Occupational health and safety in the construction industry

The expectation that workers be able to work productively without suffering harm as a result of wealth-generating activities is the sign of a mature, responsible and equitable industry. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimated that at least 60 000 fatal accidents occur each year on construction sites around the world, representing one fatal accident every 10 minutes. Construction accounts for one in every six fatal accidents recorded at work annually (International Labour Organization, 2005). Further, the ILO estimates that the construction sector in industrialized countries employs between 6% and 10% of the workforce but accounts for between 25% and 40% of work-related deaths. Equally significant is the impact of work on the health of construction workers. The ILO estimates that 30% of construction workers in some countries suffer from back pain or other musculoskeletal disorders. These are shocking statistics which speak to the need for a determined and coordinated effort to develop, implement and evaluate new approaches to address this intransigent problem.