Occupational Diseases in the Construction Industry

Despite occupational diseases in construction contributing to a significant proportion of fatalities, and permanent and temporary incapacities, they have not gained as much attention as occupational injuries from practitioners and researchers. The research in this book aims to discover occupational diseases that cause fatalities and permanent and temporary incapacities in the construction industry, along with their epidemiological causal mechanisms.

Through chapters examining cancers, circulatory system diseases, respiratory system diseases, nervous system and sense organ diseases, and musculoskeletal diseases, the authors provide new knowledge and insights to help proactively prevent and control these diseases. The research underpinning the development of the book applies empirical analyses of real-world occupational disease data for the construction industry alongside a detailed review and meta-analysis of literature pertinent to risk factors and methods and strategies to prevent and/or control occupational diseases in construction.

Knowing the riskiest diseases and occupations for construction workers, along with organisational and personal risk factors, is critical to optimising risk management efforts. This book should be of interest to students, researchers, and practitioners in construction management, occupational health and safety, and risk management.

Imriyas Kamardeen is Professor of Construction Management in the School of Architecture and Built Environment at Deakin University.

Abid Hasan is a lecturer in Construction Technology in the School of Architecture and Built Environment at Deakin University.