Australian work exposure study (AWES) - Carcinogen exposures construction industry

A random, population-based sample of 5,528 Australian workers participated in the Australian Work Exposure Study (AWES). Workers answered questions about the tasks they completed and the controls used at work. Based on their responses to those questions, the likelihood of exposure to 38 known or suspected carcinogens was estimated. 

The AWES focused on the most common tasks performed at work. Workers were not asked directly about their exposures to carcinogens and exposure levels were not measured in the workplace. 

This report describes the responses provided by 459 AWES participants categorised as working in the construction industry. It also outlines existing materials that provide information about health effects, common exposure scenarios and options for preventing or minimising potential exposures to carcinogens.