Effects of some health hazards are chronic while some are acute. Mostly reported acute health hazards are “workers fall from height” and “electric shocks”, while mostly reported chronic health hazard is “exposure to hazardous substances”. Lack of awareness about site safety and dislike to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) were identified as main causes of poor safety practices in construction sites. One of the major needs with regard to the construction industry is to enhance professionals’ interests in active safety management and implementation of awareness programs, which must be developed and implemented among construction workers. Awareness on possible risk factors and knowledge on how to reduce these risk factors among workers and contractors will enhance site safety. ENGINEER, Vol. 48, No.03, pp. 35-44 2015
Highlights
Construction site is a very important place, as a considerable number of workers are involved in construction activities
Objective of this study is to review previous research studies on investigation of health hazards and risks in construction sites to identify causes of poor safety practices and methods for improving construction site safety
Reported health hazards having acute effects are “workers fall from height”, and “electric shocks”
Summary
Construction site is a very important place, as a considerable number of workers are involved in construction activities. Personnel with high educational qualifications, usually graduates, trained to design, manage and instruct the construction processes can generally be identified as “Management and technical” work force. Pungvongsanuraks et al[28] elicited that construction industry is unique and complex compared with other industries and it contains a wide range of construction materials and products, building services, manufactures, contractors, sub-contractors, design, operation, and refurbishment services These complexities make the construction industry as one of the most hazardous industries that causes high rate of accidents. (Hons)(Moratuwa), C.Eng. MIE (Sri Lanka), Senior Lecturer, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. Objective of this study is to review previous research studies on investigation of health hazards and risks in construction sites to identify causes of poor safety practices and methods for improving construction site safety
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