January 27, 2012
/24-7PressRelease/ -- A new study published in the Journal of Construction Engineering and Management has determined that "green" jobs, or jobs constructing buildings that conserve energy and have small environmental footprints, pose greater safety risks to workers than conventional construction jobs.
Researchers interviewed dozens of construction designers and contractors that had completed an average of 100 conventional construction projects and four LEED jobs. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a certification program that rates buildings on indoor and outdoor environmental quality and sustainability. The researchers found that workers on LEED building projects were more likely to be injured in
construction site accidents than their peers working on conventional worksites.
Good for the Environment, but not Necessarily for Workers
Compared to workers on conventional construction projects, workers on green construction projects suffered:
- 14 percent more harmful chemical exposures
- 19 percent more instances of eyestrain
- 24 percent more falls during roof work
- 36 percent more lacerations, strains and sprains
Researchers believe that these increases are caused by the new technologies used in green construction projects. Workers are more likely to be harmed by chemical exposure because of the new wastewater technology found in LEED-certified buildings and chemicals used in solar panels. The increase in eyestrain may be attributed to the reflective roof membranes that are used on green buildings. Similarly, falls are more common for green job workers because a lot of work duties, like solar panel installation and roof garden construction, are performed on roofs.
Staying Safe
In order for workers on green construction jobs to stay safe, contractors need to be aware of the unique risks that green projects pose and incorporate workplace safety into the construction process.
Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) safety regulations are applicable to green jobs and the agency places the responsibility for worker safety and health on contractors' shoulders. Employers should screen products and jobs for physical and chemical hazards and develop a site safety plan to help address safety risks.
Employers also need to train their employees in safe working habits, how to identify unsafe working environments and help them understand the safety regulations that are applicable to each construction job.
Green jobs are intended to create buildings which have little impact on the health of the environment and health of the people who reside or work in the structures. The health of the workers who construct green buildings should also be a top priority. If you or a loved one has been injured on a green construction job, please contact an experienced personal injury attorney.
Article provided by Fishman McIntyre P.C.
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