Identifying the most important occupational diseases in the construction industry: Case study of building industry in Iran

Among industries, the construction industry has the highest risk of work-related injuries and illnesses. Compared to other people in society, workers in construction industry are exposed to more work-related diseases. According to the literature review, this topic has been developed in specific geographic and the special statistical society; and the lack of complete research in the field of occupational diseases in Iran. The aim of this study is to assess occupational health status of workers in Iranian building sites by surveying among sample population. In order to achieve this goal, first some important diseases were discovered from literature review and according to the obtained results a questionnaire was developed and distributed among 245 people that are working at building sites with 14 different professions. Results showed that articular joint disease is approximately 44% higher than non-articular disease. In addition, the results showed that the frequency of disease among workers was more than people who worked professionally in this industry. According to the results, several recommendations were offered for example, providing training courses for physical activities. Future study needs to identify the factors that lead to articular joint and non-articular joint diseases in Iranian building industry.