Assessment of mortality in the construction industry in the United States, 1984-1986

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Epidemiology
• Industrial Hygiene

Background:

• The construction industry is a major U.S. employer with limited data on worksite exposures and worker mortality.
• Previous research has not fully captured the comprehensive mortality risks associated with construction occupations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate mortality risks among men and women employed in construction occupations.
• To identify specific causes of death and occupational disease risks within the construction workforce.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of occupation and industry codes from death certificates of 61,682 white male construction workers across 19 U.S. states (1984-1986).
• Calculation of Proportionate Mortality Ratios (PMRs) for various diseases and causes of death.
• Comparison of mortality risks between different demographic groups (men, women, race) and specific construction trades.

Main Results:

• Significantly elevated PMRs for cancer, asbestos-related diseases, mental and alcohol-related disorders, digestive diseases, falls, poisonings, traumatic fatalities, and homicides were observed in white male construction workers.
• Similar elevated risks, though to a lesser degree, were found for black men and white women in construction.
• Specific trades showed elevated risks for particular cancers and diseases (e.g., lung cancer in structural metal workers, nasal cancer in plumbers, scrotal cancer in electricians).

Conclusions:

• Construction workers, particularly younger men, experience significantly elevated mortality risks across a range of chronic diseases and external causes.
• The study underscores the need for targeted preventive actions and improved occupational safety measures within the construction industry.
• Findings indicate diverse risks across different construction trades, necessitating tailored health and safety interventions.