The Health Challenges of the Construction Worker

A construction worker on any given day can be injured during the course of their work. These injuries can range from puncture wounds to life-threatening injuries.

Additionally, construction workers are exposed to dust, asbestos, noise, chemicals, fumes, and other noxious substances which can cause a range of serious illnesses.
Below I’ve outlined some common health pitfalls of construction work.

Masons

• Cement dermatitis
• Musculoskeletal pains due to heavy lifting and working in awkward positions.
• Exposure to silica dust increases the risk of occupational asthma, emphysema, and lung cancer.
• Eye injuries are often a by-product of flying debris.
• Tilers
• Respiratory illnesses due to toxic vapours.
• Dermatitis.
• Back pain due to postural challenges.
• Lacerations and digital amputations as a result of power saws.
• Hearing loss secondary to chronic noise exposure.

Carpenters

• Respiratory illnesses, allergies, and dermatitis due to wood dust, chemicals, solvents, paints, and stains.
• Carpal tunnel as a result of repetitive motion.
• Musculoskeletal pains because of heavy loads.
• Electrical saws predispose to lacerations and amputations.
• Those who work with asbestos are more likely to develop mesothelioma (lung cancer).

Electricians

• Electrical shock.
• Electrocution.
• Burns.
• Explosion related injuries.
• Respiratory illnesses secondary to exposure to lead, solvents, and other toxic chemicals.
• Musculoskeletal pains secondary to working in cramped spaces.

Plumbers

• Infections with viruses, fungi, parasites, and bacteria from sewage.
• Musculoskeletal pains as a result of working in cramped spaces.
• Carpal tunnel as a result of repetitive motions.
• A range of respiratory tract illnesses secondary to exposure to toxic chemicals.
• Painters
• Eye irritation and injuries.
• Musculoskeletal injuries.
• Electrical hazards when working near live electrical wires/ outlets.
• Exposure to aromatic amines and other chemicals increases the incidence of lung, stomach, and bladder cancers.

Roofers

• Solvents and adhesives can damage the nervous system and respiratory tract.
• Repetitive motion injuries.

Hilti operators

• Vibrations can damage joints, muscles, and nerves in the upper limbs, shoulders, and neck.
• Loud noise may result in hearing loss.

Welders

• Irritation of their eyes, respiratory tract, occupational asthma, and COPD.
• Slightly increased incidence of lung cancer.
• Without proper eye protection, even for a short time, may develop arc-eye .

General points regarding construction workers:

• While above I’ve outlined the more common ailments in each category of worker, however, because of the shared space on a construction site, all workers are at risk, at least partially, of being a casualty of any of the illnesses noted above.
• Falls from heights and sustaining serious injuries; Dehydration and heat-related illnesses are not uncommon
• Sun damage to the skin, including skin cancers .
• Up to 70% of female workers are subjected to sexual harassment. Consequentially, many suffer from anxiety and depression.
• Respiratory tract illnesses can occur as a result of exposure to asbestos, mold, and other microbes, especially in older buildings.
• Primary and second hand exposure to smoke on construction sites considerably increases the chances of lung disease, including cancer.
• Exposure to diesel fumes – e.g. generators, vehicles, and other machines, predisposes to eye and respiratory tract irritation, and lung cancer.
• Up to 20% of construction workers report stress at any given time.

Author: Dr. C. Malcolm Grant – Family Physician, c/o Family Care Clinic, Arnos Vale, www.familycaresvg.com, clinic@familycaresvg.com, 1(784)570-9300 (Office), 1(784)455-0376 (WhatsApp)
Disclaimer: The information provided in the above article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Dr. C. Malcolm Grant, Family Care Clinic or The Searchlight Newspaper or their associates, respectively, are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information provided above.