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.