ILO Home
Go to the home page
Site map | Contact us Français | Español
view in a printer-friendly format »

Construction industry and civil engineering - 2,110 entries found

Your search criteria are

  • Construction industry and civil engineering

2008

CIS 09-684 Phan Chan The E.
Falls on the level at work
Les accidents de plain-pied au travail [in French]
Review article on the prevention of falls on the level. Topics addressed: definition of falls on the level accidents according to INRS; key figures on accidents having occurred in France; physiology of walking and balance; risk factors of loss of balance; systemic aspects of fall on the level accidents; preventive measures (housekeeping, communication ways, lighting, state of surfaces, maintenance of flooring, safety shoes, personal hygiene, state of health).
Préventique-Sécurité, Nov.-Déc. 2008, No.102, p.70-74. Illus.

CIS 09-479 Zhou Q., Fang D., Wang X.
A method to identify strategies for the improvement of human safety behavior by considering safety climate and personal experience
A Bayesian network (BN) model for studying safety climate in the construction sector in China is proposed as well as a methodology to identify potential strategies for safety improvement. A survey of 4700 employees was conducted at a large construction firm in China. BN analyses demonstrated that the safety climate factors had a more significant influence on an employee's safety behaviour than personal experience factors. It was found that a simple strategy could be effective when safety climate factors were properly controlled. In addition, a strategy involving controlling multiple factors (or joint strategies) could further improve safety behaviour. The analysis suggested that a joint control of both safety climate factors and personal experience factors worked most effectively. Other findings are discussed.
Safety Science, Dec. 2008, Vol.46, No.10, p.1406-1419. Illus. 39 ref.

CIS 09-448 Blanco Bartolomé L.
Analysis of the use of type V safety net systems
Análisis de la utilización del sistema de redes de seguridad tipo V [in Spanish]
Type V safety net systems, or nets for suspension from gallows, are used since many years in Spain in the construction of buildings to protect workers against falls from heights. Although often used, these systems are often not properly installed. This paper presents an analysis of the safety issues related to the installation of type V safety nets and proposes solution to improve their use.
CERCHA, Oct. 2008, No.96, p.60-66. Illus.

CIS 09-373
Health and Safety Executive
Health and safety in roof work
This booklet contains guidance on how to plan and work safely on roofs. It covers new buildings, repair, maintenance, cleaning work and demolition. It also includes some guidance for those not directly carrying out work on a roof such as clients, designers and specifiers. Contents: planning for safety; types of work; types of roof; protecting the public; controlling health risks; training and competence for roof workers; construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. Appendices include: method statements in industrial roof work; use of safety nets; use of personal fall-protection systems; fragility tests and specifications; demolition involving asbestos cement roof sheets; safe operation of bitumen boilers; edge protection. Replaces CIS 88-1023.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 3rd. ed., Dec. 2008. vi, 69p. Illus. 49 ref. Price: GBP 12.95.

CIS 09-433 Gómez Mur P., Pérez Bermúdez B., Meneses Monroy A.
Hearing loss due to noise exposure among construction industry workers
Pérdidas auditivas relacionadas con la exposición a ruido en trabajadores de la construcción [in Spanish]
The aim of this study was to evaluate noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) among construction workers. It involved pure tone audiometry of 223 construction workers compared to that of 262 office workers. A significantly higher NIHL bilateral prevalence was found for construction workers, with odds ratios for the Klockhoff method and Bilateral Notch of 3.1 and 3.8 respectively. Results indicate that 20.7% to 24.3% of construction workers present bilateral NIHL, compared to 8.4% to 8.8% among office workers. These findings show that it is necessary to reinforce the use of preventive measures, especially hearing protection devices.
Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, 4th quarter 2008, Vol.54, No.213, p.33-40. 18 ref.
http://scielo.isciii.es/pdf/mesetra/v54n213/original2.pdf [in Spanish]

CIS 09-385 Gerdes A., Oehmischen D., Süssmuth J., Raunitschke D.
New strategies for the development of preventive surface protection measures
Neue Strategien für die Entwicklung präventiver Oberflächeschutzmassnahmen [in German]
Following a historical review of protective coatings in construction from ancient times until today, new systems, based on nanotechnology, which create a hydrophobic barrier on concrete are presented. Such coatings, mainly based on silanes, prevent pollutants from penetrating the concrete and attacking its surface.
Tiefbau, Oct. 2008, Vol.120, No.10, p.621-630. Illus. 22 ref.

CIS 09-321 Hartmann B., Seidel D.
Musculoskeletal complaints among employees in the construction sector
Beschwerden am Muskel-Skelett-System von Beschäftigten in der Bauwirtschaft [in German]
Data on occupational health examinations in the construction sector provide details concerning the physical load of the musculoskeletal system and related complaints. This study analyses the data concerning 118,379 men and 11,775 women obtained between 1991 and 2003. The odds ratios for back pain are significantly higher with heavy loads (1.60), forced postures (1.33), whole-body vibration (1.27) and hand-arm vibration (1.23). Articular pain also shows significant relations to heavy loads (1.52), forced postures (1.33), whole-body vibration (1.23) and hand-arm vibration (1.29). The combination between heavy loads, forced postures and hand-arm vibration influences most strongly back pain (OR 2.44) and articular pain (OR 1.4). Other findings are discussed.
Zentralblatt für Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie, Sep. 2008, Vol.58, No.9, p.264-273. Illus. 20 ref.

CIS 09-303 Järvholm B., From C., Lewold S., Malchau H., Vingård E.
Incidence of surgically treated osteoarthritis in the hip and knee in male construction workers
The objective of this cohort study was to examine the association between workload and hip and knee osteoarthritis. The cohort consisted of 204,741 men employed in the Swedish construction sector. Incident cases were found by linkage with the Swedish hospital register between 1987 and 1998. Incidence rates adjusted for age and body mass index were compared between different occupational groups. There was a significantly increased risk of surgically treated osteoarthritis in the knee among floor layers, asphalt workers, sheet-metal workers, rock workers, plumbers, brick layers, wood workers and concrete workers. Even if there was a trend towards increased relative risks for hip osteoarthritis, it was not statistically significant. At least 50% of the cases of severe osteoarthritis of the knee can be prevented by adopting preventive measures.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Apr. 2008, Vol.65, No.4, p.275-278. Illus. 24 ref.

CIS 09-440 Jolly H.
Electromagnetic fields: What hazards?
Champs électromagnétiques: quels risques? [in French]
Limits concerning the exposure of the general population to electromagnetic fields are by and large followed. However, construction workers may be required to perform tasks in the immediate vicinity of important radiation sources such as high voltage power lines or mobile communications antennae. This article on the risks due to electromagnetic fields to construction sector workers discusses the measures to be taken to limit exposures, European and French regulations and the effects of electromagnetic fields on humans.
Prévention BTP, Oct. 2008, No.111, p.56-58. Illus.

CIS 09-91 Fang D., Hinze J., Choudhry R.M.
Construction safety
The articles in this issue demonstrate that construction safety can be improved by addressing construction problems in many different ways. Topics covered: factors of unsafe behaviour; communication of safety messages to migrant workers; successful multi-national integration program; workers' perception of safety culture; factors associated with construction worker eye injuries; comparison of the characteristics of fatal and injury accidents in highway construction; safety management information systems for general contractors; design's role in construction accident causality and prevention; fatal and major construction accidents in Scotland and the rest of Great Britain; critical success factors influencing safety programme performance in Thai construction projects.
Safety Science, Apr. 2008, Vol.46, No.4, p.565-727 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref.

CIS 09-90 Zeng S.X., Tam V.W.Y., Tam C.M.
Towards occupational health and safety systems in the construction industry of China
Occupational safety and health (OHS) in the construction sector is a serious issue worldwide. Some construction firms have implemented their own safety management systems attempting to improve construction safety. This survey examines the implementation of OHS management systems and the OHSAS 18001 standard in the Chinese construction sector. Questionnaire surveys and structured interviews were conducted. It was found that the OHS status in the construction sector is not satisfactory, based on data of recorded accidents over the past three years. With regard to the operation of the OHSAS 18001 standard, it is suggested to integrate it with the ISO 9001 quality management system to streamline the process.
Safety Science, Oct. 2008, Vol.46, No.8, p.1155-1168. Illus. 32 ref.

CIS 09-112 Waché O.
Renewable energy - New skills, new hazards
Energies renouvelables - A nouveaux métiers, nouveaux risques [in French]
Wind, solar and geothermal energy are expected to grow strongly in the coming years. However, their implementation raises new hazards for the construction industry, which are discussed in this special feature. Contents: forecasts; prospects for the construction industry; risks during the mounting of solar panels (falls, sunstrokes); risks when erecting windmills.
Prévention BTP, Sep. 2008, No.110, p.36-46. Illus.

CIS 08-1355 Boulat J.F.
Occupational hazards in the construction industry
Risques professionnels dans le bâtiment et les travaux publics [in French]
Contents of this article on occupational hazards in the construction sector: background; basis of French legislation; statistical data on hazards in the construction sector in France (occupational accidents, occupational diseases); risks of occupational accidents; risks related to manual handling and work postures; physical and chemical risk factors; organizational factors; occupational safety and health that takes account of future trends.
Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 3nd Quarter 2008, No.160, 10p. Illus. 20 ref.

CIS 08-1447 Lipscomb H.J., Nolan J., Patterson D., Dement J.M.
Prevention of traumatic nail gun injuries in apprentice carpenters: Use of population-based measures to monitor intervention effectiveness
Nail guns are responsible for many injuries in residential construction in the United States. Risk is particularly high among apprentice carpenters. In this study, nail gun injuries were evaluated over three years among carpenters enrolled in two apprenticeship programmes. Rate ratios were calculated with Poisson regression models, for each year and for risk factors of injury including lack of training in tool use and type of trigger mechanism on tools being used. As apprentices received training and safer trigger mechanisms became more widespread, injury rates decreased significantly. While school training and hands-on mentoring were both important, injury rates were lowest among apprentices who received both.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Oct. 2008, Vol.51, No.10, p.719-727. Illus. 28 ref.

CIS 08-1446 Gürchanli G.E., Müngen U., Akad M.
Construction equipment and motor vehicle related injuries on construction sites in Turkey
The objective of this study was to analyse the causes of construction equipment and motor vehicle related injuries on construction sites in Turkey. A total of 168 fatal and 38 non-fatal traffic accident-caused incidents as well as 206 fatal and 97 non-fatal construction equipment accidents were selected from official statistics. Analysis and classification of these accidents were done according to the way they occurred, the type of construction site and the occupation of the victims. Findings are discussed. Several measures for reducing the risks are proposed, together with approaches for analysing relevant data in further research.
Industrial Health, July 2008, Vol.46, No.4, p.375-388. 41 ref.
http://www.jniosh.go.jp/en/indu_hel/pdf/IH_46_4_375.pdf [in English]

CIS 08-1415 Rimell A.N., Notini L., Mansfield N.J., Edwards D.J.
Variation between manufacturers' declared vibration emission values and those measured under simulated workplace conditions for a range of hand-held power tools typically found in the construction industry
Manufacturers' declared vibration emission values for hand-held power tools used were compared with those of the OPERC HAVTEC database. The values recorded in this database are made according to ISO 5349 using simulated workplace conditions. A total of 656 tool and attachment combinations were evaluated, covering a wide range of applications typically found within the construction industry. These data were compared with the manufacturers declared values, with and without the multiplication factors provided in technical report CEN/TR 15350. In general, it was found that workplace vibration emissions were underestimated by manufacturers' declared values, while they were overestimated by the multiplication factors given in CEN/TR 15350.
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Sep.-Oct. 2008, Vol.38, No.9-10, p.661-675. Illus. 33 ref.

CIS 08-1302 Barruyer C.
Prevention of epicondylitis: Keep it at arm's length
Prévenir l'épicondylite: pour garder les coudées franches [in French]
Epicondylitis is a frequent occupational disease in the construction sector. It mostly affects manual labourers who carry out repetitive movements or movements that require grip, hand or arm strength. Woodworkers and masons who often handle heavy loads are particularly affected. Office workers, who spend too much time at their computer, as well as musicians, may also be affected. This article reviews risk factors, symptoms and prevention of epicondylitis. It includes the account of an occupational physician on the risk factors (repetitive movements, age, work in cold environments), treatment and preventive measures. Rest is a must to avoid the inflammation from becoming chronic.
Prévention BTP, May 2008, No.107, p.48-50. Illus.

CIS 08-1385 Richard A.M.
Waste: From sorting to disposal, steps of coherent and optimized waste management
Déchets: du tri à l'évacuation, les étapes d'une gestion rigoureuse et optimale [in French]
Construction site waste management is both an environmental and business necessity. Good management begins with an analysis of the production processes so as to minimize waste at the source, and includes sorting, which lowers disposal costs. Key issues concerning special waste (plaster, asbestos) are highlighted in a box.
Prévention BTP, May 2008, No.107, p.34-36. Illus.

CIS 08-1336 Sagot F.
Modular construction site installations
Des installations de chantier modulables [in French]
Rules that apply to worker welfare installations on building sites differ according to the number of workers on the site and the duration of the site. Modular installations allow several enterprises that are present on a site to collaborate by sharing certain facilities (canteens, sanitary facilities, changing rooms) and to complete them with installations for their specific needs (storage units, offices, meeting rooms).
Prévention BTP, May 2008, No.107, p.32-33. Illus.

CIS 08-1462 Jolly H.
Biological hazards: Real nature of the problem in the construction sector
Risque biologique: quelle réalité dans le BTP? [in French]
Through many of the diverse activities of the construction sector, workers may be faced with biological hazards. This article reviews the biological agents that can be encountered in the sector (hepatitis A, influenza and poliomyelitis viruses, legionella, leptospira and tetanus bacilli, Candida alibicans and Entamoeba hystolica), diseases they cause, modes of contamination and preventive measures (disinfection of premises, ventilation, personal protective equipment, vaccination).
Prévention BTP, June 2008, No.108, p.48-50. Illus.

CIS 08-1475 Durcy M, Garnier A.
Alcohol, cannabis, drugs - The construction sector speaks up
Alcool, cannabis, médicaments... Le BTP brise le silence [in French]
Topics addressed in this article on alcohol and psychotropic substance prevention in the construction sector: emerging awareness of the problem within the sector; interview of an occupational physician; screening systems and French regulatory framework; prevention approaches; awareness campaigns.
Prévention BTP, June 2008, No.108, p.38-47. Illus.

CIS 08-1335 Sagot F.
Transportation by commercial vehicles - From preparation to delivery
Véhicules utilitaires - De la préparation à la livraison [in French]
Vehicles having a gross weight of less than 3.5 tons are often used by building finishing enterprises for reaching building sites with the necessary equipment and materials. Vehicle loading must be the object of planning, and safety rules concerning the equipment and maintenance of the vehicles, and road and on-site trips, must be adhered to.
Prévention BTP, June 2008, No.108, p.32-33. Illus.

CIS 08-1390 Jolly H.
Asbestos hazards: Construction sector workers on the front line
Risque amiante: les professionnels du BTP en première ligne [in French]
Topics addressed in this article on the prevention of occupational hazards due to asbestos in the construction sector: jobs exposed to hazards; data on the number of exposed workers in France, cases of compensated occupational diseases and fatalities caused by asbestos; personal protective equipment; diseases caused by asbestos (asbestosis; pleural plaques; bronchopulmonary cancers, mesothelioma); account of a retired electrician suffering from pleural lesions and asbestosis; viewpoint of an asbestos victims' defense association.
Prévention BTP, Apr. 2008, No.106, p.48-51. Illus.

CIS 08-1334 Dougin Y.
Earthworking contractors go green
Quand les TP se mettent au vert [in French]
Topics addressed in this collection of articles on occupational safety and health in small earthworking contractors involved in landscaping: key statistics on growth of this sector; weeding techniques that do not require herbicides; work rhythms and working conditions; mechanization of work sites; safety and health training; earthmoving and landscaping equipment.
Prévention BTP, Apr. 2008, No.106, p.36-47. Illus.

CIS 08-1444 Sagot F.
Construction site cranes - Optimizing preparation before commissioning
Grue de chantier - Optimiser la préparation avant la mise en service [in French]
This article addresses regulatory checks that need to be made prior to signing-off the operation of cranes on construction sites. They include in particular checks during erection and verifications that the equipment is suited to its expected use. In cases where the crane encroaches on public land, the enterprise must obtain local authority permission. In all cases, it is essential to consult the manufacturer's documentation and to comply with its requirements. Topics: overhead power cables; taking the effect of wind into account; electronic safety systems; cabins; training and information of crane operators by construction site managers.
Prévention BTP, Apr. 2008, No.106, p.34-35. Illus.

CIS 08-1424 Barruyer C.
Solar radiation risks: A danger that is much underestimated in the construction sector
Risque solaire: un danger largement sous-estimé dans le BTP [in French]
Skin cancers are increasingly frequent. Certain types of outdoor construction work such as roofing, carpentry and civil engineering are particularly at risk. This article describes the three types of skin cancer, discusses the basic precautions to be taken (wearing a T-shirt, a helmet and sunglasses) and comments a study carried out on solar radiation risks in the construction sector.
Prévention BTP, July-Aug. 2008, No.109, p.48-50. Illus.

CIS 08-1423 Sagot F.
Weather conditions - How to protect yourself against heat waves
Conditions météorologiques - Comment se protéger des grandes chaleurs [in French]
Heat stroke risks can be present on construction sites whenever the temperature exceeds 30°C. Site managers are responsible for evaluating the situation, checking weather forecasts and implementing protective measures against heat strokes by acting at various levels, including the portable facilities unit, work organization, and personal and collective protective equipment.
Prévention BTP, July-Aug. 2008, No.109, p.32-33. Illus.

CIS 08-1224 Ferreras Remesal A., Piedrabuena Cuesta A.
Ergonomics in the construction sector
Ergonomía en el sector de la construcción [in Spanish]
In Spain, the highest rate of occupational accidents occurs in the construction sector. In 2005, a total of 250,376 lost-time accidents were notified in this sector, 25% being injuries due to excessive effort. This situation warranted the launch of two projects in 2006, aimed at improving ergonomics of equipment and working conditions: the preparation of a guide for checking the ergonomics of machinery and tools used in the construction sector, and preparation of an ergonomics manual for the construction sector. The various phases of these projects as well as the contents of the documents are described.
Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, May 2008, No.47, p.8-17. Illus. 14 ref.

CIS 08-868 Sagot F.
Enterprises faced with the problem of hazardous construction sites
Les entreprises face aux "chantiers à risques" [in French]
Asbestos removal demolition and soil remediation operations involve hazards for operators, neighbourhood populations and the environment. To limit these hazards, it is necessary to carry out a preliminary analysis of the existing situation, in view of the fact that regulations require that the possible presence of toxic substances such as lead or asbestos be verified. This analysis allows the operating procedure to be defined (involve specialised companies, set up a confined area, select personal protective equipment). Other aspects covered in this collection of articles on demolition work: permissions and regulatory aspects; training of demolition specialists; sorting and recycling of waste streams; treatment of polluted soils.
Prévention BTP, Feb. 2008, No.104, p.38-47. Illus.

CIS 08-837 Jolly H.
Occupational cancers: How to prevent them in the construction sector
Cancers professionnels: comment les prévenir dans le BTP [in French]
Various activities within the construction sector can expose workers to carcinogens. Several enterprises have shown that practical measures such as adopting new working methods or equipment can help protect against such exposures. This article explains the priority actions for the prevention of occupational cancers in the construction sector, which include the filtration of earthmoving equipment exhaust gases, collecting asphalt fumes, identifying hazards, biological monitoring of exposures, implementing technical measures and using personal protective equipment. It also includes the accounts of heads of enterprises involved in road maintenance and demolition concerning their occupational cancer prevention policies.
Prévention BTP, Mar. 2008, No.105, p.48-51. Illus. 2 ref.

CIS 08-912 Martel R., Comeau G., Trépanier L., Parent G., Lévesque B.
Evaluation of carbon monoxide production and propagation following urban blasting work
Evaluation de la production et de la propagation du monoxyde de carbone suite à des travaux de dynamitage en milieu urbain [in French]
Explosives used for some types of civil engineering work can generate significant carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations, which may spread through rock fissures to confined spaces such as sewers and manholes, or basements of buildings. This study was undertaken to define the precautionary measures to be adopted before carrying out blasting work, in order to prevent hazardous situations for workers as well as for neighbouring residents. A network of CO detectors was placed at and around the experimental blasting site, as well as in neighbouring buildings. Various recommendations are proposed for improving blasting practices in order to minimize CO emissions at these sites and in their vicinity.
Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2008. xi, 129p. Illus. 19 ref. + CD-ROM. Price: CAD 12.60. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge.
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/files/documents/PubIRSST/R-551.pdf [in French]

CIS 08-956 Lan A., Daigle R.
Strength of the anchor point of a fall arrest and positioning system for reinforcing steel installers
Résistance du point d'ancrage d'un système d'arrêt de chute et de positionnement pour les poseurs d'acier d'armature [in French]
In some large dimension walls where protection against falls from heights poses a problem, ironworkers climb into the framing structure and need to be anchored to allow their positioning and protection against falls. Two important aspects must then be taken into consideration: the choice of harness, positioning and fall arrest equipment, and the presence of a sufficiently solid anchor point for the personal fall arrest system to the reinforcing bars. Scientists from the IRSST verified the strength of these anchors during tests performed on a reinforcement wall erected according to good rules of practice. The anchor point to the reinforcing bars appears to be sufficiently strong to arrest a person's fall. Furthermore, the ironworkers who participated in the tests confirm that they always add additional ties to the anchor points used for attaching the snap hook, which contributes to added safety.
Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2008. vi, 30p. Illus. 20 ref. Price: CAD 7.35. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge.
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/files/documents/PubIRSST/R-550.pdf [in French]

CIS 08-945 Damro N.
How to create an ANSI Z359.2-compliant fall protection plan
All enterprises with personnel who work at heights must have a written fall protection plan to be in compliance with the new ANSI Z359.2 standard "Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program". A well- written and implemented plan not only reduces worker risk and saves lives, it stands as evidence that an employer is making every effort to comply with regulations. It can help prevent the economic consequences of an incident, including fines, liability and increased insurance costs. This article describes a seven-step fall protection plan development guide to assist companies in creating a comprehensive plan. The steps are as follows: develop a policy and define the scope of the programme; identify fall hazards through a well developed hazard analysis of the work area; determine appropriate methods of protection; conduct training to ensure effective employee understanding of fall hazards and precautions; perform inspection and maintenance of fall arrest equipment; administer and audit the programme for compliance and continuous improvement; develop a specific fall protection work plan for each construction or work site.
Occupational Hazards, Apr. 2008, p.33, 39-40. Illus.

CIS 08-867 Walter L.
OSHA 10-hour training diary
This article consists of the account of a participant in a two-day course structured to address fundamental OSHA standards, policies and procedures for a range of construction-related safety topics including personal protective equipment, fall hazards, excavation end electrical safety.
Occupational Hazards, Mar. 2008, No.31, p.31-35. Illus.

CIS 08-778
Health and Safety Executive
Asbestos essentials: A task manual for building, maintenance and allied trades on non-licensed asbestos work
This manual is aimed at workers in the construction, maintenance, refurbishment and related trades, who are most likely to come into contact with asbestos-containing materials in their work. It will help these workers identify the risks of specific tasks. As well as helping safeguard workers' health, this manual will allow small businesses, subcontractors and the self-employed comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. Contents: task sheets with illustrations and step-by-step guidance; equipment and method sheets, with guidance for using the right tools for the job; decision support flow chart on whether to carry out the work or use an HSE licensed contractor; an "asbestos house" showing some of the most common places where asbestos is likely to be found. Replaces CIS 01-1014.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2nd ed., Feb. 2008. vi, 139p. Illus. Price: GBP 12.95.

CIS 08-935 Trabeau M., Neitzel R., Meischke H., Daniell W.E., Seixas N.S.
A comparison of "train-the-trainer" and expert training modalities for hearing protection use in construction
This study compared the effectiveness of noise induced hearing loss prevention training programmes delivered using "Train-the-Trainer" and expert trainer modalities. Participating construction companies were assigned to one of the two modalities. The effectiveness of the modalities was assessed through the use of surveys. The accuracy of self-reported hearing protection device use was also evaluated through on-site observation. Post-training scores for hearing conservation knowledge, perceived barriers, and current and intended future use of hearing protection devices improved significantly for both training modalities. The effectiveness of the training was not found to be dependent on training modality. Other findings are discussed.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Feb. 2008, Vol.51, No.2, p.130-137. 13 ref.

CIS 08-934 Neitzel R., Meischke H., Daniell W., Trabeau M., Somers S., Seixas N.S.
Development and pilot test of hearing conservation training for construction workers
Hearing conservation efforts in construction frequently rely on use of hearing protection devices (HPDs): however, training on HPDs is often not provided, and usage rates remain low. In this study, a hearing conservation training program was developed and tested. Programme contents and delivery methods were selected to optimize the effectiveness and flexibility of the training. Evaluation measures selected to assess training-related changes in self-reported HPD use included noise dosimetry and a survey concerning workers beliefs and attitudes towards HPDs and their use. The training program was tested on a construction site. Complete assessment data were available for 23 workers. The percent of time when hearing protection was used during noise levels above 85dB(A) nearly doubled post-training.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Feb. 2008, Vol.51, No.2, p.120-129. Illus. 36 ref.

CIS 08-607 Babin Katz D., Kaufman J.
New direction drives safety success at APAC-Missouri
This article presents the results of the implementation of a safety programme at a major road building contractor in the United States, based on rewarding behaviours rather than injury statistics which are often flawed because of underreporting. It is based on individual e-learning, coupled with incentives for completing each module. Eleven months from the launch of the programme, the company's reportable injury rates, serious injuries, fleet incidents and claims cost per man hour were reduced by 63%, 75%, 70% and 90% respectively from the previous year.
Occupational Hazards, Jan. 2008, p.42-49. Illus.

CIS 08-588 Kaukainen A., Martikainen R., Riala R., Reijula K., Tammilehto L.
Work tasks, chemical exposure and respiratory health in construction painting
This case-control study on chemical exposure and respiratory health was carried out by means of a questionnaire addressed to 1000 construction painters and 1000 carpenters in Finland, all males (response rates 60.6% and 60.4%, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression models were adjusted for age, smoking and atopy. Compared to carpentry work, outdoor painting, more than indoor painting, was associated with asthma-like symptoms (odds ratios (OR) 2.7-6.5), rhinitis (OR 2.4), asthma (OR 4.7) and chronic bronchitis (OR 2.9). Risk factors for respiratory symptoms and chronic bronchitis were the use of epoxy and urethane paints, putties and plasters, as well as the use of glues or traditional paints. Water-based paints were not a common cause of symptoms, and their use should be further encouraged.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Feb. 2008, Vol.51, no.2, p.1-8. 38 ref.

2007

CIS 12-0255 Leigh J.
History of occupational disease recognition and control
This article provides historical perspective to the recognition and control of occupational diseases, based on the examples of large infrastructure projects (tunnels, dams) and ensuing silicosis, asbestosis and lung cancer.
Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, 2007, Vol.53, No.6, p.519-530. 18 ref.
History_of_occupational_disease_[BUY_THIS_ARTICLE] [in English]

CIS 10-0118 Patel J.
Noise emission data for hand-held concrete breakers
The objective of this study was to compare measured noise emission values of hand-held concrete breakers with the test method defined in the Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations 2001 (NEEEOR 2001) and during simulated real-use tests, with manufacturers' declared noise emission values, and to establish whether declared noise emission data can be used as an indicator of noise hazard. The programme of experimental work was carried out on six new concrete breakers. Findings are discussed. The declared noise emission values could not be verified in the majority of cases. Manufacturers' declared noise emissions may not be a reliable indicator of noise emitted in conditions of real use.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. vi, 49p. Illus. 13 ref.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr604.pdf [in English]

CIS 09-1277 Waehrer G.M., Dong X.S., Miller T., Men Y., Haile E.
Occupational injury costs and alternative employment in construction trades
To evaluate the costs of fatal and non-fatal injuries in construction occupations, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on average annual incidence from 2000 to 2002 were combined with data from an existing cost model for occupational injuries. Construction laborers and carpenters were the two costliest occupations, with 40% of the industry's injury costs. Other findings are discussed.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Nov. 2007, Vol.49, No.11, p.1218-1227. 35 ref.

CIS 09-208 Jorgensen M.J., Kittusamy N.K., Aedla P.B.
Repeatability of a checklist for evaluating cab design characteristics of heavy mobile equipment
This study assessed the repeatability of a cab design checklist developed to verify various characteristics that can influence exposure to risk factors for musculoskeletal discomfort. The ability of the checklist to identify posture-related deficiencies of design was also assessed. The checklist was used by two administrators across 10 pieces of heavy construction equipment. Video analysis was performed to quantify postures of the neck, shoulder, and trunk; correlation analysis was used to determine whether specific questions from the checklist were associated with the identification of awkward postures. The repeatability assessment resulted in kappa coefficients ranging from 0.52 to 1.0 (good-to-excellent reproducibility) across each piece of equipment, and an overall kappa coefficient of 0.77 (excellent reproducibility) when considering all equipment together.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Dec. 2007, Vol.4, No.12, p.913-922. Illus. 19 ref.

CIS 09-92 Thuret A., Geoffroy-Perez B., Luce D., Goldberg M., Imbernon E.
A 26-year cohort mortality study of French construction workers aged 20 to 64 years
This report presents the findings of a study of the cause-specific mortality of French construction industry workers. From a cohort of 12,788 male workers, standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the years between 1974 and 1999 for workers aged 20 to 64 years. All-cause mortality was significantly increased (SMR 111). Excess mortality was found for the following causes: cancers (SMR 125), especially for the oral cavity and pharynx (SMR 134), digestive (SMR 120) and respiratory (SMR 143) systems; cerebrovascular diseases (SMR 130); diseases of the digestive system (SMR 130); accidental falls (SMR 158). These excess risks were limited to blue-collar workers.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, May 2007, Vol.49, No.5, p.546-556. 46 ref.

CIS 08-1347 Adisesh A., Rawbone R., Foxlow J., Harris-Roberts J.
Health and Safety Executive
Occupational health standards in the construction industry
It is estimated that two million workers in the United Kingdom currently suffer from an illness caused, or made worse, by the working environment. Ill-health can have a significant impact on the productivity of a business. Sickness absence costs the UK economy an estimated GBP12 billion per annum. The construction industry has the second-highest rate of self-reported illness attributed to work, with 3800 cases per 100,000 employed persons. Construction workers also have a high overall mortality rate. The objective of this study was to review the provision of occupational safety and health within the construction sector, in view of identifying areas of insufficient provision. Several recommendations are made with respect to ensuring the adoption of minimum safety and health standards across this sector.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. viii, 42p. 29 ref.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr584.pdf [in English]

CIS 08-1368 Fonseca E. D., Lima F.P.A.
Modern building technologies and construction accidents - Case of the introduction of a new slab mould propping system
Novas tecnologias construtivas e acidentes na construção civil: o caso da introdução de um novo sistema de escoramento de formas de laje [in Portuguese]
The article analyses to what extent new construction technologies can cause accidents. Through a case study, it demonstrates how the introduction of a new kind of propping for ribbed concrete slabs, used to improve quality and productivity, exposes workers to new risks and may cause accidents. There remains an important gap between the workers' prior experience and new work practices, which have not yet been fully assimilated. The new propping system was introduced presuming it would require only specific technical knowledge (straighten up, lining up etc.). However, work ergonomic observations showed that accidents occur because workers have not yet developed the necessary awareness to face new risks.
Revista brasileira de saúde ocupacional, Jan.-June 2007, Vol.32, No.115, p.53-67. Illus. 24 ref.
http://www.fundacentro.gov.br/rbso/BancoAnexos/RBSO%20115%20Novas%20tecnologias%20construtivas.pdf [in Portuguese]

CIS 08-1445 Devaux P.
Falls from heights: Flexible body recovery devices, value-added protection devices
Chutes de hauteur: Le recueil souple, dispositif de protection à valeur ajoutée [in French]
Falls from heights are one of the main causes of fatal accidents in the construction sector. Prevention involves installing collective protection (railings), together with fall arresting systems and flexible body recovery devices, generally consisting of safety nets. This article on safety nets covers French regulations, standards, labelling, selection and testing.
Prévention BTP, Sep. 2007, No.99, p.36-37. Illus.

CIS 08-1337 Meliá Navarro J.L., Becerril Galindo M.
Systematic observation of safety - Effective and simple method to reduce occupational accidents in the construction sector
Observación sistemática de la seguridad - Método eficaz y sencillo para reducir los accidentes laborales en la construcción [in Spanish]
This article presents a method for the prevention of occupational accidents based on behaviour observation that has been developed specifically for the construction sector, and whose high effectiveness has been repeatedly demonstrated in numerous international scientific studies carried out in enterprises and on construction sites.
Prevención, Jan.-Mar. 2007, No.179, p.28-39. Illus. 16 ref.
http://documentacion.apa.es/pdfs/revista/P179_3.pdf [in Spanish]

CIS 08-1098 Tyers C., Sinclair A., Lucy D., Cowling M., Gordon-Dseagu V., Rick J.
Health and Safety Executive
Constructing Better Health: Final evaluation report
The "Constructing Better Health" campaign aimed to raise awareness of occupational health issues within the construction industry, as well as to test a model of delivery so that learning points could be used in the design of any national scheme. The pilot test was carried out in Leicestershire from October 2004 to June 2006. This report investigates both the process and the impact of the pilot. Data were collected by means of questionnaires and interviews, and include reactions of employers and workers, awareness of occupational health issues, health management procedures, levels of accidents and days lost due to ill-health.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. xii, 226p. Illus.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr565.pdf [in English]

CIS 08-1137 O'Regan S., Tyers C., Hill D., Gordon-Dseagu V., Rick J.
Health and Safety Executive
Taking risks with asbestos: What influences the behaviour of maintenance workers?
Workers most at risk of contracting an asbestos-related disease are those in construction-related trades who conduct maintenance work on buildings constructed in the 50's, 60's and 70's. This report presents the results of 60 interviews with maintenance workers (including electricians, carpenters, plumbers, heating engineers and painters), who discuss their knowledge and attitudes with respect to asbestos. It was found that there are a range of issues affecting safe working methods in the presence of asbestos, including: the complexity of the messages about asbestos risks, attitudes towards risk and personal hygiene, prevailing worksite culture, economic pressures and whether individuals feel able to exert control over their work environment.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. x, 84p.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr558.pdf [in English]

CIS 08-1097 Crosthwaite D.
Health and Safety Executive
Health and safety in public sector construction procurement
This study was concerned with examining health and safety issues in public sector construction procurement in the United Kingdom. Data were collected by means of postal questionnaires. The overall approach followed two distinct stages: a survey of public sector clients and a survey of private sector suppliers. While the findings indicate that the majority of public clients surveyed generally followed the guidelines set out in the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 (see CIS 95-13), there is more that could be done to adopt best practices.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. viii, 47p. 4 ref.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr556.pdf [in English]

< previous | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 ...43 | next >