Industrial Hygiene in Construction

When taking blood lead levels, the occupational health clinic will typically measure both the lead in the blood, and the zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP). The reason for this is the blood lead level measures just that, only the lead in the blood – which can come from previous exposures and whatever amount has been stored in your bones (soft tissues). It really only gives one piece of information. An early indicator of  lead exposure is the ZPP level.

The ZPP level indicates lead absorption. If your ZPP levels are elevated, this may mean that lead is being absorbed into your body (affecting the heme synthesis pathway). However, an elevated ZPP can be caused by other things, including iron deficiency anemia, etc.

If you have elevated ZPPs, you need to find out what is causing it. If you’re working with lead, you may have overexposure. If this is the case, your blood lead levels will most likely elevate in 2-6 weeks.

Ask your occupational health clinic for ranges of acceptable blood lead levels and ZPP levels.

Sometimes when I am at an employer’s site I am amazed at how hard people work and the determination and skills they muster to complete the task at hand. Other times, I realize how hard their job is on their body, health and being. Since I am in the U.S., I rarely get to see “horrific” conditions, but I know they exist.

Pictures are such a great to describe working conditions. If you have time, look at the pictures by Boston.com on coal mining around the world. For me, it is a reminder of how blessed we are to live where we do.

I recently gave a safety presentation to a large group of pile bucks (for those who don’t know, these are highly trained workers who drive pilings into the ground, among other things). All of my preplanning for the presentation was for nothing.

The projector didn’t work (I did have a backup, but not enough time to get it ready). And, as I was being introduced, they requested I also cover an entirely new topic that I hadn’t prepared for… I was scared.

The presentation actually went well. I wasn’t tied to my notes or slides…I had a lot of interaction with the crowd and they asked questions and commented on specific issues they deal with on projects. I didn’t look at my computer, prompter, or behind me. I took less time to cover the same points. I looked at everyone in the crowd and was able to engage them and change my presentation(slightly) based upon their reactions, comments, and interests.

Afterwards, I realized they learned. Maybe not as many “facts”, or points on the subject, but they sure remembered the main objectives:  Be safe. Use caution. Think ahead.

I am going to attempt more presentation just like this.

I have seen presentations given like this, but I never have the guts, or confidence, to do it that way. In fact, thinking back, I had read a blog (Seth Godin) of these exact things to do. I hit almost all of them….by accident.

Background: We arrived at the welding /fabrication shop where they were working on stainless steel. We were the first to arrive and found this next to the project.

I found 3 things that were blatant “no-no’s”. Want to guess? (see my answers below) You might find more.

1. respirator sitting out -not put away in box (actually sitting next to it!)
2. grinder without a guard
3. eating/drinking in the work area (gum, drinking cup)

January is Radon awareness month. I posted this same topic last year.

As a reminder, if you have not measured the radon in your home, do it. Winter is the perfect time (since there is less airflow with the house buttoned up- and you’ll get a worst-case reading).

If your neighbor said he took readings and they came back fine, it doesn’t necessarily mean your home is ok. Check it!

Also, if your kids stay at a daycare, grandparents, or other place for a long period of the day/evening…you might also check the levels there.

Here’s my top 10 recommendations as it relates to Construction Industrial Hygiene: