M10.1: Video

My uncle is a construction worker and works at various sites building, renovating, and remodeling homes and businesses. He has been working in this industry for almost 30 years. I would say that with his job there are chemical and ergonomic issues that he faces. He has fallen from ladders in the past, has back issues, and has cut himself with sharp objects. The job itself is very demanding physically and mentally. He has to carry heavy objects, is on his feet for most of the day, has the stress of managing employees, and also the stress of meeting deadlines and working overtime. He is also exposed to various chemicals from the products he uses, and renovations he completes that expose dangerous chemicals like asbestos. I think we would be able to address these issues at every level of the hierarchy of controls. Construction workers should wear more protective gear when they use or are possibly exposed to chemicals. Engineering controls could isolate workers from exposure to dangerous levels of chemicals like lead and formaldehyde by better monitoring levels and recognizing potential hazards. Substitution would create better chemicals and safer handling of heavy equipment and machinery. Barriers include lack of current regulations and data that would support the need for change as these practices have been done for many years. Also the high demand for construction workers and the need to meet deadlines make significant changes happen at a slower pace.