Workplace Exposure

From homes and workplaces to sidewalks and playgrounds, cement is everywhere. According to the Portland Cement Association, cement is one of the safest building materials available – when precautions are observed.

Abrasive blasting, which uses compressed air or water to clean surfaces, apply a texture, or prepare a surface for paint or other coatings, can be harmful to workers if proper precautions are not taken.

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that occurs in rock and soil and can be found in construction materials uncovered during renovation work, according to the Center for Construction Research and Training (also known as CPWR). Exposure to the fiber can increase a worker’s risk of developing lung disease, including lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, although it may take years for symptoms to develop.

Occupational skin diseases are the second-most common type of occupational disease. NIOSH estimates that more than 13 million U.S. workers are potentially exposed to chemicals that can be absorbed through their skin.

Using and being around diesel-powered equipment is a regular part of the job for workers in a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, maritime, mining and agriculture. But such equipment can present a number of health hazards if not properly controlled.

A spider shimmies down a thread of web directly in front of your face. A cockroach scuttles across your keyboard. A mouse darts underneath the office refrigerator. Sound familiar? If so, then your workplace may have a pest problem.

Mold exposure can have serious health consequences.

If you’ve ever come in contact with poison ivy, you know how unpleasant it can be. And for many outdoor workers, poisonous plants are a common hazard.

Working outdoors is an inevitable part of the job for many people across the country. And when the temperatures drop, it is important that workers wear appropriate protective clothing.

Although less common than it used to be, lead exposure still occurs at work.