Workers' medication as occupational risk at construction site with formworks

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Construction Management
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Construction sector accidents pose significant risks.
• Previous research identified factors like age and company size, but not medicinal substance impact on specific tasks.
• The influence of medication on construction worker safety remains under-evaluated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the effect of various medicinal substances on occupational risk levels.
• To analyze risks associated with specific construction activities, particularly those involving formworks.

Main Methods:

• An expert panel was convened.
• The panel quantified individual medication risks for specific construction activities.
• Risk assessment focused on medicated workers in formwork-related tasks.

Main Results:

• Narcotics, antipsychotics, and hypnotics demonstrated the highest risk values.
• Activities involving cranes and cutting materials were identified as most hazardous for workers under medication.
• Risk levels varied based on the type of medication and the specific construction task.

Conclusions:

• Findings can inform strategies to mitigate the negative impact of studied substances on construction worker safety.
• Understanding medication-induced risk levels enhances the planning of safer construction activities.
• This research provides a basis for developing targeted safety protocols for medicated construction personnel.