Although fatalities among New Jersey construction workers have declined over the past decade, they are over three times greater than the rate for all fatal occupational injuries in the State. Therefore, prevention of construction worker deaths remains a high priority. Health Services Lead has adverse health effects on the central and peripheral nervous, hematologic, cardiovascular, renal, and reproductive systems. The number of New Jersey workers with elevated blood lead levels has declined in recent years. Nevertheless, exposure to lead continues to be a hazard in diverse work settings, such as manufacturing, metal recycling, remodeling, and construction.
Exposure primarily occurs from use of latex gloves for barrier protection.
Symptoms from exposure to latex may be severe and may result in serious health problems, as well as economic concerns when a highly trained professional must abandon his or her career. Baseline data will be collected in 2000. Increase hepatitis B vaccination levels among New Jersey public employees at occupational risk of infection through exposure to blood to 90 percent . A safe and effective vaccine to prevent hepatitis B infection has been available since 1982. To prevent hepatitis B, vaccinations should be offered to all public employees who have occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials, i.e., health care and public safety workers.