Prevalence and Perception of Risky Health Behaviors Among Construction Workers

Suicide Among Roofers: Injury, Pain & Substance Misuse

OBJECTIVE

CDC has called for suicide research on the construction industry, an industry with a high suicide rate. The present study addresses this gap and focuses on roofers. It assesses which risk factors distinguish suicides by roofers from those of the general population. Alcohol and drug misuse, related to their high incidence of injury and pain, are seen as key potential drivers of roofer suicide.

METHODOLOGY

Data refer to 30,570 suicides and are taken from the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS). Drawing from previous work on the health professions, 15 core predictors are selected, representing psychiatric morbidity, social strains, and demographics. Since the analysis seeks to differentiate roofers' suicides from others, the dependent variable is a dichotomy where roofers' suicides (=1) and other suicides (=0).

RESULTS

After adjusting for the other 14 risk factors, a multivariate logistic regression analysis found that roofers' suicides were 76% more apt (Odds ratio = 1.76, CI: 1.18, 2.63) than other suicides to have a known substance or alcohol problem that contributed to their suicide. Other constructs differentiating roofers' suicides from other suicides included marital status, gender, and race. Roofers were less protected by marriage.

CONCLUSION

The results inform prevention efforts and substance misuse can serve as a key warning sign for roofers' suicide. This is the first investigation of the drivers of suicide among roofers, and one of a few drawing links between occupational injury and suicide.

A randomized comparison of recruitment messages for a weight loss clinical trial targeting men working in trade and labor occupations

Background

Engaging diverse populations in clinical trials is vital to research. This study evaluated the effects of varying recruitment messages for a clinical trial.

Methods

The messages were evaluated in a randomly assigned, factorial design that tested enhanced trust (vs. standard) and participant endorsement (vs. standard) messaging.Four postcards were developed and randomly assigned to 4000 potential participants' addresses. Except for the messages of interest, the cards were identical, and participants were directed to four identical study websites and screening forms. Outcomes include unique website visits, visit conversion rate, screening forms completed, and participants randomized into the parent study.

Results

Study websites received 74 visits (range by message type 9 to 34). There was no significant difference by message type (p = 0.79). Online screening forms were completed by 15 participants (range by message type 0-6), representing a conversion rate of 20.3% of website visits. Seven participants were randomized into the study in response to the postcards (range by message type 0 to 3; 46.7% of screenings). Overall, 0.2% of individuals who received a postcard were randomized into the study.

Conclusion

Despite developing recruitment messages with participant input, the enhanced messages did not yield a greater response than standard messages. However, this method of evaluating recruitment messages shows promise.

Weight Loss Program Preferences of Men Working in Blue-Collar Occupations: A Qualitative Inquiry

Men who work in blue-collar occupations (skilled and unskilled trades) experience high rates of obesity and comorbid conditions. This group is underrepresented in behavioral interventions for weight management, which may stem from a mismatch between the features of available programs and these men's preferences. This qualitative study explored the views of these men, their experiences with weight loss, their preferences for weight loss programs, and messaging related to these programs. We conducted remote interviews with 20 men (age: 43 ± 13 years, M ± SD) currently working in blue-collar occupations (50% construction, 25% transportation, and 25% manufacturing) who had body mass indices (BMIs) in the overweight/obese categories (BMI: 33 ± 6 kg/m²). Deductive codes and summary themes were developed and discussed by the first two authors. A selection of transcripts was reviewed following theme development to confirm accuracy of the themes. Most participants (n = 16, 80%) reported a prior weight loss attempt. The most common approaches to weight loss reported were increased exercise and following their own approach to changing diet (e.g., "eating less junk food"). For program and message preferences, two major themes emerged: participants wanted accurate and trustworthy information and wanted programs that fit their lifestyle. Results suggest that weight loss programs targeting men working in blue-collar occupations should emphasize the accuracy of information related to the program and the ease of incorporating it into participants' lifestyles. There is an urgent need to incorporate these preferences into effective programs.

Characterization and general health conditions of workers in a Chilean industrial area: a worrying reality

Introduction

Within the occupational field, changes in the characteristics of work have revealed risks associated with static, repetitive work and litle physical activity, which together with individual health conditions of workers can trigger diseases and musculoskeletal disorders.

Objectives

To obtain a preliminary characterization of workers in an industrial area, including their health and working conditions.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, developed with 69 men who worked in the industrial area of Viña del Mar, Chile. A clinical and occupational evaluation was carried out with the application of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire as well as the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire.

Results

The following risk factors were identified: 53.6% of the workers were smokers, 92.8% presented low levels of physical activity, and 70.3% reported feeling pain in body segments that were physically required during their work tasks. Among all workers, 63% were overweight according to their body mass index and 62% presented high systolic pressure. Pain was mostly detected in the spine, and it was slightly associated with forklif operation by older workers (t-test p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Workers were in the presence of cardiovascular and occupational risks. It is necessary to promote timely education and training on health conditions and to evaluate risks associated with machinery operation in order to prevent work-related pain.

Differences in occupational stress by smoking intensity and gender in cross-sectional study of 59 355 Japanese employees using the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ): the Niigata Wellness Study

OBJECTIVES

It has been hypothesised that smoking intensity may be related to occupational stress. This study aimed to investigate whether stress, including problems with superiors or co-workers, is a driver of smoking.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

59 355 employees (34 865 men and 24 490 women) across multiple occupations who completed a self-reported questionnaire-based occupational stress survey between April 2016 and March 2017 in Niigata Prefecture.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Stress scores for the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire subscales summed up after assigning high points for high stress and converted to Z-scores based on the mean of all participants. Heavy smokers (HS) smoked ≥15 cigarettes/day and light smokers (LS) smoked <15 cigarettes/day and were compared with non-smokers (NS) by gender.

RESULTS

The main subscale items that were significantly associated with smoking status in both genders included 'physical burden', 'irritation' and 'physical symptoms'. In the analysis that included smoking intensity, the stress score for 'co-workers' support' was significantly lower for LS men than NS men (NS 0.091±0.98, LS -0.027±1.00, HS 0.033±0.99), and was significantly higher for HS women than NS women (NS -0.091±1.00, LS -0.080±1.05, HS 0.079±1.03). However, the stress score for 'co-workers' support' was low among LS women aged ≤39 years in the manufacturing industry.

CONCLUSIONS

It was speculated that LS men and some LS women gained 'co-workers' support' using smoking as a communication tool while reducing the degree of smoking. The existence of such 'social smokers' suggested that to promote smoking cessation, measures are essential to improve the communication between workers in addition to implementing smoking restrictions in the workplace.

Behavioural interventions for CVD risk reduction for blue-collar workers: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Individuals working in blue-collar occupations experience high rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The purpose of this systematic review is to describe the characteristics and efficacy of behavioural interventions that have targeted CVD risk factors in this high-risk group.

METHODS

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we searched seven databases to find interventions focused on changing the following: blood pressure, cholesterol, diet, physical activity, smoking or weight. Eligible studies tested a behavioural intervention (not exclusively policy, environmental, or pharmaceutical), in individuals working in blue-collar occupations using a randomised study design. Study quality was evaluated using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's study quality assessment tool.

RESULTS

22 studies evaluating 31 interventions were included: 11 were rated as 'good' or 'fair' quality. Intervention intensity ranged from a single contact via a mailed letter to studies that included individual-level contacts at multiple time points between staff and participants. Studies that included at least some individual contact generally yielded the greatest effects. Interventions had the greatest observed effects on self-report changes in diet, regardless of intervention intensity. Four of the five higher quality studies that explicitly tailored the intervention to the occupational group were successful at reducing at least one risk factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions that used individual contact and tailored the intervention to the occupational setting yielded the greatest effects on CVD risk-factor reduction in individuals working in blue-collar occupations. Generally, studies were low quality but showed promising effects for reaching this high-risk population. Future work should incorporate these promising findings in higher quality studies.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019136183.

Test@work: evaluation of workplace HIV testing for construction workers using the RE-AIM framework

BACKGROUND

Community testing for HIV can reach previously untested populations but is rarely offered in workplaces. Targeting the construction sector could reach workers from high risk populations.

METHODS

The RE-AIM framework was used to evaluate Test@Work, a workplace HIV testing intervention for construction workers implemented at 21 events (10 companies) in the UK. Test@Work had three components: 1) an online health toolkit to inform managers about health screening and HIV testing; 2) general health checks; and 3) opt-in HIV consultation and testing. Quantitative data were collected using registration and exit questionnaires with workers (n = 426) and pre/post-event questionnaires with managers (n = 15), with qualitative analysis of free text responses.

RESULTS

Reach 426 individuals had health checks. Participants were broadly representative of the UK construction workforce, but with a higher proportion of permanent workers. Most workers reported being in good health but also believed their work had an adverse impact on their health. Effectiveness: 97% of health check participants opted to have a consultation about sexual health (n = 413) and 82% had an HIV test (n = 348), of whom 78% had not previously been tested. All HIV tests were non-reactive. HIV testing at work was considered acceptable by most participants. Participants reported learning new things about their health (74%), said they would make changes as a result (70%) and felt confident of success (median score 8/10). Adoption: Recruitment of companies was challenging and time consuming. Seven of the participating companies were very large, employing over 1000 workers, which is atypical of construction generally.

IMPLEMENTATION

All events were completed as planned and were considered successful by all parties. Maintenance: All managers would arrange further events if they were offered them. Six managers incorporated sexual health awareness into their health programmes, but this was not possible for many as health agendas were set centrally by their organisations.

CONCLUSIONS

Opt-in HIV testing, when embedded within a general health check, has high uptake and acceptability in the UK construction sector, and reaches individuals at risk for HIV who may not otherwise attend for testing. Cost-effectiveness of this approach is yet to be determined.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04292002 .

Work Organization Factors Associated with Health and Work Outcomes among Apprentice Construction Workers: Comparison between the Residential and Commercial Sectors

There are substantial differences in work organization between residential and commercial construction sectors. This paper examined differences in work factors between construction sectors and examined the association between sector and health behaviors, health outcomes, and work outcomes. We surveyed 929 male construction apprentices (44% residential and 56% commercial) and found that residential apprentices reported fewer workplace safety policies, higher frequency of heavy lifting, and greater likelihood of reporting musculoskeletal pain compared to apprentices in commercial work. Residential apprentices reported higher job strain, lower supervisor support, more lost workdays due to pain or injury, and lower productivity related to health than commercial apprentices. Multivariate Poisson regression models controlling for multiple work factors showed that residential construction work, high job strain, heavy lifting, low coworker support, and low supervisor support were each independently associated with one or more work or health outcomes. These findings suggest that interventions should seek to improve coworker and supervisory supportive behaviors, decrease job strain, and reduce organizational stressors, such as mandatory overtime work. Our study shows disparities in health and safety between construction sectors and highlights the need for interventions tailored to the residential sector.

Health Literacy in Male-Dominated Occupations

Low levels of health literacy are associated with poorer health outcomes. Both individual- and social-level factors have been identified as predictors of low health literacy, and men are known to have lower health literacy than women. Previous research has reported that men working in male-dominated occupations are at higher risk of accidents, injury, and suicide than other population groups, yet no study to date has examined the effect of gendered occupational contexts on men’s health literacy. The current article examined the association between occupational gender ratio and health literacy among Australian males. The Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health (Ten to Men) was used to examine associations between occupational gender ratio (measured in Wave 1) and health literacy (measured in Wave 2) across three subscales of the Health Literacy Questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used and showed that the more male dominated an occupational group became, the lower the scores of health literacy were. Results for the different subscales of health literacy for the most male-dominated occupational group, compared to the non-male-dominated group were: ability to find good health information, (Coef. −0.80, 95% CI [−1.05, −0.54], p < .001); ability to actively engage with health-care providers, (Coef. −0.35, 95% CI [−0.62, −0.07], p = .013); and feeling understood and supported by health-care providers, (Coef. −0.48, 95% CI [−0.71, −0.26],p = < .001). The results suggest the need for workplace interventions to address occupation-level factors as an influence on health literacy among Australian men, particularly among the most male-dominated occupational groups.

Retirement status and frailty: a cross-sectional study of the phenotype of manual workers aged 50-70 years

BACKGROUND

The frailty phenotype is predictive of mortality and has been identified in the working population. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence of frailty and individual frailty symptoms among active and retired Danish manual workers and to delineate the relationship between frailty and lifestyle factors.

METHODS

Manual workers aged 50-70 years answered questions relating to the Fried criteria for frailty (weight loss, exhaustion, slowness, weakness and inactivity). Only men were included in the analyses and respondents were stratified according to work status: active workers (n = 1555), early retirees (n = 289) and workers retired at or after normal pension age (n = 291). Associations between pre-frailty/frailty, work status and various lifestyle factors were estimated using binomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

Overall, the prevalence of pre-frailty (one or two symptoms) and frailty (three or more symptoms) was 33.3% and 1.5%, respectively. Those who had retired early were more likely to be pre-frail/frail compared with active workers (odds ratio 2.20, 95% CI 1.61-3.01). Exhaustion was the most prominent symptom reported by 22.2% of active workers, 34.6% of early retirees and 16.5% of workers retired at normal retirement age. Lifestyle factors including obesity, physical inactivity and smoking but not alcohol intake were associated with pre-frailty/frailty.

CONCLUSION

Symptoms of frailty are identifiable and present among both active and retired manual workers. Data suggest discrepancies among Danish manual workers, with some having unhealthy lifestyles and being more prone to develop pre-frailty and frailty already in their sixth decade of life.

Risk Perception and Coping Behavior of Construction Workers on Occupational Health Risks-A Case Study of Nanjing, China

To reduce harm caused by occupational health risks of construction workers exposed to working environments, especially those for interior decoration, it is crucial for them to actively recognize and prevent these risks. Therefore, how to improve their occupational health risks perception and regulate their coping behaviors should be of great concern. However, most prior studies target construction worker safety, and little research focuses on risk analysis from the psychological level of workers. Hence, construction workers' occupational health risk perception level and coping behavior level in Nanjing and the influencing factors were analyzed through statistical analysis with 341 valid questionnaires. Bootstrapping was applied to test the mediating effects of risk perception on the proposed factors and coping behaviors. This study revealed that construction workers have a high-level of occupational health risk perception, yet low-level coping behavior. Gender, age, education level, and unit qualification cause differences in individual risk perception level. Personal knowledge and group effects significantly affect the level of risk perception, which subsequently affect coping behavior. Education level, monthly income, and personal knowledge influence the coping behavior through risk perception. Recommendations were put forward for risk perception and coping behavior improvement from the perspectives of construction workers themselves, enterprises, and governments. This study sheds new light for research areas of occupational health and risk management and provides beneficial practice for improving construction workers' responses to occupational health risks.

Health Risk Behavior Profile of Construction Workers, 32 States, 2013 to 2016

BACKGROUND

Research has suggested that several health risk behaviors were more prevalent among construction workers than among the general workforce.

METHODS

The prevalences of six health risk behaviors among construction workers were compared with workers in other industries using data from 32 states in the 2013 to 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).

RESULTS

Smoking, smokeless tobacco use, binge drinking, no leisure-time physical activity, and not always using a seatbelt were significantly more prevalent (P < 0.001), and short sleep significantly less prevalent (P < 0.05), for all construction workers combined compared with workers in other industries. Prevalences varied substantially for all six health risk behaviors by construction occupation.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the high prevalence of some health risk behaviors, construction workers may benefit from interventions to reduce these behaviors, particularly since they are also potentially exposed to workplace hazards.

Impact of Work Value Awareness on Self-Rated Physical Health of Rural-to-Urban Migrant Workers in China

We used data based on the China Labor-Force Dynamics Survey 2016 to examine the relationship between the work value awareness and the physical health of rural-to-urban migrant workers. The work value awareness was characterized by five dimensions: awareness of the emotional value, social value, respect value, ability value and interest value. Physical health was measured by a self-rated health assessment. The results from an IV-ordered probit model show that the awareness of work value has a statistically significant impact on the self-rated physical health of rural-to-urban migrant workers. The results also show that the impacts of work value awareness on rural-to-urban migrant workers’ physical health are heterogeneous to genders and ages. Mental health plays a mediating role between the awareness of work value and the physical health of rural-to-urban migrant workers. It is beneficial for rural-to-urban migrant workers to improve awareness of the value of work to enhance their physical health. The findings of this paper have policy implications for improving the health and welfare of Chinese rural-to-urban migrant workers as well as temporary migrants to cities in many developing countries.

Prevalence of consumption of psychoactive substances among construction workers

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of psychoactive substance is constantly increasing in developing countries, and all occupational sectors are concerned. Construction sector is a particular target because of the heavy workload as well as family and social isolation. However, few studies have investigated toxic habits in this population in Morocco. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of addictive substances consumption, use, and misuse amongst construction workers and to appreciate the poly-consumption according to socio-demographic and occupational parameters.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 1,128 construction workers. The interview with each person took place at occupational health service during his medical examination. The questions were formulated orally in French and /or in Arabic. The questionnaire covered socio-demographic and occupational parameters, toxic habits (tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and others psychotropic substances). The misuse was assessed by specific tests: dependence on smoking tobacco (Fagerstrom), Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).

RESULTS

The prevalence of consumption was 47.9% for smoking tobacco, 12.7% for cannabis, and 20.1% for alcohol. Amongst consumers, the prevalence of dependence or misuse was 68% for smoking tobacco, 70.6% for cannabis and 63% for alcohol. 42.7% of construction workers had no toxic habit, 36.1% one toxic habit, 16.3% two toxic habits, 4.8% three toxic habits and 0.1% four toxic habits. The most frequent associations were tobacco-alcohol (8.1%) and tobacco-cannabis (3.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Occupational health physicians have to play a key role in raising awareness and fighting against toxic habits. The prevention approach needs a cooperative spirit. It will be more accepted and applied if all construction workers and their representatives are involved in its elaboration.

Impact of Alcohol on Occupational Health and Safety in the Construction Industry at Workplaces with Scaffoldings

The value, care, and customs of workers are essential in terms of occupational health and safety. The abuse of alcohol is widely regarded as a serious threat to the lives, health, and safety of employees. The aim of the research was to identify the main problems that are associated with alcohol abuse and consumption at work among employees in the construction industry, with particular emphasis on workstations where work is carried out on construction scaffoldings. Data for the analysis were obtained from two different sources. The first one was post-accident documentation on occupational accidents. The second one was surveys collected during the research project. This study confirmed that excessive and disproportionate alcohol consumption can be the cause of an accident, and consequently death at workplaces with scaffolding. Of 219 accident reports, 17.4% indicated alcohol as a contributing factor. Analysis of accident documentations shows that in cases where alcohol was indicated as a contributing factor in an accident, the alcohol was consumed during the workday. The results obtained on the basis of the conducted research were able to constitute a justification for the directions of preventive actions carried out in order to reduce the number of occupational accidents in the construction industry caused by alcohol.

Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among firefighters/paramedics of a US fire department: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

We estimate the point seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the frontline firefighter/paramedic workforce of a South Florida fire department located in the epicentre of a State outbreak.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study design was used to estimate the point seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using a rapid immunoglobulin (Ig)M-IgG combined point-of-care lateral flow immunoassay among frontline firefighters/paramedics collected over a 2-day period, 16-17 April 2020. Fire department personnel were emailed a survey link assessing COVID-19 symptoms and work exposures the day prior to the scheduled drive-through antibody testing at a designated fire station. Off-duty and on-duty firefighter/paramedic personnel drove through the fire station/training facility in their personal vehicles or on-duty engine/rescue trucks for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing.

RESULTS

Among the 203 firefighters/paramedics that make up the fire department workforce, 18 firefighters/paramedics (8.9%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, of which 8 firefighters/paramedics (3.9%) were IgG positive only, 8 (3.9%) were IgM positive only and 2 (0.1%) were IgG/IgM positive. The positive predictive value (PPV) of the serological test is estimated to be 33.2% and the negative predictive value is 99.3%. The average number of COVID-19 case contacts (ie, within 6 feet of an infected person (laboratory-confirmed or probable COVID-19 patient) for ≥15 min) experienced by firefighters/paramedics was higher for those with positive serology compared with those with negative (13.3 cases vs 7.31 cases; p=0.022). None of the antibody positive firefighters/paramedics reported receipt of the annual influenza vaccine compared with firefighters/paramedics who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (0.0% vs 21.0%; p=0.027).

CONCLUSION

Rapid SARS-CoV-2 IgM-IgG antibody testing documented early-stage and late-stage infection in a firefighter workforce providing insight to a broader medical surveillance project on return to work for firefighters/paramedics. Given the relatively low PPV of the serological test used in this study back in April 2020, caution should be used in interpreting test results.

Construction workers' alcohol use, knowledge, perceptions of risk and workplace norms

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

Globally, there is growing concern regarding workers' alcohol use and its implications for health, wellbeing and workplace safety. Male-dominated industries are more susceptible to risky alcohol consumption and its associated harms. This paper investigated the patterns, prevalence and predictors of risky drinking among construction workers.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Male construction workers (n = 511) completed a survey measuring alcohol-related measures including Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Concise (AUDIT-C), which was compared with population data. Hierarchical multiple regression examined alcohol-related knowledge, perception of risk to workplace safety, psychological distress, job stress, general health, quality of life and workplace alcohol culture variables as predictors of risky drinking.

RESULTS

Prevalence of risky drinking was higher than the national average, particularly for younger (<25 years) and mid-aged (45-54 years) workers. One in six construction workers reported workmates being visibly affected by alcohol in the workplace. Key predictors of risky drinking were perception of alcohol-related risks to workplace safety, general health, alcohol knowledge and descriptive norms regarding workmates' alcohol use.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide useful insights into the patterns and predictors of risky drinking in construction and can inform future preventive programs and interventions in high-risk workplaces. In addition to tailoring programs to both young and mid-aged workers, this work highlights the importance of implementing strategies to increase awareness of risks to workplace safety; and the adoption of norms that inhibit the social acceptability of risky drinking behaviour in the wider workplace.

Construction trade and extraction workers: A population at high risk for drug use in the United States, 2005-2014

OBJECTIVE

To estimate prevalence of past-month marijuana, cocaine, and nonmedical prescription opioid (NPO) use and determine employment-related correlates of drug use among construction trade/extraction workers (CTEW).

METHODS

We analyzed ten years of data (2005-2014) from 293,492 adults (age≥18) in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, comparing CTEW and non-CTEW.

RESULTS

CTEW were 5.6% (n = 16,610) of the sample. Compared to non-CTEW, CTEW were significantly more likely to report past-month marijuana (12.3% vs. 7.5%), cocaine (1.8% vs. 0.8%), and/or NPO use (3.4% vs. 2.0%; Ps<.001). Among CTEW, past-week unemployment and working for >3 employers was associated with increased odds of marijuana and NPO use. Missing 1-2 days in the past month because the participant did not want to go into work was associated with increased odds for use of marijuana, cocaine, and NPO use. Missing 3-5 days of work in the past month because sick or injured was associated with double the odds (aOR = 2.00 [95% CI: 1.33-3.02]) of using NPO. Having written drug policies was associated with reduced odds for cocaine use, and workplace tests for drug use during hiring and random drug testing were also associated with lower odds of marijuana use.

CONCLUSIONS

CTEW are a high-risk population for drug use. Precarious employment is associated with higher prevalence of drug use while some workplace drug policies were associated with lower prevalence. Coupled with reports of high overdose mortality among CTEW, these findings suggest that prevention and harm reduction programming is needed to prevent drug-related morbidity and mortality among CTEW.

Malignant mesothelioma in construction workers: the Apulia regional mesothelioma register, Southern Italy

Objective

Asbestos was widely used in construction in both a friable and a compact form until the 1990s, before its use was banned. Today, many of these materials are still in situ and represent a source of risk for construction workers. The objective of the study was to analyse the cases of mesothelioma arising among construction workers registered in the Apulia regional register of mesothelioma.

Results

For the period 1993–2018, there were 178 male cases, and 10.2% of the cases were present in the regional register. The average age at diagnosis was 64.7 years. The site was pleural in 96.06% of cases, with a diagnosis of certainty in 86.5% of the total cases and 61.8% of cases with epithelial histology. The average latency is 43.9 years. In 75.2% of cases, the exposure began between 1941 and 1970, with an average duration of 24.3 years. The age at the start of exposure in 68.5% of cases is between 8 and 20 years. The ORs were 2.5 (C.I. 95% 1.01–6.17) for the epithelioid histotype and the high duration of exposure. The data underline the need for prevention and information on all activities involving construction workers in which asbestos-containing materials are still used.

Mortality among Italian male workers in the construction industry: a census-based cohort study

Background

Advances in technologies, occupational hygiene and increased surveillance have reduced the excess mortality previously found in the construction industry. This study is aimed to evaluate cause-specific mortality in a recent cohort of construction workers.

Methods

We carried out a record-linkage cohort study based on the 2011 Italian census and the mortality archives (2012–2015), including 1 068 653 construction workers. We estimated mortality rate ratios (MRR) using Poisson regression models including terms for age and geographic area.

Results

Compared with non-manual workers, construction workers showed an excess mortality from all causes (MRR: 1.34), all neoplasms (MRR: 1.30), head and neck (MRR: 2.05), stomach (MRR: 1.56), liver (MRR: 1.62), lung (MRR: 1.80), prostate (MRR: 1.24) and bladder (MRR: 1.60) cancers, respiratory (MRR: 1.41) and liver (MRR: 1.79) diseases, all external causes (MRR: 1.87), falls (MRR: 2.87) and suicide (MRR: 1.58). Compared with manual workers in other industries, construction workers showed excess mortality from prostate (MRR: 1.27) and non-melanoma skin cancers (MRR: 1.95), all external causes (MRR: 1.14), falls (MRR: 1.94) and suicide (MRR: 1.18). Most of this excess mortality disappeared after adjusting for education, with the exception of prostate and non-melanoma skin cancers, all external causes, falls and suicide.

Conclusions

Construction workers are at high risk of dying from external causes, while the excess mortality found for several cancers, liver and respiratory diseases may be at least partially due to the high prevalence of low education and unfavorable lifestyle factors. The excess mortality from prostate cancer requires further evaluations.

Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Dorsalgia and Associated Factors among Casual Dockworkers

This study's aim was to analyse the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders (low back pain and dorsalgia) and sociodemographic characteristics, workload and occupational hazards among casual dockworkers. This cross-sectional study addressed casual dockworkers from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The convenience sample was composed of 232 casual dockworkers. Data were collected using a structured interview and observation. Poisson regression analysis was used. Association between low back pain and physiological occupational risk (p = 0.006), total exertion levels (p = 0.014) and frustration (p = 0.020) remained statistically significant, while the use of illicit drugs (p = 0.023), being a quayside worker (p = 0.021) and physiological occupational risk (p = 0.040) remained associated with dorsalgia. Decreasing these variables in the workplace may also reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders such as low back pain and dorsalgia.

Association between good work ability and health behaviours among unemployed: A cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

There has been relatively little research on the possible factors promoting good work ability among unemployed people. Consequently, the role of health behaviours in good work ability among the unemployed is unknown.

PURPOSE

To explore the work ability and health behaviours of unemployed people through sociodemographic factors and examine the association between good work ability and health behaviours.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey.

METHODS

The study is based on the Finnish nationwide Regional Health and Well-being Study using mailed and online questionnaires in 2014-2015. A total of 1973 unemployed or laid-off people between the ages of 20 and 65 responded to the survey. The associations of work ability with sociodemographic factors - gender, age, marital status, minors (i.e. under-18s) living in the household, education, living environment, and duration of unemployment - and health behaviours with sociodemographic factors were first explored using cross-tabulations. Health behaviours included body mass index, daily smoking, alcohol consumption, vegetable consumption, health promotion groups, physical exercise, and sitting in one's leisure time. Health behaviours were then examined using logistic regression analyses, in association with good work ability; the latter was measured with the Work Ability Score.

RESULTS

Being aged below 45, being married or cohabiting, having a high level of education, and short-term unemployment were associated with good work ability. A quarter of participants were daily smokers. A proportion of women with risk level alcohol use (79%) was higher than that of men (59.9%). A third of unemployed people participated in high-intensity physical activity. In regression analyses, high-intensity physical activity (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.06-4.78) was associated with good work ability.

CONCLUSIONS

Unemployed women and men widely exhibited unhealthy behaviours such as daily smoking and a risk level use of alcohol. Health promotion actions for enhancing a healthy lifestyle and good work ability among unemployed people, particularly in emphasizing the importance of physical activity, are highly recommended.