Lead, chemicals and fire are some of the many hazards that could pose a huge threat to worker health.

Construction sites are a constant prong of dust and disaster, and hazardous conditions such as these will inevitably have short-term and long-term consequences on health. Lead, chemicals and fire are some of the many hazards that could pose a huge threat to worker health. What are some risks associated with the use of harmful building materials? Are the right protocols in place to lessen the risks?

Coughing from contaminants

The constant exposure to dust, fumes, gases and other contaminants dubs construction sites as the place not to be. The inhalation of these contaminants, be it through the mouth or nose can be detrimental. It is said that more than half of all construction workers are subject to at least two exposures weekly.

Speaking of fumes, chemicals of all kinds are frequently used on construction sites, including paints, solvents, adhesives and cleaning supplies. Workers are vulnerable to respiratory distress, chemical burns and long-term health issues in the absence of adequate ventilation, containment and personal protective equipment (PPE). The implementation of appropriate ventilation systems, stringent adherence to handling protocols and thorough safety training are essential in reducing these risks.

Paint containing lead, which is often present in older buildings, presents serious hazards when building or renovating. Lead particle exposure can cause neurological damage, developmental problems in children and other serious health issues. To avoid worker lead poisoning, proper containment, removal and disposal procedures must be followed in conjunction with routine testing and monitoring.

Another one of the most hazardous wastes is crystalline silica, which could come in the form of the most commonly used quartz. It is a natural substance that can be found in rocks, sand, clay, bricks and concrete. A study by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that throughout a workday on-site, inclusive of mixing, cutting and plastering, 39.5% of workers in mixing activities were slightly exposed to levels above the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) even with PPE. Exposure to silica may result in a lung disease known as silicosis, which can lead to respiratory disease and even death.

For asbestos, while Malaysia has partially banned it from construction, it is still found in various industrial products like roofing, insulation materials, ceramic floors, asbestos cement products, automotive brakes and clutches, textiles, gaskets and protective clothing. This toxic chemical can cause lung cancer and other lung diseases. The risks associated with their usage have been well known for decades, but they remain in use for various reasons ranging from financial to efficacy.

The environment suffers too

Environmental management practices in Malaysia threaten the country’s sustainability. Rapid industrialisation and urbanisation leave Malaysians with less clean green spaces and with more dusty construction sites and towering buildings that release fumes and carbon daily. Construction waste does not go away once the project is completed. It stays in the building for decades, affecting every individual who steps foot within its premises.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), coal tar and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) emit toxins enough to pollute the air and water if not handled properly. Not only that, but harm comes to Malaysia’s ecology as well. On a much larger scale, the ozone layer faces depletion if CFCs continue to permeate through the air.

Improper construction waste disposal

Malaysia’s rapid construction developments have resulted in a significant increase in construction waste generated. An environmental waste assessment conducted in 2015 found that in that year alone, Malaysia produced an average of 28.6 tonnes of construction waste per day, roughly 10,439 tonnes per year. This has inadvertently led to a rise in illegal dumping activities throughout the country. It is said that this is due to rising waste disposal fees resulting from stricter waste treatment regulations aimed at better environmental conservation. 

In February last year, a total of 2,093 illegal dumpsites were closed, as reported by the Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. The total cost was RM1.6mil, with an estimated 700 to 1,000 tonnes cleared from one completed site alone. It is clear that construction hazards still pose a threat even after a project is finished due to incompetence and ignorance by developers.

The Malaysian government has certainly implemented policies and regulations to mitigate these leftover environmental issues, but the lack of consistent enforcement of existing laws allows builders to violate regulations constantly without repercussions.

Losses on both sides

Health and safety risks at work carry a number of financial risks in addition to the evident humanitarian ones. Absences from work can affect a job's planned timeline and expected profitability. It will be more difficult to find skilled labour if the developer has a history of using risky and unhealthy business practices. Increased workers' compensation claim volumes will drive up insurance premiums, adding yet another cost.

This article was first published in Starbiz7.

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