FACTS

Plumbers face Numerous Safety Hazards

1. Heights and Falling Objects
2. Chemical Hazards
3. Mold
4. Extreme Temperatures
5. Hearing Damage or Loss
6. Skin Hazards
7. Eye Risk
8. Burns and Electrocution
9. Injuries from Hand Tools
10. Repetitive motion
11. Slippery Floors
12. Confined Spaces
13. Rodents and Contaminated Water
14. Stress

STATS

• Millions of people are exposed every year to asbestos, the No. 1 cause of respiratory death. This includes plumbers. Ask the proper owners if the building in which you are working contains asbestos. That way you can avoid inhaling the dangerous fibers that can cause mesothelioma.
• Plumbers suffer higher rates of asbestos-related health problems. A large report revealed that construction workers and plumbers were afflicted with unusually high rates of mesothelioma, a cancer that has been associated with asbestos exposure.
• A Canadian study was similarly disturbing: 99 veteran plumbers and pipefitters had unusually frequent and severe bouts of coughs. X-rays confirmed that many of the plumbers had been exposed to low levels of asbestos.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that craft workers, including plumbers, suffer significant eye injuries from flying particles, falling objects, sparks, and chemicals. And because plumbers often use noisy electric machinery in tight places, they are especially vulnerable to hearing loss. Statistics compiled by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) indicate that 48 % of plumbers report some hearing loss.