Introduction:

The intersection of construction and public health is crucial to ensuring that built environments promote safety, well-being, and sustainability. This 5-day training course explores the impact of construction practices on public health, focusing on environmental health, safety, and the regulatory frameworks that govern both industries. Participants will learn about construction-related health risks, best practices in building healthy environments, and how to implement policies that improve public health outcomes in construction projects. The course will provide a comprehensive understanding of how construction professionals can minimize health risks and maximize the health benefits of their projects.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the relationship between construction and public health.
2. Learn about the health risks associated with construction activities and how to mitigate them.
3. Be familiar with regulations and standards aimed at protecting public health during construction.
4. Explore best practices in building design and construction to improve public health outcomes.
5. Understand the role of construction professionals in promoting environmental health and safety.
6. Learn strategies for creating sustainable, health-conscious construction practices.

Who Should Attend:

This course is designed for professionals involved in construction, public health, and safety, including:

• Construction Managers and Supervisors
• Project Managers and Engineers
• Health and Safety Officers
• Environmental Engineers
• Urban Planners and Designers
• Architects and Builders
• Public Health Officials and Consultants
• Students and professionals pursuing careers in construction or public health

Course Outline:

Day 1: Introduction to Construction and Public Health

• Session 1: Understanding the Link Between Construction and Public Health
  • The Impact of the Built Environment on Public Health: Access to Clean Water, Air, and Safe Housing
  • Construction’s Role in Shaping Urban Health Outcomes: Healthy Cities and Communities
  • Key Public Health Risks from Construction: Air Pollution, Noise, Hazardous Materials, and Traffic Accidents
• Session 2: Environmental Health in Construction
  • Definitions and Key Concepts in Environmental Health
  • Environmental Impacts of Construction: Water Contamination, Soil Pollution, and Waste Management
  • Green Building Design for Health: Integrating Sustainability and Public Health
• Session 3: Health Risks and Occupational Hazards in Construction
  • Worker Health and Safety: Common Risks on Construction Sites (Falls, Respiratory Diseases, and Chemical Exposure)
  • Public Health Risks from Construction Sites: Dust, Noise, and Traffic Safety
  • Health Impacts of Construction Noise and Vibration
• Activity: Group Discussion – Identifying Health Risks in Different Types of Construction Projects

Day 2: Construction Site Health and Safety

• Session 1: Safety Management on Construction Sites
  • Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (OSHA, NIOSH, and International Standards)
  • Best Practices for Ensuring Worker Health and Safety
  • Risk Assessment and Safety Audits in Construction
• Session 2: Construction Safety Standards and Guidelines
  • Key Construction Safety Standards: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Hazardous Materials Handling, and Site Management
  • Safe Equipment Use and Maintenance
  • Emergency Response Planning and Medical Services on Construction Sites
• Session 3: Managing Health Risks in Construction Projects
  • Controlling Exposure to Hazardous Materials (Asbestos, Lead, Silica, and Chemicals)
  • Mitigating the Impact of Construction Dust on Workers and the Public
  • Noise and Vibration Control Measures: Engineering Solutions and Protective Equipment
• Activity: Workshop – Creating a Health and Safety Plan for a Sample Construction Site

Day 3: Public Health and Environmental Risks in Urban Development

• Session 1: Environmental Health Challenges in Urban Construction
  • Urbanization and Public Health: Managing the Health Impacts of Rapid Urban Development
  • Air and Water Pollution Risks in Construction: Monitoring and Mitigation Strategies
  • Managing Waste and Recycling in Large-Scale Urban Projects
• Session 2: The Role of Public Health Policies in Construction
  • Public Health Regulations in Construction: Zoning, Building Codes, and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
  • The Role of Government Agencies and Public Health Organizations in Construction Projects
  • Assessing Health and Safety during the Planning and Design Phases of Construction
• Session 3: Sustainable and Health-Conscious Construction Practices
  • Green Building Standards: LEED, WELL, and BREEAM Certifications
  • Design Strategies to Promote Public Health: Green Spaces, Accessibility, and Ventilation
  • Energy Efficiency and Health: Reducing Carbon Footprints through Building Design
• Activity: Case Study – Designing a Public Health-Conscious Urban Development Plan

Day 4: Managing Public Health during Construction Projects

• Session 1: Mitigating Public Health Impacts during Construction
  • Construction Noise and Vibration: Health Impacts on Nearby Communities
  • Air Quality Management: Dust Suppression Techniques and Pollution Control
  • Traffic Management: Reducing Construction-Related Traffic Injuries and Congestion
• Session 2: Community Health and Safety Measures
  • Protecting the Health of Nearby Communities: Temporary Fencing, Noise Barriers, and Traffic Diversions
  • Health Promotion during Construction: Engaging the Community in Health and Safety Measures
  • The Role of Communication: Informing the Public of Construction Hazards and Risks
• Session 3: Public Health Risk Communication and Crisis Management
  • Developing Effective Risk Communication Plans for Construction Projects
  • Managing Environmental Health Crises: Case Studies of Construction-Related Health Disasters
  • Creating a Culture of Safety in the Construction Industry
• Activity: Group Exercise – Developing a Risk Communication Plan for a Construction Project

Day 5: Trends, Innovations, and Future Directions in Construction and Public Health

• Session 1: Emerging Trends in Construction and Public Health
  • The Role of Technology: Drones, BIM, and Real-Time Health Monitoring in Construction
  • Innovations in Health and Safety Equipment: Wearables, Sensors, and Smart PPE
  • Construction and Health Data: Using Big Data to Improve Worker and Community Health Outcomes
• Session 2: Climate Change and Public Health in Construction
  • Understanding the Impact of Climate Change on Construction Projects and Public Health
  • Adapting Construction Practices for Resilience: Climate-Resilient Infrastructure and Building Techniques
  • Addressing Health Risks from Extreme Weather Events: Flooding, Heatwaves, and Air Quality
• Session 3: The Future of Construction and Public Health Collaboration
  • Building Healthy Communities through Collaborative Design and Construction Practices
  • Integrating Health Impact Assessments (HIA) into Construction Projects
  • Global and Local Approaches to Public Health in the Construction Industry
• Activity: Final Group Discussion – Exploring the Future of Health-Driven Construction Practices

Course Delivery:

• Interactive Lectures: In-depth presentations and discussions on construction, safety, health risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples of construction projects with a focus on health impacts and safety practices.
• Workshops: Practical exercises focused on creating health and safety plans, risk communication strategies, and sustainable construction designs.
• Site Visits (Optional): If feasible, visits to construction sites to observe safety practices, environmental controls, and public health measures in action.
• Group Activities: Collaborative activities that encourage problem-solving and real-world application of course concepts.