1. OHS Update: The Importance of Hand Protection in
Construction Safety
In the construction industry exposed hands and skin are susceptible to physical, chemical and
radiation hazards which can cause permanent damage, particularly problematic because
construction workers depend on the hands for their livelihood.
Once the risks have been assessed and a risk to the workers hands has been identified the
appropriate safety measures can be designed and implanted. This will include the use of
Personal protective equipment as a practical means of preventing injury or lessening its impact.
Some of the physical hazards that may be presented by construction work include sharp or
jagged edges on materials and tools, vibration or heat.
Another hazard is the use of corrosive or toxic chemicals on building sites. For protection
against chemical hazards, the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for the chemical being used
should identify whether gloves are needed and what they should be made of, follow the
manufacturer’s advice. MSDSs must be available on site forall controlled products being used.
There is also the possibility of ultraviolet radiation causing skins diseases such as skin cancer.
Workers involved in concrete finishing, roofing, road works as well as iron workers are all
particularly vulnerable to this hazard and should take the necessary precautions.
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