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
Target audience
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
- Work-related skin cancer among construction workers set to double by 2060. Daily Commercial News. July 21, 2021. Available from: https://canada.constructconnect.com/dcn/news/ohs/2021/07/work-related-skin-cancer-among-construction-workers-set-to-double-by-2060
- 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
Collaborators and partners
- 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