Citation

Dong XS, Wang X, Daw C, Ringen K. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 2011; 53(4): 372-380.

Affiliation

From the CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training, Silver Spring, Md.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JOM.0b013e3182122286

PMID

21407096

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:: To examine the health status of older construction workers in the United States, and how occupation and the aging process affect health in workers' later years. METHODS:: We analyzed six waves (1998 to 2008) of the Health and Retirement Study, a longitudinal survey of US residents age 50+. The study sample totaled 7200 male workers (510 in construction trades) in the baseline. Multiple logistic regression and paired t tests were conducted to compare health outcomes across occupations and within individuals over time. RESULTS:: Compared with white-collar workers, construction workers had increased odds of arthritis, back problems, chronic lung disease, functional limitations, work disability, and work-related injuries after controlling for possible confounders. CONCLUSIONS:: Safety and health interventions, as well as retirement and pension policy, should meet the needs of older construction workers, who face increasingly chronic health conditions over time.

Language: en