SPOTLIGHT
PUTTING OCCUPATIONAL CANCERS
UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
Shocking statistics highlight need for greater awareness and early intervention
Mike Petter, Chairman, Considerate
Constructors Scheme
The Considerate Constructors Scheme ‘Spotlight On’
series of campaigns aims to raise awareness of critical
issues throughout the construction industry. The Scheme
was established by the construction industry to improve
its image - and as we know, image is far more than just
appearance. By highlighting key issues that affect the
workforce, the Scheme plays a vital role helping to raising
standards across the industry.
The latest ‘Spotlight On’ focuses on occupational cancers.
Scheme Chairman Mike Petter outlines how the industry
can help to safeguard its workforce against occupational
cancers - as early intervention is critical - before it’s too late.
Construction is by its very nature, a physically
demanding industry - with many of the workforce being
on site, up ladders, underground, drilling, demolishing
and creating safe structures for society’s future. Whilst
construction work is visible, many of the health risks for
the workforce are not always obvious - especially those that
are completely undetectable, often remaining dormant for
decades.
The construction workforce is at a greater risk of
developing cancer at work compared with any other
industry group, if the risks posed fail to be appropriately
managed. The two main types that significantly affect
individuals working within the construction industry are
skin and lung cancer. They can be caused by exposure
to carcinogens and UV radiation in the workplace over a
prolonged period of time. The causes can also take various
forms from solid substances to gases and dust. A number
of substances potentially causing risk are asbestos, silica,
diesel engine exhaust emissions, paint and prolonged
exposure to UV radiation. Without appropriate control
measures in place, the workforce can be harmfully exposed
breathing these substances in or absorbing them through
the skin.
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HSE INTERNATIONAL
SHOCKING STATISTICS
• Construc tion workers have a 6 times greater risk
of developing skin cancer than the general population
(Construction Enquirer, 2015).
• In the UK there are 14,000 newly occurring cases of
occupational cancer per year (IOSH, 2015).
• In 2015, an estimated 3,500 construction workers will die
from cancer caused by past exposures to asbestos, 500
more from silica dust, and another 5,500 will be diagnosed
with occupational cancer (Breathe Freely, BOHS, 2015).
It is difficult to determine the true extent of occupational
cancers as in many cases individuals fail to develop any
noticeable symptoms of either skin or lung cancers until
many years later. Therefore, they are often not viewed as a
high risk health and safety issue immediately affecting the
workforce.
AWARENESS AND EARLY INTERVENTION
It’s essential to raise awareness amongst the
construction industry, and understand how early
intervention can help to mitigate / reduce risk of exposure.
1. Proactively remove carcinogenic and
hazardous substances
If complete elimination isn’t achievable, working
methods and equipment must be substituted for safer
alternatives.
2. Isolate high risk areas
Specific areas should be designated at a distance from
main working areas or workers should be removed from
areas of hazardous operations. Those who are exposed can
be properly protected during operations, such as cutting
timber or cement blocks.
3. Controls to reduce exposure
Measures to minimise exposure to dust and fibres
include implementing a ventilation system or installing
local exhaust ventilation systems on woodworking
machinery. Dust bags can be integrated on power tools for
sanding and cutting, and spray booths can be installed for
particularly hazardous operations.
Certain controls can be employed to reduce the amount
of harmful exposure operatives have to UV radiation
such as providing shade, sun cream protection, reflective
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), modifying reflective
surfaces and using window tinting on vehicles.
4. Review and update safe working procedures
Outdoor work can be rescheduled to ensure that it does
not take place in the middle of the day when UV levels are
at their strongest. Jobs could be moved into shaded areas,
outdoor tasks shared and staff rotated so the same person
is not always working outside in the sun.
5. Adapt to match the working conditions
PPE could be used alongside other control measures
such as dust masks and respirators to protect against
fumes. Gloves, overalls, neck protectors, sun cream and sun
hats could also be provided for the workforce.
6. Raise awareness, provide support and advice
The construction industry should be aiming to
acknowledge and address dust and UV related issues.
Sites should educate and inform the workforce about the
dangers of occupational cancers via regular toolbox talks,
nurse visits, posters and leaflets. A clear message needs to
be communicated to everyone and equipment should be
provided and made available to ensure that workers are
able to protect themselves.
The importance of protection for the long-term health of
the workforce has to be carefully considered and reinforced
amongst workers. The industry has to better safeguard
against occupational cancers, providing more awareness,
guidance and support is essential to achieve this goal.
If the industry wants to attract talented, new recruits, it
must ensure it is doing everything it can to provide a safe
working environment for today and the future, considering
both the short term and long term health impacts and risks
involved.
Further information is available at: http://www.ccscheme.org.uk/index.
php/spotlight-on-occupational-cancers.
Visit the Scheme’s Best Practice Hub: http://bit.ly/bestpracticehub - a
unique database available to anyone free of charge. The Hub hosts a
wealth of best practice examples, innovations and case studies to help
the construction industry learn from their peers and raise standards
JOIN THE CONVERSATION.
CONTACT US TODAY!
throughout the industry.
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