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Construction Workers (construction + worker)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	87%
Humanities and Social Sciences	6%

Selected Abstracts

Health Care and Pension Benefits for Construction Workers: TheRole of Prevailing Wage Laws Health Care and Pension Benefits for Construction Workers

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, Issue 2 2000
Jeffrey S. Petersen
This article examines the affect of state prevailing wage laws (PWLs) on the amount and mix of wages and benefits paid to construction workers. PWLs require contractors who win bids on state-financed construction projects to pay compensation rates equivalent to those prevailing in local construction markets. During 1982-1992, 6 states repealed their PWLs, 9 states who never had a PWL did not enact one, and 32 states kept their PWLs. Data from the Form 5500 series, the Census of Construction Industries, the Current Employment Statistics, and the Current Population Survey are combined to evaluate the effects of PWL repeals on compensation. When comparing the experiences of different states, PWLs enhance both wages and benefits, with the largest percentage increase going toward employer pension contributions. PWLs appear to create an incentive for both employers to pay and workers to accept a larger percentage of their total compensation in the form of benefits. [source]

Exposure to respirable dust and crystalline silica in bricklaying education at Dutch vocational training centers

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2010
Daan Huizer MSc
Abstract Background Construction workers are educated at vocational training centers before they begin their working lives. Future bricklayers and their instructors are exposed to respirable dust and possibly to hazardous respirable crystalline silica from trial mortar. Methods Thirty-six personal air samples were collected at six training centers to estimate exposure to respirable dust for both students and teachers. A selection of 22 samples was analyzed for crystalline silica. Results Average respirable dust exposures ranged from 0.59,mg/m3 for teachers to 1.45,mg/m3 for students performing recycling and cleaning tasks. In 45% of the analyzed samples, respirable crystalline silica was detected. Exposure to silica remained below the Dutch OEL (75,µg/m3). Exposure was significantly less for teachers than for students. This effect was found in both types of vocational training centers present in the Netherlands. Dry sweeping, as performed at all locations in this study, contributed considerably to the exposure to respirable dust. A first step in reducing exposure to dust and silica at training centers would therefore be to avoid dry sweeping. The presence of a dust extraction system, although not optimally designed, also significantly lowered exposure. Conclusions To assess a construction worker's lifetime exposure to respirable dust and crystalline silica, the vocational training period should also be taken into account. Several epidemiological studies have shown that time since first exposure can be an important risk factor for chronic health effects. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53: 628,634, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Concomitant contact allergy to the resins, reactive diluents and hardener of a bisphenol A/F-based epoxy resin in subway construction workers

CONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2006
Chia-Yu Chu
An outbreak of suspected contact dermatitis among subway construction workers was suspected to be due to a new bisphenol A/F-based epoxy resin system (ERS). The construction workers used ERSs during the insertion of iron bars into concrete walls. The objective of the study was to determine the components (if any) of the ERS responsible for the contact allergy. Patch testing was performed on 20 of the 22 construction workers who had had contact with the ERS, and to the various subcomponents of component A on 5 of the 7 who reacted to this component. 9 patients (9/22, 40.9%) had clinical symptoms and signs of suspected contact dermatitis at presentation. 7 of these 9, but none of the 11 asymptomatic individuals, were positive to component A, while all were negative to component B. Of the 5 cases receiving further patch testing, all reacted to m -xylylene diamine, 4 to 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether, 3 to epoxy resins of the bisphenol F-type and trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether 0.25% petrolatum, and only 1 to epoxy resins of the bisphenol A-type. Contact allergy to ERSs may involve hardeners and diluents as well as resins, and patch testing for reaction to all components should be performed. [source]

Occupational immunologic contact urticaria from pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa): experience in 30 cases

CONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 2 2004
Jesús Vega
Cutaneous lesions caused by the pine processionary caterpillar Thaumetopoea pityocampa (TP) are frequent in pinewood areas. In the present study, 30 patients diagnosed with occupational immunologic urticaria from this caterpillar were included. Immediate hypersensitivity was demonstrated by performing prick and IgE-immunoblotting tests. Workers were grouped according to their common tasks. Occupations at risk of exposure to TP were pine-cone collectors/woodcutters (14), farmers/stockbreeders (8), other forestry personnel (4), construction workers (2), residential gardeners (1) and entomologists (1). Besides contact urticaria, angioedema (60%), papular lesions of several days of evolution (30%) and anaphylactic reactions (40%) were also detected. The most frequently detected molecular weight bands by immunoblot were 15 (70%), 17 (57%) and 13 kDa (50%). The appearance of isolated bands corresponds with the least serious cases. Only 8 subjects had bands higher than 33 kDa, which was present in the 3 most severe cases of anaphylactic reactions. By presenting these cases, we wish to offer the largest series reported so far of occupational immunologic contact urticaria caused by TP. We include the first cases described in certain occupations, some of them not directly related to forestry work. Pine-cone or resin collectors, woodcutters, farmers and stockbreeders were the most frequently and severely affected workers. [source]

Mobile phones, communities and social networks among foreign workers in Singapore

GLOBAL NETWORKS, Issue 3 2009
ERIC C. THOMPSON
Abstract Transnational mobility affects both high-status and low-income workers, disrupting traditional assumptions of the boundedness of communities. There is a need to reconfigure our most basic theoretical and analytical constructs. In this article I engage in this task by illustrating a complex set of distinctions (as well as connections) between ,communities' as ideationally constituted through cultural practices and ,social networks' constituted through interaction and exchange. I have grounded the analysis ethnographically in the experiences of foreign workers in Singapore, focusing on domestic and construction workers from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Bangladesh. I examine the cultural, social and communicative role that mobile phones play in the lives of workers who are otherwise constrained in terms of mobility, living patterns and activities. Mobile phones are constituted as symbol status markers in relationship to foreign workers. Local representations construct foreign workers as users and consumers of mobile telephony, reinscribing ideas of transnational identities as well as foreignness within the context of Singapore. Migrant workers demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the various telephony options available, but the desire to use phones to communicate can overwhelm their self-control and lead to very high expenditures. The research highlights the constraints , as well as possibilities , individuals experience as subjects and agents within both social and cultural systems, and the ways in which those constraints and possibilities are mediated by a particular technology , in this case, mobile phones. [source]

Health Care and Pension Benefits for Construction Workers: TheRole of Prevailing Wage Laws Health Care and Pension Benefits for Construction Workers

Social, Economic and Demographic Consequences of Migration on Kerala

INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION, Issue 2 2001
K.C. Zachariah
Migration has been the single most dynamic factor in the otherwise dreary development scenario of Kerala during the last quarter of the last century. It has contributed more to poverty alleviation and reduction in unemployment in Kerala than any other factor. As a result of migration, the proportion of the population below the poverty line has declined by 12 per cent. The number of unemployed persons , estimated to be only about 13 lakhs in 1998 compared with 37 lakhs reported by the Kerala Employment Exchanges , has declined by over 30 per cent. Migration has caused nearly a million married women in Kerala to live away from their husbands. Most of these so-called "Gulf wives" experienced extreme loneliness to begin with, and were burdened with added family responsibilities to which they had not been accustomed when their husbands were with them. But over a period, and with a helping hand from abroad over the ISD, most came out of their early gloom. Their gain in autonomy, status, management skills and experience in dealing with the world outside their homes were developed the hard way and would remain with them for the rest of their lives for the benefit of their families and society. In the long run, the transformation of these million women will have contributed more to the development of Kerala society than all the temporary euphoria created by remittances and modern gadgetry. Kerala is dependent on migration for employment, subsistence, housing, household amenities, institution building, and many other developmental activities. The danger is that migration could cease, as shown by the Kuwait war of 1993, and repercussions could be disastrous for the State. Understanding migration trends and instituting policies to maintain the flow of migration is more important today than at any time in the past. Kerala workers seem to be losing out in international competition for jobs in the Gulf market. Corrective policies are needed urgently to raise their competitive edge over workers in competing countries in South and South-East Asia. Like any other industry, migration from Kerala needs periodic technological upgrading of workers. Otherwise, there is a danger that the State might lose the Gulf market permanently. The crux of the problem is Kerala workers' inability to compete with expatriates from other South and South-East Asian countries. The solution lies in equipping workers with better general education and job training. This study suggests a twofold approach. In the short run, the need is to improve the job skills of prospective emigrant workers. This could be achieved through ad hoc training programmes focussed on the job market in Gulf countries. In the long run, the need is to restructure the educational system, taking into consideration the future demand of workers not only in Kerala but also in potential destination countries all over the world, including the US and other developed countries. Kerala emigrants need not always be construction workers in the Gulf countries; they could also be software engineers in developed countries. [source]

Soldiers With Musculoskeletal Injuries

JOURNAL OF NURSING SCHOLARSHIP, Issue 3 2008
Bonnie M. Jennings
Purpose: To describe Soldiers' (e.g., U.S. Army personnel) perspectives of the effect of musculoskeletal injuries. Design: Data were collected in the summer of 2003 using a prospective survey design. The survey was mailed to active duty Soldiers on modified work plans because of musculoskeletal injuries. These Soldiers were assigned to one Army installation in the US. Methods: Responses to the survey questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The numerous handwritten comments were evaluated qualitatively. Findings: Injuries most often involved the back and knees (18% each). At least 47% of the injuries were work related. Injuries interfered with Soldiers' abilities to perform military tasks such as road marching (80%) and organized physical training (69%). Although many respondents indicated they were not experiencing pain, at least some Soldiers reported mild pain for each of 19 anatomic locations. Severe pain was reported most often for the lower back (21%). In their written comments, Soldiers expressed a sense of frustration with their injuries, the healthcare system and providers, and their unit leaders. Conclusions: Healthcare personnel are challenged to better manage Soldiers with musculoskeletal injuries and expedite their return to full duty. Unit leaders are challenged to create work environments that focus on injury prevention and allow injured Soldiers time to heal. Clinical Relevance: The Soldiers in this study were often engaged in physically challenging work or sports activities when injured. Because people outside the Army engage in similar activities (e.g., construction workers, endurance athletes), the findings from this study might be applicable to nonmilitary communities. Additionally, with the number of Reserve and National Guard Soldiers currently on active duty, civilian nurses might be caring for Soldiers with musculoskeletal injuries. [source]

Work-related injuries among Hispanic construction workers,Evidence from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey,

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2010
Xiuwen Sue Dong DrPH
Abstract Background Although a large number of Hispanic workers have entered the construction industry, few studies have estimated non-fatal work-related injuries for Hispanic construction workers at a national level. This study examines work-related injury conditions among Hispanic construction workers and assesses disparities between Hispanic and white, non-Hispanic workers. Methods Pooled data were analyzed from a large national population survey, the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), between 1996 and 2002. More than 7,000 construction workers were identified from the MEPS data including 1,833 Hispanic workers and 4,533 white, non-Hispanic workers. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using SAS-callable SUDAAN. Results Hispanic workers differ from white, non-Hispanic workers in demographic and socioeconomic status. After controlling for major risk factors, Hispanic construction workers were more likely than their white, non-Hispanic counterparts to suffer non-fatal work-related injury conditions (OR,=,1.28, 95% CI: 1.00,1.64). Conclusions This study provides important evidence concerning Hispanic workers' safety on construction sites. Enhanced safety and health programs for Hispanic construction workers and improved occupational injury data systems are recommended. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53: 561,569, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Nonfatal unintentional injuries and related factors among male construction workers in central China

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2010
Lei Zheng
Abstract Background Work-related injuries (WRIs) among construction workers have recently emerged as an important public health issue as the construction industry is booming in China. We investigated nonfatal unintentional work-related injuries and risk factors among male construction workers in central China. Methods A purposive sampling method was used in 2008 to select 1,260 male workers from 24 construction sites. WRIs that occurred in the past 12 months and possible risk factors were asked about in face-to-face interviews. Results Among 1,260 male construction workers, 189 workers reported WRIs. The annual prevalence of nonfatal WRIs was 15.0 per 100 workers (95% confidence interval (CI): 13.0,17.0). The top three leading causes of injuries were collisions (27.3 per 100 workers), cuts/piercings (17.5 per 100 workers), and falls (15.5 per 100 workers). WRIs were significantly associated with high cigarette pack-year index (PYI,,,20 vs. nonsmoker: adjusted odds ratio (OR),=,2.50, 95% CI: 1.31,4.76), serious alcohol consumption (,30ml/day vs. nondrinker: adjusted OR,=,1.73, 95 %CI: 1.12,2.69), not having injury prevention and safety education (adjusted OR,=,2.05, 95% CI: 1.22,3.44), and had depressive symptoms (adjusted OR,=,2.63, 95% CI: 1.22,5.67). Conclusions Our results suggest that annual prevalence of nonfatal construction injuries is high in central China and serious cigarette smoking, serious alcohol consumption, not having injury prevention and safety education, and depressive symptoms are considered important factors for those injuries. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53: 588,595, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

The longitudinal relationship between the use of ergonomic measures and the incidence of low back complaints

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2010
Henk F. van der Molen PhD
Abstract Background The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the primary preventive effect of the use of ergonomic measures on low back complaints among construction workers. Methods An initial questionnaire was sent to a cohort of bricklayers, carpenters, and pavers in 2000. Workers who reported no musculoskeletal complaints were selected (n,=,539) and divided into groups that either used or did not use ergonomic measures. The incidence of low back complaints among members of the two groups was re-assessed with a follow-up questionnaire administered in 2005. Results A total of 12.4% of the construction workers reported regular use of ergonomic measures at baseline and during follow-up. The 4.5-year incidence of regular or sustained low back complaints was 17.3%. Frequent use of ergonomic measures was associated with a 15% (RR,=,0.85; 95% confidence interval,=,0.46,1.55) reduced risk of reporting regular or sustained low back complaints among construction workers after a 4.5-year period. Conclusions This study did not find a statistically significant primary preventive effect of the use of ergonomic measures on low back complaints. Sustained use of effective ergonomic measures among a large group of young construction workers is necessary to provide possible evidence for a significant and relevant primary preventive effect of the use of ergonomic measures on low back complaints in the long term. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53: 635,640, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Monitoring working conditions and health of older workers in Dutch construction industry

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2010
Peter Hoonakker PhD
Abstract Background Accurate reporting of work-related conditions is necessary to monitor workplace health and safety and to identify the interventions that are most needed. In the Netherlands, working conditions and health are monitored on an aggregated level in the construction industry. One of the purposes of monitoring is to identify specific risk factors and risk groups. The objectives of this study was to examine (1) whether older workers (,55 years) in the construction industry are a special group at risk and (2) whether there are specific risk factors for older workers in the construction industry. Methods Every 2 years, more than 70,000 construction workers in the Netherlands fill out a questionnaire as part of their periodic health checkup. In a repeated cross-sectional (trend) design, we compared working conditions (physical and psychological demands), musculoskeletal disorders (symptoms and conditions), and injuries of older workers with other age categories. Results Older construction workers have fewer complaints about physically demanding work and psychosocial workload, but have more complaints about working in awkward postures. Older workers have more complaints about their health than workers in other age categories. Older construction workers have fewer injuries than younger workers. Conclusions Older construction workers are a risk group for musculoskeletal disorders. Working in awkward postures can be considered a risk factor for older workers in construction industry. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53: 641,653, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Airways obstruction among older construction and trade workers at Department of Energy nuclear sites

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2010
John M. Dement PhD
Abstract Background A study of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among 7,579 current and former workers participating in medical screening programs at Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear weapons facilities through September 2008 was undertaken. Methods Participants provided a detailed work and exposure history and underwent a respiratory examination that included a respiratory history, respiratory symptoms, a posterior,anterior (P,A) chest radiograph classified by International Labour Office (ILO) criteria, and spirometry. Statistical models were developed to generate group-level exposure estimates that were used in multivariate logistic regression analyses to explore the risk of COPD in relation to exposures to asbestos, silica, cement dust, welding, paints, solvents, and dusts/fumes from paint removal. Risk for COPD in the study population was compared to risk for COPD in the general US population as determined in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Results The age-standardized prevalence ratio of COPD among DOE workers compared to all NHANES III data was 1.3. Internal analyses found the odds ratio of COPD to range from 1.6 to 3.1 by trade after adjustment for age, race, sex, smoking, and duration of DOE employment. Statistically significant associations were observed for COPD and exposures to asbestos, silica, welding, cement dusts, and some tasks associated with exposures to paints, solvents, and removal of paints. Conclusions Our study of construction workers employed at DOE sites demonstrated increased COPD risk due to occupational exposures and was able to identify specific exposures increasing risk. This study provides additional support for prevention of both smoking and occupational exposures to reduce the burden of COPD among construction workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:224,240, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Latino worker perceptions of construction risks,

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2010
Nancy Nivison Menzel PhD
Abstract Background Construction is a hazardous occupation, with Latino (Hispanic) workers at a greater risk for death than other ethnicities/races. Latinos accounted for over half of construction injuries involving days away from work in Nevada in 2006. Methods This study recruited 30 Latino construction workers from three Southern Nevada trade unions to participate in four focus groups conducted in Spanish to determine their perceived risks for injury. Audiotapes were transcribed into English transcripts, which were analyzed for themes. Results Themes included language/communication difficulties, traditional Latino values, construction trade skill level differences, and health literacy. Participants were unfamiliar with the workers' compensation system. Conclusions Small contractors in particular should provide more effective safety training in Spanish and appropriate safety equipment. Unions should offer English language training using simulation and more information about workers' compensation rights. Occupational health providers should consider Latino beliefs and communication needs when assessing health status or providing care. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:179,187 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Mortality of older construction and craft workers employed at department of energy (DOE) nuclear sites

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 9 2009
John M. Dement PhD
Abstract Background The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) established medical screening programs at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, Oak Ridge Reservation, the Savannah River Site, and the Amchitka site starting in 1996. Workers participating in these programs have been followed to determine their vital status and mortality experience through December 31, 2004. Methods A cohort of 8,976 former construction workers from Hanford, Savannah River, Oak Ridge, and Amchitka was followed using the National Death Index through December 31, 2004, to ascertain vital status and causes of death. Cause-specific standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated based on US death rates. Results Six hundred and seventy-four deaths occurred in this cohort and overall mortality was slightly less than expected (SMR,=,0.93, 95% CI,=,0.86,1.01), indicating a "healthy worker effect." However, significantly excess mortality was observed for all cancers (SMR,=,1.28, 95% CI,=,1.13,1.45), lung cancer (SMR,=,1.54, 95% CI,=,1.24,1.87), mesothelioma (SMR,=,5.93, 95% CI,=,2.56,11.68), and asbestosis (SMR,=,33.89, 95% CI,=,18.03,57.95). Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was in excess at Oak Ridge and multiple myeloma was in excess at Hanford. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was significantly elevated among workers at the Savannah River Site (SMR,=,1.92, 95% CI,=,1.02,3.29). Conclusions DOE construction workers at these four sites were found to have significantly excess risk for combined cancer sites included in the Department of Labor' Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOCIPA). Asbestos-related cancers were significantly elevated. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:671,682, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Lung function decrease in relation to pneumoconiosis and exposure to quartz-containing dust in construction workers

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2003
Evelyn Tjoe-Nij MSc
Abstract Background Prevalence of exposure related respiratory symptoms and decreases in lung function are unknown among quartz dust exposed construction workers. Methods In a cross-sectional study (n,=,1,335), the occurrence of respiratory symptoms, was recorded and spirometric lung function was measured. Results were associated with exposure data and presence of radiographic abnormalities and compared with a reference population. Results Pneumoconiosis (profusion category 1/1 or greater) was associated with increased risks of FEV1 and FVC values in the lowest 5% group, and with group-based decreases of 270 ml/s and 180 ml, respectively. Average lung function of construction workers was somewhat lower compared to a Dutch reference population. Lung function was not associated with exposure, except for a reduction in FVC of 5 ml per year for those with higher exposure. Conclusions In quartz dust exposed construction workers obstructive and restrictive lung function loss was detected. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:574,583, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Cancer mortality among European asphalt workers: An international epidemiological study.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2003

Abstract Background Inhalation of bitumen fumes is potentially carcinogenic to humans. Methods We conducted a study of 29,820 male workers exposed to bitumen in road paving, asphalt mixing and roofing, 32,245 ground and building construction workers unexposed to bitumen, and 17,757 workers not classifiable as bitumen workers, from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, with mortality follow-up during 1953,2000. We calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) based on national mortality rates. Poisson regression analyses compared mortality of bitumen workers to that of building or ground construction workers. Results The overall mortality was below expectation in the total cohort (SMR 0.92, 95% CI 0.90,0.94) and in each group of workers. The SMR of lung cancer was higher among bitumen workers (1.17, 95% CI 1.04,1.30) than among workers in ground and building construction (SMR 1.01, 95% CI 0.89,1.15). In the internal comparison, the relative risk (RR) of lung cancer mortality among bitumen workers was 1.09 (95% CI 0.89,1.34). The results of cancer of the head and neck were similar to those of lung cancer, based on a smaller number of deaths. There was no suggestion of an association between employment in bitumen jobs and other cancers. Conclusions European workers employed in road paving, asphalt mixing and other jobs entailing exposure to bitumen fume might have experienced a small increase in lung cancer mortality risk, compared to workers in ground and building construction. However, exposure assessment was limited and confounding from exposure to carcinogens in other industries, tobacco smoking, and other lifestyle factors cannot be ruled out. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:18,27, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Carpal tunnel syndrome among apprentice construction workers,

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2002
John C. Rosecrance PT
Abstract Background In terms of lost-work time and restricted workdays, surgery, and rehabilitation, one of the most costly occupational musculoskeletal disorders is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of CTS among apprentice construction workers. Methods This cross-sectional study included apprentices from four construction trades. Apprentices completed a self-administered questionnaire and received electrophysiologic studies assessing median nerve function across the carpal tunnel. A surveillance case definition for CTS was based on characteristic hand symptoms and the presence of median mononeuropathy across the carpal tunnel. Results Of the 1,325 eligible apprentices, 1,142 (86.2%) participated in the study. The prevalence of CTS among apprentices was 8.2%; sheet metal workers had the highest rate (9.2%). In operating engineers, the prevalence of CTS was significantly higher (OR,=,6.9; 95% CI,=,2.6,18.2) among the heavy equipment mechanics than the drivers of those vehicles. Body mass index, age, and self-reports of working overhead were associated with prevalent CTS. Less than 15% of the apprentices with CTS sought medical attention for their disorder. Conclusions Many construction workers begin developing CTS before or during their apprenticeship. Few apprentices seek medical attention for hand symptoms characteristic of CTS. The results of this study indicate a public health need for the implementation of prevention strategies for CTS in the construction industry. Am. J. Ind. Med. 42:107,116, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

A prospective study of lung function among boilermaker construction workers exposed to combustion particulates

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2001
Russ Hauser MD
Abstract Background Given the evidence of both acute cross-shift and short-term decrements in lung function in boilermaker construction workers following occupational exposure to combustion particulates, we sought to determine whether exposure is associated with an annual loss in lung function. Methods As part of an ongoing investigation, we conducted a 2-year longitudinal study of lung function among 118 boilermakers. Exposure was assessed with a work history questionnaire. Spirometry measurements were performed annually. Results We found an association between annual FEV1 and hours worked at a gas-fired plant during the previous year, ,,=,,,9.8 mls/100 hours worked (95% CI: ,,16.0, ,,3.5) after adjustment for age, baseline FEV1 and cigarette smoking status. The adjusted association between FEV1 and "ever" worked at a gas-fired plant was ,,,99.7 mls (95% CI: ,,154.8, ,,44.5). There was also evidence of a negative association between FEV1 and "ever" worked and hours worked at oil and coal-fired plants. Conclusions These data suggest an association between annual lung function loss and working at gas, coal and oil-fired plants. Further follow-up of this cohort of boilermakers is in progress. Am. J. Ind. Med. 39:454,462, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Comparison of the original and revised structures of the health promotion model in predicting construction workers' use of hearing protection,

RESEARCH IN NURSING & HEALTH, Issue 1 2006
David L. Ronis
Abstract Pender's health promotion model (HPM) has been revised, including substantial changes in its structure. The purpose of this study was to compare the fit and predictive usefulness of the original and revised structures of the HPM as applied to the use of hearing protection devices by 703 construction workers. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the two alternative forms of the model. Both forms of the model fit well, with the revised structure having a better fit and explaining more of the variance in use of hearing protection (28% vs. 18%). Results support the revised structure of the health promotion model (HPM) over the original form, and indicate it may be useful in understanding and predicting use of hearing protection. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 29:3,17, 2006 [source]