NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

Work-related deaths in construction painting.

Suruda AJ

Scand J Work Environ Health 1992 Feb; 18(1):30-33

https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.1611

00206718

A study of occupationally related deaths in the construction painting industry (SIC-1721) was conducted. The impetus for the study was unexpectedly high rates of electrocution in construction painters during an OSHA investigation. The Integrated Management Information Systems database of OSHA was reviewed to identify all work related fatalities occurring in construction painting from 1982 to 1986. A total of 129 work related fatalities were identified. All involved males; the average age at time of death was 34.2 years. Half the deaths resulted from falls, 31% from electrocutions, and 5% from asphyxiations due to organic solvents, toxic gases, or oxygen deficient atmospheres. The remaining deaths were attributed to other causes. Sixty six percent of the deaths occurred in firms having fewer than 11 employees. The risk for fatal injury was significantly increased for firms having only one to four employees. Forty deaths occurred in unionized firms. Small firms were less likely to be covered by collective bargaining agreements with a union than large firms. OSHA issued safety violation citations for 74% of the fatalities. The author concludes that construction painters are at high risk for fatal injury, especially from falls and electrocutions.

NIOSH-Author; Occupational-accidents; Epidemiology; Construction-workers; Construction-industry; Accident-statistics; Mortality-data; Industrial-safety; Risk-analysis; Electrical-hazards; Author Keywords: injuries; labor unions; occupational diseases; solvents

Dr A Suruda, 944 Chestnut Ridge Road, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA

SWEHDO

19920201

Journal Article

1992

1

0355-3140

DSR

1721

Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health

WV