Abstract
The social and health related problems of construction workers in the northern regionThis study was a part of the research collaboration project of the same study conducted throughout the country, using the same research framework, format, and methodology. Its aim was to acquire social and health-related information of construction workers. It consisted of both quantitative and qualitative study. This paper is a report of the quantitative study, using a cross-sectional survey to collect information on the social, environmental, and health-related problems of construction areas and the workers in the northern region. The survey was conducted in Muang Chiangmai and Muang Pitsanulok Municipalities. It included 40 small and large construction areas that employed more than 20 workers and were in the early stage of construction. The contractors and the workers were interviewed. The study showed that the mortality rate was about 1.17 per 1000 and injury rate was 8.9/1000/month. Safety, sanitation, environment and living condition of the workers were poor. Most of the workers were male, aged between 20 – 49, completed primary level of education, and were from agricultural background. 90% of them were from the northern region, and more than 50% resided in the same province as their workplace. 80% of the workers were married, 20% living separately from their children, and 10% had children with no opportunity for education. The study also reported that 90% of the workers earned less than 5,000 Baht/month and most of them were satisfied with their job although their living condition was poor, including the employment status, the right and benefits, and the safety issues. It was rare to see the workers gathering for the protection of their right and benefits. There was also little support and supervision from government.No less than 25% had such serious illness that they had to stop working during the past year. The major cause of illness was fever of unknown origin and influenza. While on sick leave, only one-third of them received wages and support from employer. Female workers were in worse condition than male, with lower wages, less career opportunity, and more family responsibilities.Recommendation for further studiesSet up guidelines for the protection and reduction of mortality and injury rateConduct a long term study of the family of the workersStudy an organization structure of workers that is suitable for employment status and working conditionStudy problems associated with alien workers and its effect to Thai workers
