BRIEFS. labor

Chemical injures construction workers

carlos lemos/la prensa

the injured worker1121340

The Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development has started an inspection of cement plants and construction projects to see if they are improperly using a chemical to cause cement to dry quicker.

The investigation was prompted by a case involving a worker at a project in Punta Pacifica who suffered severe burns on his legs that were allegedly caused by the chemical. The worker told officials that he knew of several other people who also suffered similar injuries.

“This is new, we did not know about it,” said Rosa Gómez, the ministry's director of inspections, adding that the investigation would begin immediately.

Gregorio Guerrel, an official with SUNTRACS, a leading construction union, said that he does not have statistics on injuries caused by chemicals, because they are included with other accidents. But he stressed that this is only one of the risks facing workers.