Resumo

LEON CRUZ, Laura Elena; NORIEGA ELIO, Mariano  e  MENDEZ RAMIREZ, Ignacio. Precarious work and adverse to health effects in the construction industry. Salud de los Trabajadores [online]. 2011, vol.19, n.2, pp.103-114. ISSN 1315-0138.

New forms of work organization cause uncertainty and increased precariousness, and infringe on workers’ rights. Construction workers are vulnerable because they have to accept inhumane working conditions in order to survive. This study analyzes the relationship between these conditions and musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue and accidents. A previously validated survey was administered to a population of Mexcian workers (n=128). Conditions in the construction industry in Mexico are extremely poor: the work shifts are at least 12 hours long, 99% of workers work under temporary contracts, and 77% of workers receive no benefits. More than 75% are exposed to multiple hazards which were associated with musculoskeletal disorders of the limbs (57.8%), low back pain (50%), chronic fatigue (48.8%) and occupational injuries (44.5%). Synergistic interactions showed that the long duration and intensity of the working day were strongly related to intense physical activity and awkward positions in generating the various adverse health effects observed.

Palavras-chave : workers; construction; occupational injuries; occupational diseases.