Construction should value Health in the same way as Safety

The construction sector should give equal weight to managing the health of its workforce as it does to safety, and should address health hazards in the same way as physical risks.

We are seeing a larger focus on assessing the health risks that unidentified and untreated can pose to the individual. More and more organisations are responding to new studies that state 1 in 4 construction workers have considered suicide with an even greater amount admitting they have personally experienced some form of mental health or health issue whilst working in construction.

Responding to a call for evidence from the Lords Science and Technology Committee on whether manufacturing for construction projects should be moved off site, B&CE said off-site manufacturing would ensure hazards are managed more effectively than when products are developed on site.

It argued this would reduce construction workers’ exposure to conditions such as occupational asthma, asbestosis, hand arm vibration syndrome, hearing loss and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It would also reduce the risk of employees developing musculoskeletal disorders – one of the most common work-related health risks in the construction industry.

Margaret Grahamslaw, head of occupational health at B&CE, said addressing safety risks often took priority on construction projects and other health hazards were sometimes not considered.

With regards to mental health awareness many company’s are implementing standardized systems that encourages those dealing with mental health issues to speak out. Minstrell Training have developed a broad range of Awareness courses which we are currently in the process of offering out to all of our clients including free toolbox talks.

“We believe the Government should lead a change in culture, by setting the expectation for major projects, for example, that there are no risks to health. This will not be achieved quickly, as it requires cultural and behavioural change, but it should be our ambition.” says Margaret Grahamslaw

Tell us what you think. How should firms engage with the health of their employees?