Health Outcomes of Construction Workers Building Infrastructure for Mega-Sporting Events: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Davide J. Testa, João P. Vale, Leonidas G. Ioannou, Petros C. Dinas, Tiago S. Mayor, Kristine H. Onarheim, Zahra R. Babar, Sally Hargreaves and Andreas D. Flouris ()
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Davide J. Testa: Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Karies, 42100 Trikala, Greece
João P. Vale: CEFT, Transport Phenomena Research Centre, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Leonidas G. Ioannou: Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Karies, 42100 Trikala, Greece
Petros C. Dinas: Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Karies, 42100 Trikala, Greece
Tiago S. Mayor: CEFT, Transport Phenomena Research Centre, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Kristine H. Onarheim: Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Postboks 7804, NO-5020 BERGEN, 5007 Bergen, Norway
Zahra R. Babar: Center for International and Regional Studies, Georgetown University, Doha P.O. Box 23689, Qatar
Sally Hargreaves: Migrant Health Research Group and the Consortium for Migrant Worker Health, City St George’s, Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
Andreas D. Flouris: Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Karies, 42100 Trikala, Greece

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 22, issue 1, 1-19

Abstract: Background: Migrant construction workers involved in building infrastructure for mega-sporting events face elevated risks of illness and death. However, specific health outcomes for these workers have not been systematically reviewed, limiting opportunities to identify and address their challenges. Methods: This study systematically reviewed health outcomes among migrant construction workers involved in mega-sporting events. Results: 89 eligible studies involving 23,307 workers were identified. Of these, only 11 directly addressed specific health outcomes, including heat stress, occupational fatalities, and sexually transmitted infections. Notably, increased heat exposure during peak construction phases and the proximity of deadlines for mega-sporting events were correlated with elevated rates of occupational fatalities. Other key adverse factors impacting migrant construction workers’ health included an observed correlation between the timing of mega-sporting events and increased occupational fatalities, the involvement of labor recruiters, and shifting health and safety responsibilities among stakeholders (e.g., host states, event organizers, contractors, and recruitment agencies). Positive outcomes were observed when workers voluntarily engaged in non-mandatory safety activities, such as safety training programs and awareness meetings. Conclusions: There is a critical need for longitudinal and comparative studies to comprehensively examine the health of migrant workers throughout all stages of their journey, from pre-migration to return. This review underscores the urgency of prioritizing evidence-based policies that address unique health risks in this population, including mitigation of heat stress and enforcement of occupational safety standards, particularly amid construction spikes preceding mega-sporting events. Recommendations: Future research should prioritize understanding the unique health challenges faced by migrant workers to inform policy making, develop effective interventions, and implement best practices to improve their health and well-being.

Keywords: mega-sporting events; FIFA World Cup; Olympic Games; Commonwealth Games; Asian Games; migrant workers; construction labor; labor violations; health outcomes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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