Health on Site

Occupational ill health kills far more construction workers than accidents — but it happens slowly and silently.
An estimated 5,000 occupational cancer deaths occur each year in the UK linked to past workplace exposures.
The main health hazards in construction are dust, noise, vibration, chemicals, musculoskeletal strain, and mental health.
Silicosis, HAVS, noise-induced hearing loss, and occupational dermatitis are all preventable conditions.
COSHH 2002 and the Noise at Work Regulations 2005 set legal limits and require health surveillance.
Health surveillance programmes detect early signs of damage before symptoms become permanent or disabling.
Mental health problems affect one in four UK construction workers — the industry has the highest suicide rate.
Poor welfare facilities, long hours, time away from home, and job insecurity all contribute to poor health.
Employers have a legal duty to protect health as well as safety under HASWA 1974 and supporting regulations.
Good health means you can work longer, earn more, and enjoy life outside work for years to come.

Hidden killer	Occupational diseases develop over years and kill thousands — they receive far less attention than safety but cause far more harm.
Protect your future	Hearing loss, lung disease, and chronic pain reduce quality of life permanently — prevention now protects your retirement.
Early detection works	Health surveillance catches damage early when intervention can slow or stop progression — skipping it risks permanent disability.
Mental health matters	Construction has the highest suicide rate of any UK industry — talking about mental health is as important as wearing PPE.

Do

Don't

Use dust suppression and RPE when cutting, grinding, or sweeping dusty materials.
Wear hearing protection in all mandatory hearing zones and near noisy operations.
Report any tingling, numbness, or white fingers to your supervisor — it may be HAVS.
Attend all health surveillance appointments including audiometry and lung function tests.
Use barrier cream and wash your hands before eating to protect your skin.
Talk to someone you trust if you are struggling with your mental health.
Take regular breaks and use correct manual handling techniques to protect your back.
Use the welfare facilities provided — clean toilets, drying rooms, and drinking water.
Know the signs of occupational ill health and report symptoms early.
Access the employee assistance programme for confidential support with any health concern.

DON'T accept that coughing, aching joints, or hearing loss are just part of the job.
DON'T skip health surveillance — early detection prevents permanent disability.
DON'T use vibrating tools beyond your daily exposure limit without checking with your supervisor.
DON'T eat or drink in dusty or chemically contaminated work areas on site.
DON'T suffer in silence with mental health problems — support is available and confidential.
DON'T ignore skin changes, rashes, or persistent irritation — dermatitis is progressive.
DON'T work through pain from manual handling — report it before a minor strain becomes chronic.
DON'T assume you are too young to be affected — damage from dust and noise starts immediately.
DON'T use excessive alcohol or drugs to cope with work pressures — seek proper help.
DON'T treat health differently from safety — both are legal duties and both save lives.

See also: Occupational Health Awareness | Mental Health and Wellbeing on Site

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