Health status assessment of workers during construction phase of highway rehabilitation projects around lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: The study focused on assessment of the health status of workers during construction phase of highway rehabilitation projects at six selected sites of N5 around Lahore, including Kala Shah Kaku, Muridke, Kamuki, Bhaipheru, Pattoki, and Okara.Methods: The study was based on multi-methods approach involving hazard identification through survey and checklist as well as a questionnaire for health status assessment and measurements of health parameters including peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and audiometric screening of 300 subjects.Results: The study revealed non-congenial working conditions at the sites. Noise, vibrations, dust, asphalt fumes, poor work postures, and injuries were found to be major health hazards. PEFR of most of the workers was found to be significantly lower than the reference value. Average PEFR±SEM values were 187±5.1 l/min, 178±4.3 l/min, and 266±5.3 l/min in ground preparation workers, asphalt workers, and heavy vehicle drivers, respectively. The highest rate (29%) of hearing loss was recorded among heavy vehicle drivers. Musculoskeletal problems were found to be more common among ground preparation workers.Conclusion: Data revealed unsatisfactory health status of most of the workers. Direct relationship between health outcomes and the type of construction activities were observed. The current study focuses on the importance of including occupational health and safety plan in the execution phase of every developmental project that involves construction activities.

Assessing Gains of stakeholders for Mega Project implementation: Learning from Beneficiary Assessment of Lahore Ring Road Project, Pakistan

“…To sum up, the limited studies found in the literature offered by various researchers/organizations on beneficiary assessment for the road project. In Lahore, after the implementation of LRR, no studies of its impacts were conducted except a few, including Abrar et al (2014), which was about the health impact assessment study of the southern loop. Still, no study on its economic or other impacts has been found.…”

Occupational health in Pakistan: challenges and future needs

“…2 A study conducted on 300 highway workers concluded that lack of safety measures from noise, vibrations, asphalt fumes, poor work postures and injuries are considered to be major health hazards . 3 Similarly, another study from 2016 to 2017 of 70 welders found 47% experienced eye injuries and 50% cuts and injuries, and other findings indicated that welders had a low level of awareness and few preventative measures were recommended . 4 A study on the index value of injured employees revealed that the financial implications amounted to over 32 000 Pakistani rupees per injured worker .…”