Occupational Health Hazards and Risks among Construction and Building Workers at EL-Alamein City

Abstract

Background: A national governmental plan in Egypt in the recent years has been established, for construction and building of new cities and societies. Construction and building workers suffer morbidity and mortality due to exposure to occupational hazards. Methods: This cross sectional study included a total of 208 Construction workers at El-Alamein City, Matrouh Governorate. All patients were subjected to full history taking, chest x-ray and pulmonary function tests. Results: There was statistically significant difference between restrictive lung disease and type of work. Also, there is a statistically significant association between obstructive lung disease and the work types. Pulmonary function tests were statistically significant more frequent impaired in Concrete worker, Builder worker, plastering, Painting, Installation of scaffolding than other work types. Conclusion: Construction and building workers are exposed to silica dust, mechanical hazards, some chemicals and ergonomical hazards. Construction and building workers show poor following the preventive rules including wearing of personal protective equipment.