The 2008 Beijing Olympics has brought a lot of attention to China, and the rapid development the country has seen in recent years. In fact, due to its significant growth in building development and increased production in other industries, China has outpaced the US to become the largest consumer of steel. This demand for steel has lead to increased production of steel here in the US and in other countries. However, there is an unfortunate downside to this rapid economic growth and profit surge for the steel industry.

In the US and in other countries, the steel industry has become synonymous with economic growth and prosperity. It is used in everything from railroad tracks to automobiles to orthodontic instruments. But the production of steel happens to be one of the most hazardous jobs. Every day hundreds of people in the country risk their lives to bring us some of the most essential products. In 2006, 14 steel worker fatalities occurred while on the job. So far, more than 15 steel worker fatalities have occurred in 2008. This information is not provided as a rate, but longer and more total hours worked surely will have an impact on the number of fatalities.

What is unknown from this information is the safety practices and quality of worker health and safety awareness training were in place prior to these incidences. A steel mill can be a hazardous place for workers who are fatigued or who aren’t in peak condition. As the director of operations for Concentra’s Environmental Health and Safety Division, I have had the chance to visit workplaces such as these and know their inherent danger. From my experiences, I believe there continues to be an opportunity to focus on workers’ health and improved safety practices throughout the workplace.

A workplace fatality is a tragic, unfortunate incident no matter what the circumstances are. However, there are many opportunities to prevent such an event from happening. I work with many of Concentra’s physicians, specialists, and occupational health managers to make sure workers receive the best possible training, safety procedures, and post-incident treatment. These Concentra colleagues work alongside plant managers and executives to implement health and safety recommendations and improvements.

One key concern that arises from increased steel production is the increased risk of occupational disease as people work longer hours to meet demand levels. Workplace exposures to agents such as lead or crystalline silica may be adequately controlled for an 8-hour shift or 40 hour work week. However, as employee work times increase to 10 or 12 hour days a re-evaluation of these exposures is required but many times forgotten. In several extended-shift-sampling campaigns, Concentra industrial hygienists have identified over exposures and worked with clients to implement the proper protections for controlling employee exposures. For more information about controlling employee evaluations, review the Brief and Scala model.

It is true that demand for steel continues to rise. And, due to the hazardous nature of the job, the steel industry will continue to be at risk for high incidence of work-related injuries and fatalities. Nevertheless, there is a greater commodity at risk here – the lives of these hard working men and women. We have an opportunity and a responsibility to provide the best health and wellness solutions to these individuals. It is our [Concentra’s] mission to improve America’s health and we believe investing in the health of these workers furthers that mission, and builds the promise of a better and healthier tomorrow.