CPWR—The Center for Construction Research and Training reports 20% of construction workers experience chronic pain, according to Safety+Health magazine.
CPWR said: “Pain is associated with opioid use among construction workers and is of great concern due to the disproportionately high overdose death rate in the industry.”
In 2023, 11% of construction workers said they experience pain “every day” and 9% experience pain “most days” during a three-month period. Among those who said they were affected by pain, 11.8% reported being in “a lot” of pain and 51% reported “a little” pain.
CPWR also reported the number of days spent away from work because of a musculoskeletal disorder decreased in the private construction industry from 42,100 cases in 2011-12 to 29,900 cases in 2023-24, falling 29%.
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