During the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association (APHA) conference statistics were released Monday that shows construction workers in the U.S. have a high risk of work-related injuries. They also have an increased risk of work-related illness and death. Additionally, according to a study from the Center for Construction Research and Training, Hispanic construction workers have a 20 percent higher risk of dying from a work-related injury than whites.
Several national resources provided data that was analyzed to discover that a construction worker has a 75 percent chance of suffering a disabling injury over a 45-year career, and a 1-in-200 risk of being fatally injured on the job.
The study also found that people who start construction work at age 20 have a 15 percent chance of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease over their lifetime and an 11 percent chance of developing dust-related changes to the lung tissue.
"While great strides have been made in reducing construction injuries and illnesses, the numbers are still stubbornly high," Pete Stafford, executive director of CPWR, said in an APHA news release.
William Curry, a returning citizen who works in construction said, "I know we work in a high-risk environment, and I try to take every precaution possbile to make it home safely to my family." Curry says he worked construction before he went to prison over fifteen years ago, and that he doesn't have any transferable skills, which is why he is still in the industry.
"Workers and their families suffer the consequences of disabling injuries, and this research shows it's far too common. So we must continue to raise awareness of the problems and hope to see our research findings put to use to reduce construction fatalities, injuries and illnesses," Stafford added.
Hard hat safety is very important and several organizations are trying to be on the cutting edge of hard-hat safety. For instance, 3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division (OH&ESD) recently announced the introduction of the new 3M™ Hard Hats H-700 Series. It's U.S. made and offers 3 different versions: Ratchet, Pinlock and Vented Ratchet. It's unique design allows upward visibility, air circulation and extended comfort. This lightweight hard hat is engineered to provide head protection, balance and stability.
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