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Mortality study of construction workers in the UK
W Dong1, P Vaughan, K Sullivan
1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College, London, UK.
International Journal of Epidemiology
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Construction workers face high risks of accidental death and cancer. This study investigated mortality in UK construction workers, finding elevated risks for all cancers and accidental fatalities, highlighting the need for improved occupational health policies.
Area of Science:
- Occupational epidemiology
- Construction industry safety
- Public health research
Background:
- Construction is a high-risk industry with limited occupational epidemiology literature.
- A 13-year mortality study was conducted among UK construction workers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mortality experience of construction workers.
- To identify specific causes of death and associated risk factors within the industry.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 15,007 death certificates (1975-1987) for workers aged 20-64.
- Utilized proportional mortality ratio (PMR) and mortality odds ratio techniques.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated PMRs for all cancers (lung, stomach) and accidental deaths.
- Identified associations between job categories and increased cancer mortality risk.
- Potential contribution of hazardous substance exposure to cancer mortality; caution advised.
Conclusions:
- Working in construction is linked to high risks of accidental death and malignant diseases (lung, mesothelioma, stomach cancers).
- Inadequate safety supervision and young/inexperienced workforce may contribute to accidental deaths.
- Further epidemiological studies are crucial for informing occupational health policies and accident prevention.