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A review of the effects of noise, vibration, heat and cold on construction workers was presented. The need for contractor noise surveys, improved hearing protection, regular hearing tests and worker training was discussed. Chronic whole body and hand/arm vibration were considered including vibration measurement, symptoms, medical surveillance and treatment, prevention, and worker education and training. Extreme heat and cold exposure may result in reduced work time, reduced performance, increased error rates, and severe illness or fatalities due to hypothermia or heat stress. Heat stroke, often the only reported heat related illness, was cited as one of the top ten construction related health conditions. Personal protection equipment required for abatement and hazardous waste cleanup may increase the risk of heat stroke. The authors conclude that the best way to limit exposure to the discussed hazards is by implementing control and surveillance programs.
Occupational Medicine: State of the Art Reviews, 10(2):363-383, 1995. (89 references)
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