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Health and Safety Programs

Not all job-site dangers cause immediate injury; many health hazards act slowly through exposure to chemicals, dust, noise, and heat. This chapter covers hazard communication, silica and respiratory protection, safe materials handling, and programs that protect worker health over time. Recognizing and controlling these exposures prevents illnesses that may take years to appear.

Hazard Communication (HazCom)

The Hazard Communication Standard ensures workers know about the chemicals they may be exposed to and how to protect themselves. It requires labeling, Safety Data Sheets, a written program, and training. The standard follows the Globally Harmonized System for consistent labels and pictograms.

Right to know

Employers must inform and train workers about the hazardous chemicals present in their workplace.

Safety Data Sheets

An SDS provides detailed hazard, handling, and emergency information in a standardized 16-section format and must be readily accessible.

GHS labels and pictograms

Container labels must include a product identifier, signal word, hazard statements, and pictograms with red diamond borders.

Written HazCom program

The written program describes the chemical inventory, labeling, SDS access, and employee training plan.

Silica and Respiratory Protection

Respirable crystalline silica is released when cutting, grinding, or drilling concrete, brick, and stone, and inhaling it can cause silicosis and lung cancer. Engineering controls such as water and ventilation are the preferred way to reduce exposure. When controls are not enough, a fit-tested respirator is required.

Silica causes lung disease

Inhaling respirable crystalline silica can cause silicosis, an incurable and sometimes fatal lung disease.

Control dust at the source

Wet methods and local exhaust ventilation keep silica dust out of the air and are preferred over respirators alone.

Fit-test respirators

Tight-fitting respirators must be fit-tested to ensure a proper seal, and facial hair can defeat that seal.

Respirator program

Respirator use requires a program including medical evaluation, fit testing, and training.

Materials Handling and Ergonomics

Manual materials handling is a common source of back and musculoskeletal injuries. Proper lifting technique, mechanical aids, and team lifting reduce strain. Good housekeeping and safe storage also prevent injuries and keep work areas hazard-free.

Lift with the legs

Keep the load close, lift with the legs, and avoid twisting to protect the back.

Use mechanical aids

Carts, hoists, and team lifting should be used for heavy or awkward loads.

Store materials safely

Hazardous materials must be stored by compatibility, with incompatible chemicals separated and containers labeled.

Heat and Noise Hazards

Physical agents such as heat and noise cause preventable illness and permanent harm. Heat illness is prevented with water, rest, shade, and acclimatization, while hearing conservation protects against noise-induced hearing loss. Workers should be trained to recognize early warning signs.

Water, rest, and shade

Preventing heat illness depends on frequent water, rest breaks, and access to shade or cool areas.

Acclimatize new workers

Gradually building heat tolerance over one to two weeks reduces risk, since many heat deaths occur in a worker's first days.

Recognize heat exhaustion

Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, and nausea signal heat exhaustion and require prompt cooling and rest.

Hearing conservation

Noise monitoring, controls, hearing protection, and audiometric testing prevent permanent hearing loss.

Building a Safety Program

An effective safety and health program proactively finds and fixes hazards before they cause harm. Core elements include management leadership, worker participation, hazard identification, and medical surveillance for certain exposures. Such programs reduce injuries, illnesses, and their associated costs.

Find and fix hazards

The goal of a safety program is to identify and correct hazards proactively rather than react to injuries.

Management and worker roles

Strong programs combine management leadership with active worker participation.

Medical surveillance

Monitoring workers exposed to hazards like silica or lead detects early illness so exposure can be reduced.

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Electrical Safety and PPE

Last updated: July 2026