Introduction
Construction workers are exposed to a variety of health hazards every day. These men and women have the potential for becoming sick, ill, and disabled for life.
This course discusses the biological health hazards construction workers may find, such as exposure to mold, poisonous plants, and infected animals. We'll also take a closer look at ways to protect yourself from these hazards on a construction site.
Biological agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi (mold), other microorganisms, and their associated toxins. They can adversely affect human health in a variety of ways, ranging from relatively mild allergic reactions to serious medical conditions, even death.
These organisms are widespread in the natural environment; they are found in air, water, soil, plants, and animals. Because many microbes reproduce rapidly and require minimal resources for survival, they are a potential danger in a wide variety of occupational settings.
Course Objectives
| ID | Objective |
|---|---|
| TO 1.0 | Achieve a minimum score of 70% on the final course assessment. |
| LO 1.1.1 | List the various types of construction in which biological hazards occur. |
| LO 1.1.2 | Discuss the factors that increase exposure to biological hazards on the construction site. |
| LO 1.1.3 | Describe the various types of mold and how they are hazardous to workers. |
| LO 1.1.4 | Discuss the requirements for respiratory protection to protect against airborne biological hazards. |
| LO 1.1.5 | Describe the hazards of exposure to poisonous plants. |
| LO 1.2.1 | List and describe the hazards associated with exposure to infectious animals and insects. |
| LO 1.2.2 | Describe the various tick-borne diseases in construction, their symptoms, and protective measures. |
| LO 1.2.3 | Explain the safe disposal of rodents and proper cleaning and disinfection of rodent-inhabited areas. |
| LO 1.2.4 | Describe the risk of exposure to venomous snakes, and how to prevent and protect yourself from snake bites. |
Key: Terminal Objective (TO), Learning Objective (LO)