Health and Welfare
Protecting your long-term health from occupational hazards such as noise, vibration, dust and manual strain, and the basic welfare facilities you are entitled to on site.
Occupational health risks
Many construction health effects appear slowly. Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) from vibrating tools causes tingling and whitening fingers; excessive noise causes permanent hearing loss; and dust causes lung disease. Limiting exposure protects you for life.
Welfare facilities
Employers must provide clean toilets, hot and cold washing facilities, drinking water, and a heated place to rest, warm up and eat. These are legal requirements to keep workers healthy.
Looking after yourself
Stay hydrated, take breaks in hot weather, and use the health controls provided such as hearing protection and dust extraction. Good hygiene, like washing before eating, keeps hazardous substances out of your body.