Grab the Face Mask: Contractors Need to Promote Respiratory Protection to Workers

Workers in heavy construction are exposed to a variety of air contaminants that may be generated by the work they are doing or the vehicular traffic that surrounds them. Despite these health hazards, only about 40% of workers in heavy construction use respiratory protection when needed, leaving hundreds of thousands exposed to respiratory hazards. After engineering controls have removed respiratory hazards where possible, two key steps are required to ensure that your workers’ respiratory systems are protected. First establish a respiratory protection program that accounts for the unique aspects of your construction workplace and that builds understanding among your employees about the importance of wearing respiratory protection when needed. Then, choose the right respirators for various hazards to which workers are exposed.