Avoid accidents at construction sites – the handling of hazardous chemicals involves a risk

The occupational safety and health authority wants to remind you that the handling of certain chemicals may involve a risk of accident. Examples of these substances include highly flammable and oxidising substances that can pose a risk of fire and explosion.

Risk management of chemical agents is a significant part of construction site safety in both new construction and renovation. Exposure to hazardous chemical agents can occur at all stages at the construction site, from the foundation to surface materials. 

Chemical agents at work include the chemicals used in the workplace, such as chemical raw materials and paints.  Chemical agents also include chemical exposures, such as gases, smokes and fumes generated at work. 

For example, substances used in the production of concrete, such as cement, water and aggregates, together with additives and admixtures, form a chemical mixture that can cause serious hazards without proper protection. Skin contact with fresh alkaline concrete or concrete splashes in the eye may result in an occupational accident. 

Other substances used in construction work also require special care, such as mortars, fillers, paints, acrylics, epoxies and urethane.

“It is vital that chemical hazards are identified in the worksite, the risks arising from them are assessed and the necessary measures are taken to protect employees. Additionally, there must be an up-to-date safety data sheet for each substance to be used. The safety data sheet must be familiarised with and followed. 
The mere existence of this document is not enough; instead, the employer must ensure that correct personal protective equipment are used and instruct employees to adopt safe working methods,” says Senior Officer Mikko Koivisto.

Employer’s responsibilities

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers need to identify any chemical risk factors present in the workplace, assess the risks posed to employees and take any necessary action to mitigate the risks. Risk assessment refers to a process of identifying the risks associated with each task in the workplace and deciding what action needs to be taken.

Enquiries:
Senior Officer Mikko Koivisto, [email protected]
Regional State Administrative Agency for Western and Inland Finland