Construction workers are more likely to be uninsured than workers in any other industry statewide, according to a study released by the Center on Policy Initiatives.

Even during the last construction boom in 2005, only 35 percent of construction workers in California had health care provided by their employers. Half of workers in all industries were covered under their employer’s health insurance policies during the same period.

While some construction workers relied on publicly funded programs such as Medi-Cal, 27 percent were completely uninsured throughout the year.

The industry accounts for 15 percent of the state’s long-term uninsured population, which is more than twice its share of the work force.

With the construction industry expected to be the primary beneficiary of the federal stimulus package, there is concern that the jobs created will only worsen the state of the nation’s health care system.

“Without changes in this picture,” said study author Murtaza Baxamusa. “Many of the new jobs created by the stimulus will fall short of their potential to boost the economy because they leave working families without access to health care. And many of these jobs are low-paying, temporary, hazardous work.”

The report analyzes data from a statewide survey and also includes the stories of individuals affected by the trend. To obtain a full copy of the report, visit www.onlinecpi.org/article.php?list=type&type=348