Evaluating prevention strategies to reduce the risk of work-related cancers in Ontario’s construction sector
Reasons for the study
Construction workers have an increased risk of cancer and other chronic diseases due to occupational exposures. They are exposed to a variety of toxic substances including dusts, fibres, metals, organic chemicals and solar radiation. This study is estimating the future incidence of work-related cancers among construction workers in Ontario as a result of these exposures, and estimating the costs and benefits of intervention programs to reduce them.
Objectives of the study
- To estimate the number of cancer cases due to carcinogen exposure in the Ontario construction sector that are likely to occur up to the year 2060
- To identify prevention studies that could reduce airborne/skin-related chemical and physical hazards in the Ontario construction sector
- To evaluate prevention strategies in terms of their costs and impacts on the future burden of occupational cancer in the Ontario construction sector
Anticipated results/impact
The findings may help develop effective and cost-efficient prevention strategies to reduce the burden of occupational cancer among construction workers in Ontario.
Related interviews and articles
- Costs of providing UV ray protection at job sites outweighed by averted skin cancers. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 104, Spring 2021.
- Comparing the costs, benefits of silica dust prevention methods for construction workers. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 101, Summer 2020.
- Research looks at cost-effectiveness in silica dust exposure fight. Daily Commercial News. January 25, 2019. Available from: https://canada.constructconnect.com/dcn/news/ohs/2019/01/research-looks-cost-effectiveness-silica-dust-exposure-fight
Project status
Ongoing
Research team
Participating organizations
- Infrastructure Health and Safety Association
- Provincial Building and Constructions Trade Council of Ontario
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre
- Occupational Health Clinics of Ontario Workers
Funded by
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work