OBJECTIVE To assess the respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function of carpenters from the city of Mashhad (northeast Iran). METHODS The frequency of respiratory symptoms was retrospectively estimated in a sample of 66 carpenters in the city of Mashhad in northeast Iran using a questionnaire including questions on work-related respiratory symptoms in the past year, allergy, type of irritant c...

OBJECTIVE To describe circumstances surrounding injuries involving nail guns among carpenters, calculate injury rates, identify high risk groups and preventive measures. METHODS and setting: Active injury surveillance was used to identify causes of injury among a large cohort of union residential and drywall carpenters. Injured carpenters were interviewed by experienced journeymen; enumeratio...

Construction workers, especially carpenters, have a significant number of complaints about knee disorders. Thus, it is desired to identify incident cases of knee disorders and to examine the distribution of specific knee disorders. Clinically sensible algorithms were developed to investigate the medical claims data from the union health plan for carpenters in St. Louis. As a result, 4,900 incid...

Two carpenters developed rhinitis, conjunctivitis, bronchial wheezing, and dyspnoea while using obeche (Triplochiton scleroxylon, African maple) at their work while they built saunas. Skin prick tests showed an immediate reaction, specific IgE to obeche was detected in their serum, and bronchial provocation test with obeche gave an immediate reaction with decrease of FEV1 and PEF values. The sy...

Using a large, individual-level wage data set, we examine the impact of a major technological innovation—the steam engine—on the demand for skills in the merchant shipping industry. We find that the technical change created a new demand for engineers, a skilled occupation. It had a deskilling effect on production work— moderately skilled able-bodied seamen were replaced by unskilled engine room...

OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence and risk factors for work related musculoskeletal disorders among union carpenters. METHODS A detailed questionnaire on musculoskeletal symptoms and work history was administered to 522 carpenters. The symptom questions assessed if carpenters experienced pain, numbness, or tingling in a particular body region. A subset of this group then received a physi...

BACKGROUND Falls are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the construction industry. This study measured fall hazards at residential construction sites. METHODS Trained carpenters administered the St. Louis Audit of Fall Risks and interviewed carpenters. The prevalence of fall prevention practices meeting safety criteria was counted and correlations explored. RESULTS We identified ...

BACKGROUND Within the construction industry the risk of lung disorders depends on the specific professions probably due to variations in the levels of dust exposure, and with dust levels depending on the work task and job function. We do not know the extent of exposure in the different professions or the variation between the different work tasks. The purpose of this study was therefore to asse...

Falls from heights are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among construction workers, especially inexperienced workers and those performing residential construction. This research reports changes in fall prevention behaviors following revision of fall prevention training in a union-based carpenters' apprenticeship program. We used a comprehensive needs assessment to identify gaps in app...