University of Texas Study Finds Construction Workers At High Risk for Coronavirus Hospitalization
Construction workers are five times more likely than other professions to be hospitalized with COVID-19, says a study by the University of Texas at Austin.
- By Nikki Johnson-Bolden
- Nov 09, 2020
A study conducted by the University of Texas at Austin found a correlation between unrestricted construction work and an increased risk for COVID-19 hospitalization, according to Healio.
Along with colleagues, PhD student Remy F. Pasco used a transmission model that focused on construction workers in the Austin-Round Rock area of Texas. Connections between construction workers who have worked during the pandemic and the area’s hospitalization rates were studied. Social distancing and level of disease transmissions at worksites were also taken into account.
“This study demonstrates the feasibility of data-driven COVID-19 projections to inform local mitigation strategies and anticipate health care needs,” said Pasco. “It also provides evidence that opening industries that require daily contact between, especially indoors, can jeopardize the health of the workforce and community during waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
It was found that the risk of coronavirus hospitalization in the construction industry is five times more than other occupations.
About the Author
Nikki Johnson-Bolden is an Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety.