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Occupational skin problems in construction workers
Kartik R Shah1, Rajnarayan R Tiwari
1Mahatma Gandhi Labour Institute, Ahmedabad, India.
Indian Journal of Dermatology
|March 25, 2011
Summary
Construction workers face significant skin issues, with nearly half experiencing morbid skin conditions. Protective equipment use is crucial, as workers not using it reported more skin problems.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Dermatology
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Construction work involves exposure to cement, containing alkaline and sensitizing agents.
- These agents can cause irritant contact dermatitis, corrosive effects, and allergic contact dermatitis.
- Unorganized construction workers are particularly vulnerable to these occupational skin hazards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of various skin problems among unorganized construction workers.
- To identify demographic and occupational factors associated with skin conditions in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 92 construction workers in Ahmedabad and Vadodara.
- Data collection included demographic and occupational characteristics, clinical history, and a thorough clinical examination.
- A predesigned proforma was used for systematic information gathering.
Main Results:
- Nearly half (47.8%) of the studied construction workers presented with morbid skin conditions.
- Common conditions included frictional callosities (19.6%), contact dermatitis (4.3%), dry/fissured/scaly skin, lesions, and ulcers.
- Skin issues were more prevalent in younger workers (20-25 years), males, and those with longer exposure durations and working hours.
Conclusions:
- Skin conditions are highly prevalent in unorganized construction workers.
- Inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is strongly associated with increased reporting of skin symptoms.
- Targeted interventions focusing on PPE and worker education are essential to mitigate these occupational skin diseases.
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