Special Considerations

The construction industry poses some unique challenges for health and safety when working with chemical and toxic substances. These challenges include the following:

• Work sites are often temporary or constantly changing as the work progresses.
• New materials arrive on the site frequently, which makes them more difficult to regulate.
• Many work sites have multiple employers. Because several trades share the same work space, they can expose each other to unsuspected hazards.
• Construction workers frequently change employers during their career, making it difficult to track and monitor an individual's exposure.
• Many small and specialty trade contractors do not have the resources or expertise to effectively anticipate, identify, and control chemical hazards.

To address these challenges, contractors should consider the following best practices:

• Anticipate change in work conditions, and document exposures as workers progress with the job task.
• Communicate with all other contractors to discuss problems and coordinate work.
• Conduct medical surveillance and encourage workers to request and take advantage of medical services.
• Inform workers of their rights to request medical records.
• Share information about air sample results with contractors.

To learn more about Construction Chemical Hazards visit our Construction Chemical Hazards & Toxic Substances Online Training web page.