In the construction industry, safety gear protects fingers and toes from stray nails or blades. However, no gloves or glasses can shield the respiratory system from potential airborne hazards present on worksites.
Recent research indicates that construction workers are more vulnerable to serious, life-threatening lung disease compared to other professions. This article delves into these findings and examines their implications for the health of those who build our structures.
The Roles of Construction Workers
Construction workers play a versatile role by assisting various skilled tradespeople on a worksite. Broadly, you can divide the labor on a construction project into three categories.
There are specialized trades like carpenters, glaziers, and masons who conceptualize and carry out the project details. Project managers and surveyors also contribute through planning and administrative work. Meanwhile, construction workers take on a range of supportive tasks important for timely completion.
For many in the field, experience grows progressively. Early on, responsibilities involve general manual labor such as excavation, roadwork, demolition, and equipment transport. Over time, workers may gain proficiency in assisting in a specific area like roofing, plumbing, framing, or carpentry. Some opt to obtain certification for handling hazardous materials safely.
Industry forecasts predict employment growth of around 4% during the decade from 2022 to 2032, matching the average across occupations.
According to U.S. News, an estimated 151,400 new positions for construction laborers and helpers will emerge each year through 2032 to replace outgoing staff and accommodate industry expansion. The typical salary in 2022 was $40,750 annually, with the top 25% earning over $51,200 and the bottom 25% below $35,330.
Physical demands and safety risks factor into attractive compensation for indispensable on-site support roles.
Research Links Lung Impairment Pattern to Construction Trade Exposures
The American Journal of Industrial Medicine released a study that was conducted recently. It found that construction trade workers have an increased risk of developing a restrictive spirometry pattern (RSP).
RSP is a type of occupational lung disease. Workplace exposure to hazardous materials is the cause of this risk. RSP happens when breathing becomes more difficult due to the lungs getting stiff from breathing in dust over time.
According to the study led by Dr. John Dement of Duke University, 28.6% of over 18,000 construction workers examined developed RSP. Workers with RSP also faced higher risks of death from cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and lung cancer.
The study unexpectedly found very high rates of RSP in many construction trades compared to other professions. Trades with the highest RSP prevalence included asbestos workers, teamsters, and boilermakers.
Exposure to substances like asbestos, silica, and welding fumes through work tasks and in the vicinity of other jobs contributed to RSP risk. Spirometry tests on participants showed reduced lung capacity and volume consistent with RSP.
Symptoms included cough, phlegm, difficulty breathing, and wheezing. Risk increased with age, former smoking, higher BMI, and longer years worked in construction.
The results suggest RSP should be recognized as an occupationally-caused illness for compensation programs. Preventive measures are needed to reduce hazardous exposures through safer substitutes and protective equipment.
Recognizing RSP’s link to occupations could change medical approaches to improve prevention over treatment. The study provides valuable new evidence on health risks for construction workers and guidance for protecting worker lung health.
Rise of Asbestos Lawsuit
For far too long, asbestos companies prioritized profits over people’s health and safety. They were aware that their product could cause deadly diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer but failed to adequately warn the public. Instead of taking responsibility, these companies continuously sold asbestos globally for decades, exposing millions unknowingly to its dangers.
When microscopic asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they can become trapped deep in the lungs and other tissues. Years later, the fibers may lead to scarring, tumors, or other severe illness.
According to TorHoerman Law, potential symptoms of asbestos-related conditions include shortness of breath, weight loss, unusual breathing sounds, finger deformities, or chest pain. Recognizing these signs is key for those suspecting past asbestos exposure to seek medical care.
Workplace environments, particularly in construction, often exposed workers to an array of hazards like vapors, dust and fumes that significantly increase lung disease risk.
Asbestos specifically contributed to higher cancer rates for those regularly handling the material for years. While its use has declined, renovating older buildings that contain asbestos can still lead to dangerous fiber exposure without proper precautions.
Individuals who develop lung problems or other health issues after asbestos exposure may benefit from legal action. An asbestosis lawyer can help them obtain the compensation they deserve.
Pursuing liability claims aims to hold companies responsible for knowingly endangering lives while demanding safety reforms to prevent future harm from hazardous materials. Consulting a specialist attorney may aid in navigating asbestos litigation options.
Safely Managing Asbestos in Construction
Government agencies like the EPA, OSHA, and the CPSC have implemented regulations. These regulations curb hazardous production and exposure to asbestos. However, the mineral may still be present in older buildings and products. Improper handling can lead to significant health concerns.
It is important for anyone who encounters asbestos construction materials to engage licensed asbestos professionals. Only those specifically trained in safe asbestos abatement procedures should manage the removal and disposal processes. Doing the work improperly can unintentionally spread fibers and endanger health through exposure.
When remodeling or renovating older structures, there is always a possibility that asbestos may be discovered. In these instances, contacting experienced asbestos contractors is recommended. Their expertise ensures any necessary asbestos remediation is performed carefully according to regulations, eliminating risks for all parties involved.
Prioritizing safety should override any urge to handle asbestos independently without proper oversight.
FAQs
How much compensation can you receive for asbestos exposure?
The average settlement amount typically ranges from $1 million to $2 million. Financial compensation for mesothelioma varies by case. If a claim goes to trial, a settlement may be reached, or a jury will decide the compensation amount. The jury determines this after assessing the defendant’s liability for the asbestos exposure.
How can asbestos exposure be proven?
Collecting medical records that confirm your mesothelioma diagnosis is crucial. Consult with your healthcare team to obtain all necessary documents, including a physician’s statement linking your diagnosis to asbestos exposure. Additionally, gather proof of employment, such as tax records, to support your claim.
What level of asbestos exposure is toxic?
There is no safe degree of asbestos exposure. Materials containing more than 1 percent asbestos are classified as asbestos-containing. The greater the exposure to asbestos, the higher the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.
Going forward, we must ensure the true costs of construction are not paid for workers’ health. Regulators, employers, and all stakeholders share responsibility for protecting lungs on site. Through open acknowledgment of hazards, preventive investment, and smart substitution of toxins, the industry can reform to prioritize the people who make projects possible.
