What is one example of an environmental hazard on construction sites?

Exposure to toxic materials, such as asbestos, is a significant environmental hazard on construction sites because these materials can pose serious health risks to workers. Asbestos is known to cause respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, when inhaled. The presence of such hazardous substances necessitates strict safety protocols and regulations to protect workers' health, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), air monitoring, and specific training on handling materials safely.

While working during nighttime hours, using heavy machinery, and poor communication are all relevant safety concerns on construction sites, they do not fall under environmental hazards in the same way that exposure to toxic materials does. Environmental hazards specifically refer to risks that stem from the surrounding environment or materials that can harm individuals or the environment itself. Thus, the focus on toxic material exposure highlights a crucial aspect of construction site safety related to environmental health.