Identify the specific Health Hazard in the said Case Study and Specify at least (1) specific way for EACH hierarchy of Control (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Control, Administrative Control and PPE to control this hazard
Case study (maximum of 550 employees). The interviews took place approximately halfway into a21-month green-field construction site involving the extension of an existing PowerStation. A corporate health and safety manager, the site safety manager(with responsibility for health) and the RGN (all employed by the main contractor) were interviewed. The clinic employed a full-time RGN that all site employees could visit whether the health problem was work-related or not. Once again her role was more reactive than proactive. As a female in a mainly male environment and unused to construction activities, she admitted that she did not feel comfortable walking around the site unaccompanied. Once again pre employment questionnaires, medicals or health surveillance were not undertaken for workers on this site. Workers were reported to exhibit variable attitude sand behaviors with regard to health, which was felt to be due to individual personalities rather than age, race, etc., although awareness of specific risks was thought to be improving, e.g., wearing gloves to protect the skin. With regard to medicals, it was indicated that workers who were 'fit' would co-operate, however, workers with any health problems would not, because of fear of job loss. Cost was once again raised as the main concern regarding health management of this 'maze' of contractors with its mobile work force. Margins were already considered tight in the industry and there was a fear that the requirement of pricing health into contracts could reduce the competitive edge. It was admitted that it was unlikely that health management would be industry lead and that more specific legislation would be required, which clients/major contractors in turn would need to enforce. A possibility for the future management of health was suggested involving the clients and major contractors sharing 'core contractors' to form a nucleus of steady workers. Costs would then be shared to maintain these workers with regard to medicals and surveillance .It was expressed that the industry needs to be seen to care about individuals and to be doing something for their benefit. Alcohol and substance abuse As a possible health issue, companies were asked the extent of screening for alcohol and substance abuse. Whilst all the organizations had policies to cover alcohol and substance abuse, none conducted post accident, random or pre-hire screening on their construction sites. Although these interviewees were unaware of the extent of the problem, they were uncomfortable about enforcing any formal surveillance system (with breathalysers/blood tests) due to concern over breaching civil rights..
Identify the specific Health Hazard in the said Case Study and Specify at least (1) specific way for EACH hierarchy of Control (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Control, Administrative Control and PPE to control this hazard
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