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.

Project status

Completed 2021

Research team

  • Emile Tompa, Institute for Work & Health (PI)
  • Young Jung, Institute for Work & Health
  • Amir Mofidi, Institute for Work & Health

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