Construction Safety - 8 Mark Questions & Answers
Question 1: Common Construction Injuries & Prevention
(i) Common Injuries in Construction Sector:
- Falls from height (scaffolding, ladders, roofs)
- Struck by objects (falling materials, tools)
- Cuts and lacerations (sharp tools, metal edges)
- Burns (welding, chemicals, electrical)
- Crush injuries (heavy machinery, materials)
- Electrocution (exposed wires, faulty equipment)
- Back injuries (lifting, carrying heavy loads)
- Eye injuries (dust, debris, chemicals)
(ii) Effects & Preventive Measures of Five Injuries:
1. Falls from Height
- Effects: Fractures, head injuries, death
- Prevention: Safety harnesses, guardrails, proper scaffolding, safety nets
2. Cuts and Lacerations
- Effects: Blood loss, infection, permanent disability
- Prevention: Proper tool handling, safety gloves, blade guards, training
3. Burns
- Effects: Skin damage, scarring, respiratory problems
- Prevention: Protective clothing, proper ventilation, fire extinguishers, training
4. Electrocution
- Effects: Cardiac arrest, burns, death
- Prevention: GFCI, proper grounding, insulated tools, lockout/tagout procedures
5. Eye Injuries
- Effects: Vision loss, blindness, infection
- Prevention: Safety goggles, face shields, proper lighting, eye wash stations
Question 2: Five Common Construction Diseases
1. Silicosis
- Cause: Inhalation of silica dust from concrete, sandstone
- Symptoms: Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Prevention: Dust masks, wet cutting methods, proper ventilation
2. Asbestosis
- Cause: Exposure to asbestos fibers in old buildings
- Symptoms: Breathing difficulty, chest tightness, lung scarring
- Prevention: Asbestos removal training, protective suits, proper disposal
3. Dermatitis
- Cause: Contact with cement, chemicals, irritants
- Symptoms: Skin rashes, itching, inflammation
- Prevention: Protective gloves, barrier creams, proper hygiene
4. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
- Cause: Prolonged exposure to loud machinery
- Symptoms: Hearing loss, tinnitus, ear pain
- Prevention: Ear plugs, noise barriers, equipment maintenance
5. Heat-Related Illness
- Cause: Working in hot conditions without proper protection
- Symptoms: Fatigue, dizziness, heat stroke
- Prevention: Hydration, rest breaks, cooling vests, shade
Question 3: PPE - Complete Overview
What is PPE?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is specialized clothing or equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause workplace injuries and illnesses.
Regulations for Using PPE:
- Employer Responsibility: Provide suitable PPE free of cost
- Employee Responsibility: Use PPE properly and maintain it
- Training Required: Proper usage and maintenance training
- Regular Inspection: Check PPE before each use
- Replacement: Replace damaged or worn-out PPE immediately
- Cleaning & Storage: Proper cleaning and storage procedures
Types of PPE for Various Hazards:
Head Protection:
- Hard hats for falling objects
- Bump caps for low clearance areas
Eye & Face Protection:
- Safety glasses for impact/dust
- Welding helmets for arc welding
- Face shields for chemical splash
Respiratory Protection:
- Dust masks for particulates
- Respirators for chemicals/gases
- Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Hand Protection:
- Cut-resistant gloves
- Chemical-resistant gloves
- Insulated gloves for electrical work
Foot Protection:
- Steel-toed boots for crushing hazards
- Slip-resistant soles
- Electrical hazard boots
Body Protection:
- High-visibility vests
- Chemical-resistant suits
- Fall protection harnesses
Question 4: PPE & Regulations (Focused)
What is PPE?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other garments designed to protect the wearer's body from injury or infection.
Regulations for Using PPE:
Legal Requirements:
- Mandatory Provision: Employers must provide PPE at no cost to employees
- Hazard Assessment: Conduct workplace hazard assessment before selecting PPE
- Proper Selection: Choose appropriate PPE based on specific hazards
Training Requirements:
- Initial Training: Before first use of PPE
- Retraining: When PPE changes or improper use observed
- Content: Proper use, limitations, maintenance, disposal
Maintenance Standards:
- Daily Inspection: Check PPE before each use
- Cleaning: Regular cleaning according to manufacturer guidelines
- Storage: Proper storage in clean, dry conditions
- Replacement: Replace damaged or expired PPE immediately
Documentation:
- Training Records: Maintain employee training records
- Inspection Logs: Document PPE inspections
- Incident Reports: Record PPE-related incidents
Question 5: Four Common Construction Diseases
1. Pneumoconiosis (Lung Disease)
- Cause: Long-term inhalation of mineral dust (silica, asbestos)
- Symptoms: Persistent cough, breathing difficulty, chest pain
- Prevention: Respiratory protection, dust control, regular health checkups
2. Contact Dermatitis
- Cause: Skin contact with cement, lime, chemicals
- Symptoms: Skin irritation, rashes, blisters, allergic reactions
- Prevention: Protective gloves, barrier creams, immediate washing
3. Occupational Hearing Loss
- Cause: Prolonged exposure to construction noise (>85 dB)
- Symptoms: Gradual hearing loss, tinnitus, ear discomfort
- Prevention: Hearing protection, noise control, audiometric testing
4. Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Cause: Heavy lifting, repetitive motions, awkward postures
- Symptoms: Back pain, joint stiffness, muscle strain
- Prevention: Proper lifting techniques, mechanical aids, ergonomic training
Quick Memory Tips:
- PPE Types: Head, Eyes, Hands, Feet, Body, Respiratory
- Common Injuries: Falls, Cuts, Burns, Electrocution, Crush
- Disease Prevention: Protection + Training + Regular Checkups
- Regulations: Provide + Train + Maintain + Document