Unfitness for a job among construction workers

The aim of this study is to assess the incidence of job loss related to health issues (fitness for work) over one year within the population of construction trades, to analyze the medical diagnoses associated with these unfitness for work situations, and to define the demographic and professional characteristics associated with them at the regional level in France (Occitania).

This prospective multicenter study was conducted between September 2019 and September 2020 and included employees monitored by 23 inter-company occupational health services in Occitania, France.

In total, 71,772 employees from the construction sector were followed. The incidence of work unfitness during this period was estimated at 6.69 per thousand (95% CI [6.11; 7.32]). The two main causes of work unfitness were related to mental pathologies or musculoskeletal disorders. The identified risk factors, considering all causes, notably included age, particularly within the age intervals of 56-60 years (adjusted OR = 3.78, 95% CI [2.94-4.85]) and 61-62 years (adjusted OR = 6.17, 95% CI [4.17-8.91]) (reference 14-40 years), as well as the nature of the occupation, especially if it involved higher physical demands.

This study highlights the personal and professional determinants associated with job loss for medical reasons among workers in the construction sector. These findings provide further insights into the risk factors leading to work unfitness and thus enable the development of targeted preventive actions aimed at promoting workers' health and retention in employment.