Background
Although cigarette smoking has declined among U.S. workers, smoking remains high among construction workers. This study assessed tobacco product use among U.S. construction workers.
Methods
The 2014‐2016 National Health Interview Survey data for U.S. working adults were analyzed.
Results
Of the 10.2 (6.3% of working adults) million construction workers, 35.1% used any tobacco product; 24.4% were cigarette smokers, 8.3% were cigar, cigarillo, pipe or hookah smokers, 7.8% were smokeless tobacco users, 4.4% were e‐cigarette users, and 7.6% used ≥2 tobacco product users. Tobacco use varied by worker characteristics, with highest tobacco use (>35%) among those reporting ≤5 years on the job, temporary work status, job insecurity, or an unsafe workplace. Construction workers had higher odds of tobacco product use than non‐construction workers.
Conclusions
Over one‐third of U.S. construction workers use tobacco products and disparities exist across sub‐groups. Workplace tobacco control strategies could reduce tobacco use among this population.