P-123 A study of fitness for work in 54 workers in the construction industry

• Published in: Occupational and environmental medicine (London, England) England), 2023-03, Vol.80 (Suppl 1), p.A89-A89
• Main Authors: Ernez, Slim, Brahim, Dorra, Afia, Latifa Ben, Mersni, Mariem, Mechergui, Najla, Youssef, Imen, Said, Hanene Ben, Bahri, Ghada, Ladhari, Nizar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abstracts; Aptitudes; Avoidance; Back pain; Construction industry; Deafness; Dyspnea; Eczema; Fitness; Hearing loss; Low back pain; Medical personnel; Mental depression; Occupational diseases; Pain; Prevention; Respiration; Skin diseases; Skin lesions; Spine
• ISSN: 1351-0711; 1470-7926
• DOI: 10.1136/OEM-2023-EPICOH.218

IntroductionGiven the nature of the work carried out in the construction sector, the risks at work are permanent. The management of occupational risks requires means of prevention, including the need for individual and collective protection, but also an adequate and adapted work aptitude.AimTo discuss the decisions of fitness for work for construction workers by considering their professional and medical characteristicsMethodsDescriptive and retrospective study having concerned workers in the sector of the construction addressed to the consultation of occupational medicine to the hospital Charles Nicolle for a medical opinion of aptitude to work during the period going from January 1st, 2014 to November 2022.ResultsWe identified 54 cases. The average age was 48.6 years ± 7.9 years with an exclusivity of men and an average professional seniority of 17 years ± 9.5 years.The main occupations werebricklayer in 37% of the cases, machine operator in 17%, mason’s helper in 11%, heavy goods vehicle driver in 9% of the cases, maintenance agent and guard in 4% of the cases each.The main reasons for consultation were low back pain in 26%, reduced hearing in 13%, followed by skin lesions suggestive of eczema in 11% dyspnea on exertion in 6%. The main diagnoses were low back pain related to degenerative spine (14%), bilateral sensorineural deafness (13%), contact eczema due to cement (9%), low back pain related to herniated discs (7%) and severe depressive disorder (5%). The main abilities pronounced were no amnesty (24%), avoidance of heavy lifting (20%), avoidance of professional driving and avoidance of contact with allergenic product (16%). Six cases were proposed for early retirement for disability and four as occupational disease.ConclusionWorking in the construction sector can have a variety of effects on workers’ health. Periodic assessment of medical fitness for work is necessary to ensure adequate prevention.