Contracting is well-known as a field during which accidents and harm are possible, and with good reason: the 11 million workers in the industry show a higher rate of workplace related injuries and of muscle and skeletal pain. The nature of working in a demanding and fast-paced environment can lend itself to these sorts of problems. Non-physical issues, however, are less discussed and could very well be just as important to the overall health of the employees and of the industry.
According to a study released in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, people who work in the construction field were twice as likely to have some sort of mental distress as the general population. Furthermore, this could sometimes manifest itself in corporeal ways: they exhibited a higher incidence of lower back pain and work-related injuries. According to the researchers, the problem is exacerbated by underreporting and underscores a pressing need for resources and structure.
"[We need to] target and increase knowledge of psychological factors in chronic pain, particularly in construction workers," write the authors, going on to suggest "increased treatment options, literacy, and acceptance of mental disorders in this high-risk worker population."
These findings sharply highlight the need for Arizona contractor insurance. Not only is the industry physical stressful, it can also exacerbate mental strains, both of which workers should be adequately aware of and covered for. Having the right coverage in place not only helps to ensure the well-being of the project, but also of the people that work hard to build it.