Young workers in construction and other outdoor industries may be at a higher risk for workplace cancer from increased carcinogen exposures on the job, according to new data from Canadian researchers.
Workers aged 25 years and younger are already at an increased risk of injury due to various factors, including lack of training and experience. This may also affect young workers’ risk for occupational carcinogen exposure. Other risk factors include not being able to correctly recognize or assess hazards and being less familiar with required PPE standards.
Researchers looked at Canada’s census data from 2006 and 2016 to determine which occupations were associated with potential exposures to known or suspected carcinogens. This allowed them to organize the number of young workers by sector and occupation, then correlate the occupational carcinogen exposure data from Carex Canada. Carex is a university-affiliated research group that studies carcinogen exposures to develop reduction policies and programs.
So, what does all of this mean for you and your workplace? Let’s break it down.
High-risk occupations for young workers
The results from the research showed that young workers in construction, farming, and other outdoor occupations are at the highest risk of exposure to multiple carcinogens.
Construction workers may be exposed to solar radiation, silica dust, diesel engine exhaust, asbestos, wood dust, and the hazards of night shift work. In addition, outdoor workers such as farmers, ground maintenance staff, painters, tree planers, and lifeguards are commonly exposed to pesticides, wood dust, solar radiation, and diesel engine exhaust.
So why are young workers at a higher risk?
The researchers noted that exposures earlier in life have more time to develop deadly cancers. The more time and opportunity there is for exposure, the higher likelihood of developing the disease.
How to limit workplace cancer & carcinogen exposure
The researchers recommend developing more accurate occupational carcinogen estimates for young workers to “inform relevant policies and programs to better protect this population and reduce their risk of cancer.”
Also, since younger workers may be newer to these industries, proper training and posted reminders about hazards are crucial to their safety. Finally, as always, one of the best ways to limit exposure to occupational hazards is through regular testing and medical surveillance which, in most cases, is required by OSHA.
Medical surveillance testing provides a proactive approach to keeping your team safe and healthy. It also ensures that you’re in compliance with OSHA standards, such as silica and asbestos.
And, the best way to do that is by bringing the clinic to your job site. Sending your team to local clinics involves plenty of associated risks, and it decreases overall productively. With Worksite Medical, you’ll get to create the schedule you need to streamline the entire process.
To learn more about workplace cancer, click here.
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About Worksite Medical
In most cases, OSHA requires medical surveillance testing, and at no cost to employees.
Worksite Medical makes that program easier with mobile medical testing.
We conduct on-site respirator fit tests, as well as audiometric exams, pulmonary function tests and heavy metal lab work, right on your job site. We also keep accurate, easy-to-access medical records for your convenience. You’ll keep your employees at work, and stay ahead of OSHA inspections.
With Worksite Medical, a mobile medical testing unit — we can bring all the resources of a lab to you. Our certified lab technicians can perform both qualitative and quantitative respirator tests to ensure a perfect fit.
Protect your team and your workplace now with Worksite Medical. Not sure what you need? Try our medical testing wizard here.
Give us a call at 1-844-622-8633, or complete the form below to schedule an on-site visit or to get your free quote!
