Analysis on constructional hazards, risk assessment techniques and safety helmets in construction sites

Abstract

The major hazards involved in the construction industries are falls, noise, dust, fire and electrocution. Noise and dust are the major uncontrollable hazards which leads to severe occupational ill health whereas other hazards lead to fatality. The minimum noise level exposure to the worker as per Indian Standards is 85 decibel, but it is above the minimum standards in some constructional task such as batching plant, excavators and drilling. The causes and impact of these uncontrollable hazards are known from the previous literatures whereas the only suggested mitigation measure is ear plug or ear muff which is an ineffective method of prevention. In order to prevent the workers head injuries from fall of objects the basic protective equipment used is safety helmets. Workers neglect to wear the helmets due to its weight and discomfort. Hence to overcome these factors a study is done on the impact properties of different composite materials and to suggest suitable material for the fabrication of the helmets. Various types of risk assessment techniques have been reviewed in order to identify the suitable method for the construction sites. It is suggested that Risk Assessment of Safety and Health (RASH) can be used to evaluate the risk in construction site as it includes in accounting both safety & health of the workers.The major hazards involved in the construction industries are falls, noise, dust, fire and electrocution. Noise and dust are the major uncontrollable hazards which leads to severe occupational ill health whereas other hazards lead to fatality. The minimum noise level exposure to the worker as per Indian Standards is 85 decibel, but it is above the minimum standards in some constructional task such as batching plant, excavators and drilling. The causes and impact of these uncontrollable hazards are known from the previous literatures whereas the only suggested mitigation measure is ear plug or ear muff which is an ineffective method of prevention. In order to prevent the workers head injuries from fall of objects the basic protective equipment used is safety helmets. Workers neglect to wear the helmets due to its weight and discomfort. Hence to overcome these factors a study is done on the impact properties of different composite materials and to suggest suitable material for the fabrication of the helmets...