Construction work ranks among the most dangerous jobs in America. As such, safety plans and OSHA requirements focus on daily task hazards and high-risk activities. But other subtle dangers lurk on every jobsite. These conditions remain unknown and go undetected – until the effects show up years later. Those who succumb to chronic illness caused by exposure to construction materials are not even counted among the lives lost.
Twenty years ago, those working with asbestos were unaware of the risks and long-term effects from the exposure. It wasn't until we started to see the trends of chronic illness that we changed our procedures to address the dangerous materials. And yet, not much else has changed. What do we know about the other materials on our jobsites?
Inspired by the Well Building standard, which looks at limiting chronic diseases and stopping rising healthcare costs, we started looking into the conditions on our own jobsites. Just because it's a construction site, it shouldn't mean our employees and trade partners should expect a poor working environment. After all, if the job leads to chronic health problems, what good is the job?
Learning Objectives:
- Compare jobsite air quality against baseline measurement and turnover levels.
- Adopt tools and techniques that can be used to monitor and control air quality on jobsites.
- Design and specify healthier materials with consideration for how they're installed.
- Collaborate with industry partners early on, during preconstruction, to plan the working environment.
This session is approved for the following continuing education credits:
- 1.5 LFA credits
- 1.5 AIA LU|HSW credits
