The dangers of working for long periods in locations where asbestos is present is quite well known, thanks to the publicity that the issue has received in the past. However, there are other harmful materials that can cause workplace injuries and fatalities but are not as well known.
One such material is radon, a radioactive gas that may be released from some building materials. This makes it a hazard to watch out for where construction health and safety are a priority. Since the gas is colourless, tasteless and odourless, it is virtually impossible for employees to detect it and report it to the management.
To ensure that occupational health and safety Ontario is not compromised at the workplace because of radon, it is important to follow the guidelines laid out in this respect. The Canadian guidelines say that where the average yearly radon concentration is higher than 200 becquerels per cubic metre in the area that is occupied by the employees, remedial measures need to be initiated immediately. Employers should note that the permissible radon concentration was lowered from 800 to 200 in 2007 after studies linked the presence of this pollutant to a higher risk of cancer in the occupants of the polluted space.
Be safe and hire a Certified Registered Safety Professional (CRSP)
SafetyON Environmental Inc.
(647) 317-0840