In response to the health risks construction workers face, a group of advocates calls on the British Columbia government to require the availability of nasal spray Naloxone kits on construction sites. These kits could potentially save lives by providing immediate treatment for opioid overdoses, which can occur due to factors such as exposure to hazardous materials or workplace stress.
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Mandating Nasal-Spray Kits in Construction Sites
The New PPE (Pioneering Protection for Everybody) sent a letter in April to Minister Whiteside of additions and Bains of labor requesting that nasal naloxone be mandated as a safety measure on all construction sites. As mentioned, Whiteside committed to buying tens of thousands of nasal naloxone kits for the province of British Columbia. However, during this time, Bains did not announce his intention to make nasal naloxone mandatory.
Moreover, C. Michael Kinsella, the creator of The New PPE, has expressed his desire for the government of British Columbia to enact a law comparable to the Workplace Naloxone Program in Ontario. As part of the initiative, initiated in April 2023, the government of Ontario distributes nasal spray naloxone kits to businesses around the province. These kits provide instant access to life-saving interventions. Companies also have the option of purchasing their own kits for their workplaces.
Accordingly, Kinsella has stated that over 50 individuals working within the business have signed a letter of support since he began his lobbying effort in January through his non-profit organization. However, naloxone kits are not required to be provided by businesses in British Columbia at this time due to restrictions. Thus, this choice is left up to the discretion of the employers.
On the other hand, the founder of The New PPE claimed that he lost 12 acquaintances employed in the trades in 2023, 10 of them being current or former co-workers. As a result of these losses, he decided to co-found a non-profit organization advocating for the mandatory use of naloxone. This medicine can reverse the effects of an overdose on all building sites in the district.
Also Read: 6 Game-Changing Reasons Why Your Company Must Invest in Construction Training
Health Risks in Working in Construction Sites
Out of all the industrial sectors, the construction industry has the highest incidence of cancer caused by occupational exposure. More than 40% of all cancer fatalities and cancer registrations that occur in the workplace are attributed to this factor. In addition, there are roughly 3,700 deaths and over 5,000 cases of occupational cancer that are attributed to prior exposures in the construction industry each year, on average.
As mentioned, asbestos is the most prominent cause of these malignancies, accounting for seventy percent of the cases, followed by silica, which accounts for seventeen percent, working as a painter, and diesel engine exhaust, which accounts for six to seven percent of the cases.
Furthermore, dust, chemicals, and potentially hazardous mixes such as those found in paints are frequently encountered in building operations. The release of dust, fumes, vapors, or gases into the atmosphere by specific processes can substantially contribute to developing lung diseases and breathing difficulties. There is also a significant incidence of dermatitis in several vocations associated with construction, which is caused by skin exposure to toxic compounds.
Related Article: Singapore Implements Stricter Safety Regulations and Higher Fines for Construction Sites
