Kvartsdamm - Ur ett medvetenhetsperspektiv på byggarbetsplatser

Sammanfattning: Purpose: Quartz dust is a serious problem on construction sites all over the world. Thefine-grained dust that is perceived as invisible for the naked eye, gets stuck in the exposed individual’s respiratory system where it in the long run can result in illness and in the worst scenario death. Silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or lungcancer are all consequences related to exposure of quartz dust. During this study has ananalysis been implemented to find out how well known this problem actually is within the building industry and how prevented work is done to minimize quarts dust exposure. Method: To collect the correct type of information applicable for the studies goal has a qualitative study with a case study approach using interviews and surveys been performed. The interviews were directed towards the supervisors, while the surveys were given to the construction workers at three construction companies that were contacted. The reason being for this were to create an actual image of how the work is conducted in real life situations. The collected data was there after sorted and analysed with the theoretical frameworks implemented during the study to help with the validation and reliability of the finalized result. Findings: There is an existing connection between the lack of knowledge of the consequences of quartz dust, health aspects and the construction workers habits while working. There is also a finding in the flaws of the safety equipment’s design that contributes to the fact that workers decide to work without it even though the company’sregulations prohibit this. Implications: When safety equipment is overlooked the worker is exposed for multiple possible health aspects. To increase the workers understanding of the situation and develop the education process could result in an improvement to the situation. T odevelop the safety equipment could also contribute to the current situation. Limitations: Quartz dust is not a problem that’s only specified to the sites that are included in this study, this means that the result can be implemented far of this studies borders. The building industry is only one of many working habitats were quartz dust is problematic for the workers. Work routines concerning quartz dust may vary and be different depending on the occupational group and their relegations which can result that the studies result may not be applicable in detail.