Wearable simulations for ill-health conditions in construction

Abstract

Occupational ill health and wellbeing is a significant challenge for workers in the civil engineering and construction sectors. The symptoms of many ill-health conditions become more severe over time and minor aches and pains in a young worker can develop into serious problems the older they get. Health and safety training has increased in recent years and site inductions are now ubiquitous. However, formal training methods seem to have little effect. Evidence-based, wearable simulations for common construction ill-health conditions have been developed from over 20 years of university-based research. The simulations provide a learning experience for dermatitis, hand–arm vibration syndrome, musculoskeletal disorders, noise-induced hearing loss and respiratory disorders and are being trialled with young apprentices aiming to change their attitudes and behaviours.