Contribution to the analysis of environmental conditions, health and labor in public works in a metropolis of western Mexico

摘要

BACKGROUND: Workers worldwide have basic benefits from the laws on health and safety at work. The International Labour Organization identifies that the legislation in developing countries omits various risk industries and occupations, such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry and construction. Workers in the construction industry and in particular the public construction workers are exposed to critical environmental and health conditions. OBJECTIVE. To analyze the environmental, health and labor conditions of the public construction workers in the Metropolitan Zone of Guadalajara. METHODS: Noise measurement, capture and gravimetry of PM10 particles during and after the construction on three public construction sites and application of questionnaires to workers. RESULTS: Sound pressure and PM10 particle levels that exceed the limits recommended by the World Health Organization and national regulations were registered. Regarding the applied surveys and direct observations, it was found that protective equipment is absent. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to implement formal studies to meet the environmental, safety and health characteristics, related to public construction and to propose normative regulations for protection.