Background

The health and safety of laborers, especially those working at camps and on construction sites, often gets overlooked. For many of these individuals, the daily grind involves exceptionally long hours of physically demanding work, exposure to heat and toxic substances as well as a lack of access to first-aid and healthcare. The reality of existing disparities is rather stark within underserved communities where regular screenings, timely check-ups and general education on health are still considered a luxury rather than necessities. 

A gap of this kind leaves a majority of people vulnerable to significant medical conditions including chronic lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and more fatal illnesses such as cancer. Studies have shown how construction work leads to heightened cancer risks, particularly lung and esophagus which are often linked to exposure to carcinogens and high tobacco use. More recently, in 2023, researchers from the World Health Organization and International Labor Organization also found that outdoor workers carry a large risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. Working under the sun especially, being responsible for causing 1 in 3 deaths related to the same. 

Almost 30-50% of cancer deaths could be prevented with better awareness, changes in lifestyle and early detection. Recognizing this and how the path to preventative care still remains riddled with barriers for marginalized groups — HEAL was founded as a hopeful source of relief and response. The initiative aims to empower laborers with knowledge, access and support so as to develop a healthcare culture that is equitable, proactive and community-led.