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Proportionate mortality among unionized roofers and waterproofers
1Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226, USA. FBS1@CDC.GOV
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|March 21, 2000
Summary
Roofers face elevated risks of fatal injuries, particularly falls, and increased cancer rates due to occupational exposures. This study highlights the need for better safety measures and airborne hazard controls in the roofing industry.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The U.S. roofing industry employs approximately 300,000 individuals, with significant exposure risks.
- Roofers encounter hazardous substances like asphalt, coal tar pitch, asbestos, and fiberglass.
- Occupational injuries and excess mortality are significant concerns within the roofing trade.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate mortality causes among United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers (UURWAW) members.
- To identify significant risk factors and excess mortality associated with roofing occupations.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 11,144 UURWAW members was studied from 1950 to 1996.
- Age-adjusted proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) were calculated using U.S. population data.
- 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed to assess statistical significance.
Main Results:
- Elevated mortality rates were observed for all injuries (PMR=142), falls (PMR=464), and homicides (PMR=153).
- Significant increases in cancer PMRs were found for lung (139), bladder (138), esophagus (134), and larynx (145).
- Increased PMRs were also noted for nonmalignant respiratory diseases (115), linked to exposures like asphalt fumes and asbestos.
Conclusions:
- Findings emphasize the critical need for controlling airborne hazardous exposures in the roofing industry.
- Enhanced fall prevention strategies are crucial for mitigating injury-related deaths.
- Further research should consider the combined impact of occupational exposures and lifestyle factors like smoking.