Citation

Chau N, Gauchard GC, Siegfried C, Benamghar L, Dangelzer JL, Français M, Jacquin R, Sourdot A, Perrin PP, Mur JM. Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health 2004; 77(1): 60-66.

Affiliation

Faculté de Médecine, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Unit 420, BP 18454505, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex, France. Nearkasen.Chau@nancy.inserm.fr

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00420-003-0460-7

PMID

12942333

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationships of job, age, and life conditions with the causes and severity of occupational injuries in male construction labourers. METHODS: The sample included 880 male construction workers having had at least one occupational injury with subsequent sick leave. The survey used a standardised questionnaire, filled in by the occupational physician in the presence of the subject: socio-demographic data, job, safety training, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, sporting activities, physical disabilities, hearing, vision, and sleep disorders. Statistical analysis was via the logistic regression method. RESULTS: Logistic models showed that falls and injuries from the handling of objects or hand tools was similar for all jobs, while masons, plumbers and electricians had a higher risk of injury from moving objects, and carpenters, roofers and civil-engineering workers were more exposed to injury from construction machinery and devices. Age <30 was related to injury from hand tools adjusted OR (95%CI) 2.20 (1.28-3.79).; sleep disorders and hearing disorders to those from moving objects ORs 2.29 (1.27-4.12) and 1.85 (1.01-3.41) respectively.; no sporting activity to those from the handling of objects OR 1.54 (1.09-2.17).; and being overweight to falls on the same level OR 2.04 (1.30-3.21). and falls to a lower level OR 1.55 (1.13-2.13). Injuries from the handling of objects were less frequent in overweight workers OR 0.62 (0.46-0.84). Injuries with hospitalisation or sick leave > or =60 days were associated with age > or =30 and hearing disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The causes of injuries were related to jobs. Prevention through working conditions could be made against the revealed risks. The risks for each worker depended on age, body mass index, hearing disorders, sleep disorders, and sporting activities. The occupational physician could inform the workers of these risks and encourage them to practise sporting activities and reduce their hearing disorders and sleep disorders.

Language: en