Long Term Effects Of Being A Bricklayer
There is a high demand for bricklayers in the UK and more and more people are looking to this as a career. However, as with any type of work, there are some risks involved and it is essential to be aware of these before you commit to becoming a brickie. But what are the long term effects of being a bricklayer?
One of the most serious risks of bricklaying is the heightened risk of lung cancer because of the increased exposure to silica. In addition to this, bricklayers are at risk of developing certain musculoskeletal conditions and pain as a result of either hard labour or accidents and injuries.
But don’t let this put you off the career of your dreams. Understanding the risks associated with being a bricklayer may go some way towards preventing certain conditions by protecting yourself. In this guide, we will be looking at the possible health implications of this type of work.
Is Bricklaying Bad For Your Health?
One of the most serious concerns for bricklayers is that this profession puts you at a higher risk of developing lung cancer. Various studies have looked into this and brickies are thought to be at a higher risk than other people in the construction trade. This is worrying as lung cancer is one of the biggest killers in the world with around 35,000 deaths each year in the UK alone!
The reason that bricklayers are at such an increased risk of developing the disease is that they are regularly exposed to silica. This is a material that is frequently used in bricklaying as well as many other industries such as glass making.
The problem is that heightened exposure to this product can bring on a condition known as silicosis which is caused when a person inhales large amounts of silica dust. While the condition on its own isn’t life threatening, it can put a person at higher risk of lung cancer. In fact, some studies have shown that bricklayers have the same risk level as those who smoke!
But when a person develops silicosis, they are not only at risk of lung cancer but many other conditions. It is not uncommon for the illness to lead to more severe diseases such as tuberculosis, COPD, heart disease and kidney failure.
Is Bricklaying Bad For Your Back?
When you think about it, bricklaying is an incredibly demanding job, physically speaking. It’s vastly different from sitting behind a desk and involves a lot of awkward movements. It will come as no surprise then that there is a clear link between back pain and being a bricklayer.
According to one specialist, it would appear that most bricklayers experience pain in the same part of the back. This is in the lower left side and it’s the L4/5 disc that is typically to blame. This part of the spine can be affected as a result of repeated loading, which is something that any bricklayer will tell you is simply part of the job. But what is most surprising is that this type of back pain is usually reported by younger builders in their 20s and 30s. Those working in the trade that are older still experience back problems but these are typically related to other conditions such as arthritis (which we will look at in more detail shortly) and joint dysfunction.
It has been demonstrated that as many as 30% of construction workers, including bricklayers, experience some form of back pain throughout their career. Many back injuries come as a result of heavy lifting, especially using improper technique. A lot of bricklayers are moving hefty objects while twisting or moving in awkward positions which is a leading cause of back pain. Moreover, bricklaying is a demanding job that often requires long hours and this physical exertion can quickly lead to back pain.
It is also not uncommon for bricklayers to complain of pain in the arms and legs. This can be from repeated movements or undue physical strain but is also often reported as a result of injuries sustained while at work.
Do Bricklayers Get Arthritis?
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and can be a crippling condition in the most severe cases. Usually associated with age, arthritis can also be brought on through physical activity and strain and this is why it is a common complaint for bricklayers.
There has been ample research into the effects of the job on the joints and according to this, it’s silica that is to blame again. Exposure to this product could trigger arthritis as well as exposure to asbestos. While asbestos is no longer used, bricklayers working on sites that were built before the 1960s may come into contact with it.
What’s really shocking is that men in the bricklaying trade were shown to be at a 30% higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis than their peers. For women, the most common job that caused the condition was nursing!
Related article: What Qualifications Do You Need To Be A Bricklayer UK
Conclusion
Being a bricklayer is a physically demanding job. Not only will you be spending long hours lifting heavy bricks and moving around to lay them, but you may have to do this in various weather conditions which can take its toll on your body.
Bricklayers are more at risk of certain respiratory conditions such as COPD and tuberculosis as a result of contracting a condition known as silicosis. What’s more worrying is that this condition can then lead to lung cancer. Wearing appropriate masks can lower these risks.
Additionally, brickies are at risk of back pain and arthritis owing to the extreme physical demands of the job. It’s important to take regular breaks and ensure correct lifting techniques to avoid straining the back muscles.