Construction Site Accidents – Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’, because it is odorless and gives no warning to its potential victims that they are being poisoned. In fact, carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of poisoning deaths in the United States each year. The biggest problem is that carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, making detection without a carbon monoxide monitor virtually impossible. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are also misleading and are often mistaken for the onset of a cold or flu. Early symptoms include: nausea, headache, upset stomach, faintness, fatigue, as well as unusual sensations in the nose or mouth. Although the initial symptoms may seem harmless, continued exposure can cause loss of consciousness or even death.

At a construction site, death by carbon monoxide poisoning does happen, primarily because workers are not aware of the effects of carbon monoxide and slowly become poisoned. The leading cause in carbon monoxide poisoning on a construction site is through fuel-burning equipment, such as cars, trucks, forklifts, engines and generators that are either poorly maintained and are emitting higher than normal gases or because they are located in an area that is poorly ventilated – especially in workplaces which are sealed off by tarpaulins or plastic sheeting.

It is unnecessary for workers at a construction site to die of carbon monoxide poisoning, as these accidents can easily be avoided. Workers need to be educated about the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and should be trained not to ignore them. Equipment should be well maintained and used in well-ventilated areas. Enclosed areas should have carbon monoxide detectors installed and oxygen tanks should be available for emergencies.