Several errors occurred in the report headed "Health problems of builders revealed" in Thursday's editions. The figure of 977 potential years lost through premature retirement on health grounds was an average annual figure, not the total for the years 1972 to 1996 as stated.
The figures given as days a year in lost production for cardiovascular disease (22,406), bronchitis, emphysema and asthma (15,481) and infectious diseases (67,194) were not days a year, but total days lost over the period 1981 to 1996. The high of 14 per cent in 1986 (referring to rate of early retirement) should have been 14 per 1,000.
Finally, the name of the author of the report "Patterns of Ill-health in Irish Construction Workers" is Dr Harold Brenner, not Bremmer as stated.
The chart illustrating State spending in yesterday's opinion page showed an international comparison of state spending as a percentage of GDP, not GNP as it stated.
Where errors occur it is the policy of The Irish Times to correct or clarify as soon as practicable. Readers may contact the Readers' Representative's Office at e-mail readersrep@irish-times.ie or by telephoning 01-679-2022 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Outside these times they may contact the Duty Editor.