Spotlight on… occupational cancers aims to raise awareness of the health risks involved in construction work, specifically those relating to occupational cancers within the sector...
Spotlight on… occupational cancers aims to raise awareness of the health risks involved in construction work, specifically those relating to occupational cancers within the sector...
There are various types of cancer which affect the workforce, but skin cancer and lung cancer have been identified as the two main types that significantly affect individuals working in the construction industry.
Skin and lung cancer can be caused by exposure to carcinogens and UV radiation in the workplace over a prolonged period of time. The causes can take various forms from solid substances to gases and dust. Without appropriate control measures in place, workers can be exposed to these harmful substances by breathing them in or absorbing them through the skin.
Due to the risks associated with the construction industry and the various harmful substances encountered on a day to day basis, workers within the industry are at a greater risk of developing cancer at work compared with any other industry group. Potentially harmful substances include asbestos, silica dust, diesel engine exhaust emissions, paint and prolonged exposure to UV radiation.
UV radiation and skin cancer are sometimes not considered an issue in the UK due to the weather, but whilst a higher number of people are diagnosed with skin cancer in Australia, the survival rate is higher than in the UK. This is the result of better public attitudes to sun protection and early detection of any skin changes due to Australia’s well-funded awareness campaigns which have spanned over 20 years, coupled with primary and secondary school education. The UK needs to take a more proactive approach to this health problem, which is particularly relevant for outside workers.
It is difficult to determine the true extent of occupational cancers as in many cases individuals fail to develop any noticeable symptoms until many years later. Therefore, the industry may not prioritise work-related cancer as an immediate health and safety issue.
The industry has made great progress in recent years in addressing the ‘safety’ part of ‘health and safety’, but there needs to be greater focus on the health of the workforce and how working conditions can contribute to ill health. The importance of protecting employees’ health and preventing work-related ill health needs to be carefully considered and addressed by all those involved in the construction industry.
The following facts demonstrate the scale of work-related cancers:
Image credit: IOSH No Time to Lose campaign
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Occupational cancers are often included as part of the larger topic of health and safety at work, which is covered under legislation...
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There are a number of campaigns and resources available to help individuals understand the topic of occupational cancer, including guidance and practical advice to help safeguard the workforce...
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The Scheme aims to improve the image of construction through sharing best practice with the industry. Below are a number of best practice examples that have been witnessed by the Scheme’s Monitors on their visits or submitted directly by registered sites, companies and suppliers…
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Please find a number of case studies showing how some contractors are tackling occupational cancers on site...
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The construction industry cannot afford to overlook the topic of occupational cancers. As highlighted above, work-related ill health is a major challenge facing the industry, with devastating long term effects.
A good understanding of the risks and factors which contribute to occupational cancers is vital to be able to appropriately manage and minimise the hazards and effectively safeguard the workforce.
Each employee has a personal responsibility to implement measures to minimise the risks to their health and the health of colleagues. Employers also have a responsibility to provide a safe work environment to ensure that employees are not being exposed to hazardous substances or UV radiation.
On every site, before work commences, a risk assessment should be conducted and measures to minimise the hazards found should be implemented and effectively communicated to the workforce.
The following control measures can be utilised to minimise harmful exposure to carcinogenic substances and UV radiation:
Removing carcinogens and hazardous substances from the workplace is the most effective method to counter the risks posed to employees on site. In situations where this is not possible, sites should adopt less hazardous alternatives. For example, additives or exhaust filters can be fitted to diesel machinery to minimise the toxicity of emissions.
Specific areas should be designated at a distance from the main working area or workers should be removed from areas where hazardous operations are underway. This will minimise the number of workers exposed, and those who are exposed can be properly protected during operations such as cutting timber or cement blocks.
Measures to minimise the exposure to dust include implementing a general ventilation system or installing local exhaust ventilation systems on woodworking machinery. Dust bags could be integrated on power tools for sanding or cutting or providing an enclosure for hazardous operations such as spray booths. Controls could be introduced to reduce operatives’ exposure to UV radiation, such as providing shade, sun cream protection, reflective PPE, modifying reflective surfaces and using window tinting on vehicles.
Outdoor work can be rescheduled to ensure that it does not take place in the middle of the day when UV levels are at their strongest. Jobs could be moved into shaded areas, outdoor tasks shared and staff rotated so the same person is not always working outside in the sun. Given the damage caused by diesel fumes, sites should consider changing working procedures to minimise workers’ (particularly those operating plant machinery) exposure to these emissions. Emergency procedures should also be planned in the event that an operative is exposed to an excessive or dangerous level of hazardous substance.
PPE should be used alongside other control measures and typically includes dust masks and respirators to protect against fumes. Gloves, overalls, neck protectors, sun cream and sun hats could also be provided for the workforce. PPE is not a case of one size fits all, for example some respirators will not filter certain particulates. Therefore, consideration must be given as to whether the correct PPE is being used for the chemicals that operatives are being exposed to. Furthermore, it is also important to ensure PPE is routinely checked so damaged PPE can be disposed of and replaced.
In the long-term, the construction industry should be aiming to acknowledge and address occupational cancers. Sites should educate and inform the workforce about the dangers of occupational cancers via regular toolbox talks, nurse visits, posters and leaflets. A clear message needs to be communicated to everyone and equipment should be provided and made available to ensure that workers are able to protect themselves. The attitude in the UK amongst many people that we ‘don’t get any sun’ so we are not at risk of skin cancers needs to change immediately. UV radiation is very damaging and outside workers are at particularly high risk. Breathing in dusts or harmful air also cannot be ignored as this can lead to long-term health problems later in life.
As well as the information above, it is also advised to use the resources provided in the ‘External resources’ section of this campaign, which offers a plentiful amount of resources from other organisations and companies that cover the full spectrum of the topic.
Although the Scheme has been able to identify a number of campaigns and best practice, it is clear that health still does not have the same priority as safety concerns on site. It is apparent that there is a heavy focus on basic protection, but there is a lack of awareness and adequate provisions to tackle the risk of work-related ill-health. The importance of protection for the long-term health of the workforce needs to be carefully considered and reinforced amongst workers. If the industry is to better safeguard against occupational cancers, further awareness, guidance and support will certainly be of great benefit.
If the industry wants to improve its image and attract talented new recruits, it must ensure it is doing everything it can to provide a safe working environment for today and the future, considering both the short-term and long-term health effects of construction work.
Date published: September 8 2015
Last updated: January 25 2018
The Scheme aims to improve the image of construction through sharing best practice with the industry. Below are a number of best practice examples that have been witnessed by the Scheme’s Monitors on their visits or submitted directly by registered sites, companies and suppliers:
The subcontractor have utilised a dust and fume risk management system called Hazpod, whilst conducting extensive internal and external renovation works on a restoration project. The work conducted would unavoidably produce large quantities of dust as the original lime plasters and external stone sections had to be removed and replaced. The SEN management team were keen to find a highly…
Dust in the workplace is a significant issue. Looking at the HSE figures (2017) we can see that 18,000 new cases of work related respiratory disease were diagnosed and significant proportion of these were a result of exposure to silica. The Ferrovial Construction KAD Substructure project has required and requires a number of operatives to perform activities where dust is…
At our New Wakefield Street site in the City Centre of Manchester we asked our operatives to bring in posters from their children to thank all essential workers to display at our entrance on to site. We also included hardhat hanging baskets with our suppliers company names displayed. It was a great effort from the entire site.
Employees working on the M1 J13-J16 Smart Motorway T3 project are able to have themselves checked for long term sun damage and cancer. These checks are conducted by an onsite nurse using a UV scanner. Where necessary, employees are also given guidance about whether they need to seek further advice. The process has identified a significant number of people who…
The BYUK Cavendish III Project supplies all workers involved in Concrete Production with disposable coveralls during Concrete Production Tasks, we do this because: Silica dust can enter within the body by inhalation (respiratory tracts) deep into the lungs and effects diseases such as: Respiratory failure due to fibrosis (silicosis) and Bronco-pulmonary cancer. Once concrete on clothes dries it turns to…
Every day we are potentially exposed to contaminants and conditions that can be harmful to your skin (both inside and outside of the work environment). Many in the construction industry will spend most of their working day outside in all types of weather. The A465 Head of the Valleys Section 2 Project recently ran an informative and engaging Skin Care…
In March 2019, the British Safety Council launched their Time to Breathe campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the dangers of ambient air pollution to outdoor workers. As the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) currently does not provide guidance on the risk of ambient air pollution, Time to Breathe is calling for HSE to recognise expose to ambient air…
Several drill manufacturers including Dewalt, Hilti and Milwaukee now provide hollow drill bits which allow the dust created when drilling holes to be extracted via the bit when drilling. The drill bits have an on-board dust extractor port that can be connected to a vacuum hose. Since dust is extracted as the hole is drilled, there is less risk if…
Spotlight on… posters have been designed for general display in and around site welfare facilities. The Scheme has developed a collection of A3 posters from the series of ‘Spotlight on…’ awareness campaigns. This resource has proven valuable for display on site and raising awareness amongst the workforce and visitors. To purchase these products, click here. To download a free electronic…
Ultra violet radiation can cause skin cancer as well as short term pain and irritation. Within the construction industry, operatives are regularly exposed through their daily activity, working outdoors in direct sunlight. The board provides a link to the MET office website whereby the daily UV index can be checked. The board is then updated on site to record the…
HSS Hire is raising attention and encouraging construction workers to protect themselves against the harmful effects of long term sun exposure with a new poster campaign. Supported by Cancer Research UK and in conjunction with Sir Robert McAlpine, a site in London is displaying UV ray reactive posters that change appearance after exposure to the sun. The poster which initially…
Morganstone recognises that those working in the construction industry are at a high risk of developing occupational cancers such as skin and lung cancer and as such takes a proactive approach to support the health and wellbeing of its employee’s and sub-contractors. Whilst it has been Morganstone’s long-standing policy to include sun cream dispensers in their WC’s as standard, Morganstone…
The ‘Spotlight on…’ flyers have been designed for general display in and around site welfare facilities. The Scheme provides a collection of A5 flyers from both past and current ‘Spotlight on…’ awareness campaigns. Each unique flyer contains information on the industry issue and advice on how to tackle it. This resource has proven valuable for display on site and raising awareness amongst…
On site, different clients have slightly different procedures (albeit all based around the HSE EM1 guidance leaflet). We find that this can lead to confusion when operatives migrate to sites with different requirements. Though inductions are site specific and include this information – it wasn’t always easy to remember who to call or how to react in an emergency situation….
IOSH’s No Time To Lose campaign launched in November 2014, bringing together industry leaders, cancer charities, MP’s and professional bodies to raise awareness and share experiences of preventing occupational cancer. They have created a Mythbusters Quiz detailing the facts on the dangers of exposure to silica dust. The quiz includes the answers to: Where silica dust can be found and the…
World Cancer Day is coordinated annually by the Union for International Cancer Control. The week promotes the research for curing as well as preventing the disease, upgrading the provided services to the patients, the sensitisation of the common opinion and the mobilisation of the global community against cancer. To support Cancer Talk Week on your site, you could do the following: Hold a…
In September 2015, the Scheme’s campaign focused on the increasingly important issue of occupational cancers and examined what the industry was doing to safeguard employees within the industry. It was found that between 220 and 250 workers die each year as a result of an immediate injury, compared to the 15,000 – 18,000 who die from cancer. Despite this, the…
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) results from its annual refurbishment initiative have revealed that poor standards or dangerous practices were found on 46% of construction sites visited. In light of the results, HSE have issued new specialist guidance, ‘Occupational Health Risk Management in Construction’ to ensure basic health and safety measures are in place on all sites. To find…
An appointed doctor is a registered medical practitioner appointed by HSE to undertake statutory medical surveillance. Employers have a legal duty to ensure employees are under medical surveillance by an appointed doctor, if they work with specific hazards and undertake certain work activities covered by the following relevant regulations: Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 Control…
It is important to identify hazards posed to operatives on site and implement measures to offset the risks. The construction industry poses a number of hazards to operatives, most notably of which being silica and silican dusts. It is important to appropriately inform and protect your workforce to minimise exposure to harmful substances. Below is an example of how a site…
IOSH’s No Time to Lose campaign aims to get carcinogenic exposure issues more widely understood and help businesses to take action. They have provided a number of resources which may help businesses better understand the risks posed by solar radiation: Research on solar radiation exposure at work (documents can be found below); Free events are held to learn more about occupational…
Our aim was to reduce the volume of harmful wood dust polluting the atmosphere in the area where our carpenters are working to a level as low as ‘reasonably practical’. Wood dust has a Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) of 5mg/m3 and can cause asthma, nasal cancer, emphysema, etc., when inhaled in large quantities for prolonged periods. To reduce the risk,…
Rates of Skin Cancer are higher than any other cancer in the UK and it is estimated that 37 people a day in the UK are diagnosed with Skin Cancer. At Knightbuild Ltd, a Skin Cancer Awareness campaign has been implemented and introduced across all our projects to educate our workforce about the associated dangers and also to introduce control…
Active measures should be taken to minimise dust and fumes on and around site. Dust can be a cause of complaint for the community and poses environmental and occupational health hazards for the workforce. When installing monitoring points on site, fixings had to be drilled into concrete, stone, masonry or similar substrates, which caused large amounts of dust. Some of this dust would be…
To ensure that the Asbestos removal contract could operate safely, ‘Breathe Easy’ kit training was organised on site, for all nine operatives. As asbestos removal is a high risk activity it was essential that all staff were fully up to speed with the risks and how to safely deal with asbestos related work, before going to work in the enclosures. This…
Construction workers have an increased risk of developing skin cancer due to their prolonged exposure to outdoor conditions. It is important to acknowledge these risks and take a proactive stance to prevent harmful exposures. The Australian construction industry have taken measures to safeguard their workforce, with the Cancer Council Australia recommending that workplaces should have a sun protection programme in place,…
Construction work can pose a number of health and safety risks. A significant proportion of construction work is performed outside, with operatives exposed to different types of weather conditions. During the summer months, the workforce needs to be aware of both heat and sun exposure, remain protected from direct sunlight and ensure they keep hydrated. Below is an example of how…
Construction workers have an increased risk of developing skin cancer due to their regular exposure to the sun. It is essential to assess the risks posed and implement appropriate control measures to minimise operatives’ exposure to the sun. Below is an example of how a site has offered sun protection to their workforce: A ventilated neck sun protector with sweat headband…
Securing the wellbeing of your workforce is essential. This is important when certain activities result in air contamination through dust or fumes. Measures to minimise the hazards to operatives should be actively sought and encouraged on site. Below is an example of how sites can protect their workers from breathing in harmful substances: All operatives were provided with free face fit mask…
Occupational health risks need to be addressed in order to care for the health and wellbeing of the workforce. It is no secret that construction workers are at a high risk of contracting lung disease from the work that they do. In 2015, approximately 3,500 will die from cancer caused by past exposures to asbestos, 500 more from silica dust,…
Network Rail and Cancer Research UK have come together to raise awareness of the risks associated with skin cancer. Network rail have identified the risk posed to their employees with many working outdoors for several hours at a time. The importance of sun protection has been made clear, with sites encouraging the use of an SPF spray or cream, lightweight…
IOSH launched their campaign in November 2014, bringing together industry leaders, cancer charities, MP’s and professional bodies to raise awareness and share experiences of preventing occupational cancer. IOSH wants to raise awareness of five of the top causes of occupational cancer registrations and deaths: Diesel Engine Exhaust emissions – is linked to 650 UK deaths a year; Solar radiation –…
The presence of asbestos in the workplace presents a significant risk to employees health. Exposure to asbestos can cause serious and fatal diseases with around 20 tradespeople suffering asbestos related deaths every week. HSE have launched a campaign to raise awareness of the risks associated with asbestos, where it can be found as well as identifying ways to manage and…
Construction work can pose a number of health and safety risks. It is the responsibility of not only management but also operatives to take precautions to safeguard themselves from the hazards posed on site. A significant proportion of construction work is performed outside, with operatives exposed to different types of weather conditions. During the summer months, the workforce needs to be…
Workers often face difficult working environments due to the various weather conditions they have to work through. Consideration should be given to the conditions facing operatives and the measures that can be developed and implemented to counteract the impact of these environments. Sun protection and awareness of solar radiation risks are vital to ensure the wellbeing of your workforce, and to provide the best…
The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is Macmillan Cancer Support’s biggest charity fundraising event. This event focuses on getting together to have a chat and a cup of tea and inviting people to make a donation to Macmillan Cancer Support. To support Macmillan Coffee Morning on your site, you could do the following: Arrange a Macmillan Coffee Morning and encourage all of your operatives…
The creation of dust is a very common cause of complaint for the construction industry. Dust not only poses a health hazard for those working on site, but is also the root cause of many complaints made by the public. It is therefore essential that appropriate methods are adopted to minimise the risk of dust on sites, to safeguard workers’ wellbeing, as…
Skcin are a skin cancer charity whose primary objectives are to raise awareness of skin cancer and promote the importance of sun safety and early detection through national educational initiatives and targeted campaigns. All of the funds they receive into the charity via corporate support and the generous donations made by fundraisers and members of the public, are ploughed back into…
Occupational health issues should be addressed by site management. Operatives should be made to feel supported and cared for in regard to their mental and physical health. Examples of training and updates provided for occupational health include: Many smaller sites have arranged for visits by a mobile unit, to carry out general and specific occupational health related screening; Occupational health facilities…
The circulation of dust and dirt from a construction site often causes frustration and upset amongst the local community. To help reduce this, some site managers have implemented the following: Designated operatives were given responsibility for keeping specific areas of the site clean, tidy and dust free; perimeter dust levels were checked using hand held meters; At the end of…
Occupational cancers are often included as part of the larger topic of health and safety at work, which is covered under legislation:
This Act is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in the UK. This law provides a legal framework for controlling exposure to occupational carcinogens and holds the creator of any potential risk substances responsible for its control.
This aims to prevent occupational cancers by calling for the application of the following control measures: Removing carcinogens from the workplace; the use of less hazardous alternatives; designating specific areas at a distance from the main working areas or by removing workers from areas where hazardous operations are underway; general ventilation; damping down dust with water and PPE.
Under these regulations, employers are responsible for providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to the workforce, free of charge.
It is important to remember that PPE should only be used as a last resort, where exposure to risks cannot be adequately controlled otherwise.
These regulations affirm that organisations in the construction industry must ensure that health and safety risks are fully considered during a project’s development so that the risk of harm to those who have to build, use and maintain structures is limited.
These regulations require equipment provided for use at work, including PPE, is adequately maintained. Employers must ensure that individuals who operate the work equipment have information, training and instruction to safeguard their health and safety.
These regulations require the employer to conduct a suitable assessment of the risks to the health of their workforce, including UV radiation. They further state that it is the responsibility of the employer to remove any risk. If this is not possible, other ways of preventing or reducing exposure must be identified, including protective equipment, and where protective equipment is required this must be supplied free of charge.
COSHH is the statutory instrument implementing the EU’s Directive on Control Substances Hazardous to Work. COSHH’s objective is to prevent or adequately control exposure to substances hazardous to health.
REACH is a European Union regulation which aims:
These regulations address the control of asbestos in the workplace.
There are a number of campaigns and resources available to help individuals understand the topic of occupational cancer, including guidance and practical advice to help safeguard the workforce:
Over 2,500 construction workers a year die from asbestos-related cancer (HSE, 2012).
230 construction workers a year die from cancers (including lung and bladder) caused by exposure to diesel exhaust emissions (HSE, 2012)
600 construction workers a year die from cancers caused by silica (HSE, 2012)
7 construction workers a year die from cancers caused by exposure to solar radiation (HSE, 2012). The national figure, at 2,500, is much higher (Cancer Research UK, 2014).
There are various organisations offering specific guidance to the industry in relation to dealing with occupational cancers.
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