Viktoras Seskauskas

Seminar on OHS Prevention Culture,OHS Management System,Major Industrial Accidents and Asbestos : 

Seminar on OHS Prevention Culture, OHS Management System, Major Industrial Accidents and Asbestos Implementation of the OHS Management System: Best practices Viktoras ŠEŠKAUSKAS Lithuania

Certified management systems in EU (BVQI, 2003): 

Certified management systems in EU (BVQI, 2003)

Certified management systemsin Lithuania: 

Certified management systems in Lithuania

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: BACKGROUND: 

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: BACKGROUND Officially: 12.7 million employees = 7.9% of the EU total workforce. True number likely to be substantially higher. Significant proportion of the labour force undeclared. EC: 7%–19% of all work in the EU is undeclared, problem particularly acute in construction. The EU construction industry is estimated to be worth €902 billion a year. 47% of all construction workers work in businesses with fewer than 10 staff (EU average 36%).

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: HEALTH IMPACTS : 

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: HEALTH IMPACTS Incidence of non-fatal accidents is 141, compared to an EU industry average of 100: falling from heights, such as scaffolding, accidents involving transport, both on and off site. Nearly 850,000 construction workers suffered accidents that entailed over 3 days loss of work in 1999, a 13% decline relative to 1994. Around 1,300 workers are killed each year, equivalent to 13 employees out of every 100,000 – more than twice the average of other sectors. Many fatalities and accidents - due to planning decisions taken before any building work starts. In the 10 new member countries - construction accounts for 20% of all work-related accidents. :

Respiratory problems: 

Respiratory problems 600,000 construction workers are exposed to asbestos each year, a potent carcinogen that causes fatal diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Smokers + asbestos = much more lung cancer. In the UK, around 750 construction and maintenance workers die from asbestos-related diseases each year. Figure expected to rise considerably over the next decade. Carpenters have an elevated risk of contracting nasal cancer as a result of breathing in wood dust. Dust generated from cutting or handling crystalline silica-based products, such as sand, can lead to silicosis, a respiratory difficulty.

Other risks that construction workers face : 

Other risks that construction workers face Excessive contact with lead –when removing lead-based paints and working with old lead piping –damage the central nervous system, producing nausea, headaches, tiredness and other symptoms. High noise levels increase the risk of hearing difficulties. 17% employees permanently exposed to high levels of noise, 53% exposed for part of the time. Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is common among staff using hand-operated power tools. 19% of construction employees in the EU are exposed permanently to vibrations, and 54% for some of the time.

OSH STANDARDS FINANCIAL COSTS IN EU: 

OSH STANDARDS FINANCIAL COSTS IN EU Poor OSH standards in construction could cost the EU – and its taxpayers – over €75 billion each year Or almost €200 for each member of the population.

FINANCIAL COSTS : 

FINANCIAL COSTS UK study estimated that costs of occupational accidents and ill-health in the construction sector – including the costs of delays, absenteeism and health and insurance charges, among others – accounted for 8.5% of project costs. As public sector projects account for a large share of construction costs in most countries, tax payers will be shouldering much of the cost.

Good Practice: 

Good Practice Constructus UAB, one of the largest construction companies in Lithuania, has received the Good Practice award of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work 27-12-2004. The agency stated that Constructus' successful management of subcontractors during construction of the new Vilnius Municipal Center was a commendable example of safety and health at work. BUILDING IN SAFETY  European Week for Safety and Health at Work‘ 2004

About www.constructus.lt): 

About www.constructus.lt) In 2003, reported revenues of LTL 61.3 million (EUR 17.7 M) and earned LTL 3.4 million (almost EUR 1 M) of net profit. In 2004, expects to grow by 10-15 %, reach revenues of LTL 70 million (EUR 20 M) and earn LTL 3.1 M (EUR 0.9 M) of net profit. is certified according to the ISO 14001 environmental and ISO 9001 quality management systems, building OHSAS 18000. Employed more than 70 people, mostly project and construction managers, engineers and other construction specialists.

Vilnius Municipal Center project: 

Vilnius Municipal Center project Total value of Municipal Center project EUR 20 M. The 15,060 sq. m (162,000 sq. ft.) complex, of 20-storey, 76.85 m (252 ft.) tall main and 2 adjacent buildings for 1,000 employees. Project started on 08-2002, completed early in 2004. 130 firms of subcontractors and suppliers. No accidents. Design & Build concept applied by Constructus UAB Construction financed by AB Vilniaus Bankas "During the design and pre-construction phases - attention to efficiency and functionality of Municipal Center. Criteria of quality, durability and efficiency for guarantee of economical, cost-effective operation. Gold Medal Award in the 2004 Lithuanian Product of the Year competition

OHS system – oriented training: 

OHS system – oriented training Training program “SAFETY, HEALTH AND WORKING CONDITIONS” created by Prevent-Sweden, provided by Training Centre at Lithuanian Industrialists Confederation Implemented by Lithuanian Electric PSC, Ignalina Nuclear PP, Philip Morris, etc. PHARE-supported training for SMEs

Contacts: 

Contacts Viktoras ŠEŠKAUSKAS OHS Trainer and OHS Systems Auditor Chief Specialist Division of Chemical Substances and Preparations State Non Food Products Inspectorate Lithuania Mob. tel. +370 618 74567  E. mail: viktoras.seskauskas@takas.lt