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CPWR Data Bulletins: NEW IN MAY – Coronavirus and Health Disparities in Construction

CPWR has just launched a new online data series to improve our ongoing efforts to share timely, relevant and data-driven information with the construction industry. The Data Bulletin replaces the Quarterly Data Report and will be published six rather than four times per year. Coronavirus and Health Disparities in Construction         Health Insurance […]

Hazard Alert Cards

You’ve probably all seen our Hazard Alert Card series before.  They are short, image-driven materials that deliver simple, direct messages for protection against safety and health hazards faced by construction workers. They are available in two formats: printed cards folded to “pocket size” of 3 ½” x 5 ½” and one-page PDFs. Hazard Alert cards […]

Social Marketing Toolkit

Social marketing is a promising approach for moving research to practice (r2p) in construction. This Toolkit is designed to build construction safety and health researchers’ and industry stakeholders’ capacity to: Develop a social marketing plan; Identify and work with appropriate partners to complement their skill set; and Manage the process of developing and implementing a social […]

Suicide Prevention Resources

Suicide rates have risen dramatically in recent years in the U.S. There are roughly 129 suicides per day or 1 death every 11 minutes.[1] In the construction industry, suicide is now a leading cause of death. There is not a simple answer to why this increase has occurred – particularly among construction workers. However, just as we develop and […]

Infographics

Find all of CPWR’s infographics at https://www.cpwr.com/research/infographics.  Topics covered include, among others, Heat, Trench Safety, Opioids, Falls, and newly added: Teen Construction Worker Safety.

Work Zone Safety Resources

Struck-by incidents are a leading cause of death among construction workers, and since 1992 the leading cause of nonfatal injuries in the construction industry.  According to OSHA, the four most common struck-by hazards are being struck-by a flying, falling, swinging, or rolling object. The NORA Construction Sector Council is undertaking a number of initiatives to increase awareness […]

CPWR r2p Concept Mapping Report

Concept mapping is a participatory approach to organizing ideas using a mixed methods  approach, which is rooted in cognitive anthropology and builds on applied qualitative research methods. This methodology engages diverse stakeholders in a multi-step process to generate ideas, organize them into distinct categories, and rate them according to a set of criteria, for example […]

r2p Roadmap

This newly revised tool is designed to help researchers plan for how their research findings and results will ultimately be used to reduce occupational injuries and illnesses in the construction industry. Researchers are encouraged to begin using this planning tool at the start of their research project. The Roadmap tool asks researchers to consider critical questions about […]

Social Network Analysis Primer

This primer provides information to help safety and health researchers decide if Social Network Analysis (SNA) is right for their research project and to introduce key steps for conducting their own SNA. Throughout the primer, information from the Falls Campaign SNA that has been shared at previous r2p Seminars is used to ground the content in […]

Best Built Plans – NEW! Comprehensive Ergonomics Training Program for Workers

Manually lifting and moving heavy materials on job sites can result in soft tissue injuries.  These types of injuries cost business billions of dollars and are a leading cause of disabling injuries in the construction industry. Best Built Plans (bestbuiltplans.org) provides contractors and workers with practical tools to plan for safe materials handling including training materials […]

IMPACT Cards

IMPACT cards detail CPWR research projects and the impact they are having on workers’, contractors’, and other stakeholders’ awareness of hazards, and industry’s use of interventions to reduce illness and injuries on construction jobsites. IMPACT cards are available as a downloadable PDF or an 8×5 tri-fold card (by request). Below are a few of our […]

Physicians’ Alerts

Physicians’ Alerts are developed to help ensure that all construction workers at risk of developing work-related medical conditions are properly diagnosed and treated. The Alerts contain valuable information for the worker and their physician related to common exposures and tasks in construction, and include best practices to prevent and mitigate exposure-related conditions. Physicians’ Alert: Occupational […]

Opioid Resources

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioids killed more than 42,000 people in 2016, and 40% of those deaths involve a prescription opioid. The construction industry has one of the highest injury rates when compared to other industries and opioids have commonly been prescribed to construction workers to treat the pain […]

Informational Webinar Series

CPWR hosts at least one webinar a month on a variety of topics including current research, new efforts and trends in occupational safety & health, and training programs. We also record all of our webinars and post them with PDFs of slides and other relevant resources at https://www.cpwr.com/news-events/cpwrs-informational-webinar-series.

Highlights 2019: Building on Success

CPWR’S Annual Report includes our most important discoveries, achievements, and activities within the past year.

Summary Report: Research to Practice (r2p) In Construction: Science, Strategies & Partnerships to Advance Safety & Health: June 2015 – June 2019

The annual r2p Seminar and Partnership Workshop (meeting), initiated in 2015 and held in conjunction with the annual meeting of CPWR’s Research Consortium, is an integral part of our Research to Practice system. This meeting provides a platform for researchers to report on their projects’ progress and findings and to receive feedback from industry stakeholders […]

Just Launched: CPWR COVID-19 Construction Clearinghouse

A new CPWR COVID-19 Construction Clearinghouse has been established to give our industry easier access to reliable, current information. This free, online resource highlights resources on crucial topics such as Guidance on Workplace Practices, State and Local Requirements, Training Resources, and many others. If you know of materials that should be considered for the Clearinghouse, […]

CPWR Webinar on Trench Safety

Thursday, May 28th, 2020 at 2:00pm EDT: Increasing Awareness of Factors that Influence Trench Safety Presenters: Joe Wise, Regional Customer Training Manager at United Rentals Trench Safety, and Eileen Betit, CPWR’s Research to Practice (r2p) Director. Trench incidents and fatalities have increased over the past several years – so much so that OSHA, intent on reversing […]

NABTU and CPWR COVID-19 Standards for U.S. Construction Sites

The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires construction employers to provide a safe and healthy workplace. To do this, construction industry employers should develop a comprehensive COVID-19 exposure control plan, which includes control measures, symptom checking, social distancing, hygiene and decontamination procedures, and training. An exposure control plan and the following recommendations should be followed […]

7th Annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction Postponed

The Safety Stand-Down, originally scheduled for May 4-8, 2020, has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will be rescheduled this summer.  In the meantime, we encourage you to remember that falls are still the leading hazard in construction and should be an area of focus year-round.  Visit the Stop Construction Falls website […]

CIASP Mental Health Protection Resources During COVID-19

From the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention https://mailchi.mp/32e4c3444860/mental-health-protection-resources-during-covid-19?e=7fc6ab83f0  During these rapidly changing, unpredictable and stressful times, adapting business operations to stay viable and keeping our employees safe from COVID-19 are top of mind and demanding great attention.  What can’t be forgotten is the impact these events are having on the mental health of our […]

CPWR COVID-19 Page

In response to questions from those in the construction industry, CPWR has developed guidance on COVID-19 as well as a webpage with relevant resources on the coronavirus.  Both will be updated regularly as we learn more.

USMWF Invites You to VIRTUAL National Workers’ Memorial Day Ceremony

From Tonya Ford, Executive Director, United Support & Memorial for Workplace Fatalities USMWF.ORG, Inc Good Afternoon Everyone, We hope this message finds everyone safe and well. As we all know usually this time of year is very busy preparing for the upcoming Workers’ Memorial Day Events.  However, do to the unforeseen circumstances of COVID-19, we […]

Cleaning of Tools to Help Prevent Spread of COVID-19

From Milwaukee Tools: COVID-19 Tool Cleaning Protocols

Respirators and the Coronavirus: What You Need to Know

From Safety Skills: As the world is experiencing the rapid spread of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, it is becoming increasingly common to see respirators being used by the general public. But is this simple piece of personal protective equipment effective for our current situation? While many doctors and even the CDC have noted that respirators […]

National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-by Incidents in Construction – April 20, 2020

Struck-by injuries are a leading cause of death,[1]  and since 1992 the leading cause of nonfatal injuries in the construction industry.[2] According to OSHA, there are four common struck-by hazards: Struck-by a flying object Struck-by a falling object Struck-by a swinging object Struck-by a rolling object Join CPWR, the NORA Construction Sector Council, and other partners on […]

U.S. Department of Labor Offers Guidance For Preparing Workplaces for Coronavirus

From the U.S. Department of Labor Press Release: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today published “Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19” to help companies respond in the event of coronavirus in the workplace. The guidance was developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). […]

Product Recall Notice: Diablo Big Block SRL

Pure Safety Group (PSG) Notice March, 6th 2020 No. GFP-S003-A PRODUCT RECALL NOTICE IMPORTANT – STOP USE IMMEDIATELY #10967, #10968, #10979, #10980, #10982 Diablo Big Block SRL THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES RELATED TO THIS PRODUCT RECALL. If the date of manufacture is between February 2019 through February 2020 the product must be […]

2020 Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls

This year’s Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction will take place May 4-8, 2020.  The Stand-Down was originally conceived by OSHA in 2014 as part of the National Falls Campaign to raise awareness surrounding the severity of fall hazards in construction and the importance of preventing them.  In a construction setting, the term “safety stand-down” is […]

OSHA National Emphasis Program (NEP) for respirable crystalline silica

OSHA has issued a National Emphasis Program (NEP) for respirable crystalline silica.  The goal of this NEP is to significantly reduce or eliminate worker exposures to respirable crystalline silica in general industry, maritime, and construction. This goal will be accomplished by a combination of inspection targeting, outreach to employers, and compliance assistance.  The NEP targets […]

Quarterly Data Report: Overdose Fatalities at Worksites & Opioid Use in the Construction Industry

Construction workers are among the segments of the U.S. population opioids have hit hardest. Recent state-level studies of opioid overdose deaths show that construction workers are six to seven times more likely to die of an overdose than workers in other professions. The impact of opioids to our field led CPWR to make it the […]

Prevention through Design Workshop March 11, 2020

The first NIOSH-Arizona State University Prevention thru Design (PtD) workshop will be held on March 11th, 2020 in Tempe, AZ.  The workshop aims to identify, exchange, and leverage experiences and expertise on PtD research, practice, and education efforts at engineering, design, contractor, client and owner organizations, insurers, US colleges and universities, and agencies. Workshop participants […]

Children of Construction Workers Are at Risk of Secondhand Lead Exposure

From Boston University: Coming into contact with dangerous heavy metals like lead can, unfortunately, be a part of the daily job for construction workers across the country. Side effects of lead exposure are well documented, and can cause severe health problems like anemia, weakness, and kidney and brain damage. Very high lead exposure can even […]

NIOSH Mast Climbing Work Platform Daily Inspection Walkthrough Tool

NIOSH’s free daily inspection walkthrough tool allows mast climber users to navigate through what is commonly inspected during a pre-shift daily inspection. When prompted, click on the orange outlined section and the related inspection point will be displayed. Please note the pictures displayed are of a typical mast climbing work platform configuration and do not […]

OSHA Training Institute Region VI Education Centers Trench Safety Webinar – Now Available in Spanish

A previously recorded webinar on protecting workers in trenches conducted by the OSHA Training Institute Region VI Education Centers is now available in Spanish as well as English. Both are free on Vimeo: Protect Workers in Trenches Proteger a los trabajadores en las trenchas

Study shows DOE construction workers were at significant risk for diseases associated with occupational exposures, including all cancers

The American Journal of Industrial Medicine published findings from BTMed’s researchers, “Mortality of Older Construction and Craft Workers Employed at Department of Energy Nuclear Sites: Follow-up Through 2016”. Findings showed that DOE construction workers were at significant risk for diseases associated with occupational exposures, including all cancers. The study highlights the importance of continued medical […]

America’s Safest Companies 2019: UCOR

Founded in 2002, EHSToday’s America’s Safest Companies Awards recognize companies who have achieved innovative and strategic safety goals. From EHSToday: At UCOR, an AECOM-led partnership with Jacobs, management, the Department of Energy and the workforce form a team that is dedicated to the protection of one another and the environment. A culture of caring and […]

A Construction Company Embraces Frank Talk About Mental Health To Reduce Suicide

From Shots: Health News from NPR: In 2014, construction company RK experienced the suicide of a worker, shaking its 1,500 employees and becoming a pivotal event for the company. The death brought home some painful facts. Construction and mining (including oil drilling) have the highest suicide rates of all occupations, according to data from the Centers […]

Mortality of Older Construction and Craft Workers Employed at Department of Energy Nuclear Sites

The American Journal of Industrial Medicine published findings from BTMed’s researchers, “Mortality of Older Construction and Craft Workers Employed at Department of Energy Nuclear Sites: Follow-up Through 2016”. Findings showed that DOE construction workers were at significant risk for diseases associated with occupational exposures, including all cancers. The study highlights the importance of continued medical […]

Trends of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Interventions in the Construction Industry

The newest CPWR Quarterly Data Report (QDR) examines trends in work and non-work related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), the soft-tissue injuries caused by exposure to repetitive or sudden motions, forces, and awkward positions. In 2017, the rate of employer-reported, work-related MSDs in construction was 31.2 cases per 10,000 FTEs, less than one-quarter of 1992’s level. However, about 30% of […]

New Best Built Plans Resources

CPWR’s Best Built Plans program (BBP) is designed to reduce the risks for manual materials handling (sprain and strain) injuries by providing contractors with resources to plan for safe manual materials handling at each project stage and to use on the job to raise awareness and reinforce safe practices.  Thanks to a small group of […]

XXII World Congress on Safety & Health at Work 2020

The next World Congress on Safety and Health at Work is being held on October 4-7, 2020 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada, and the call for abstracts is open! Participants from around the world are invited to submit abstracts. The deadline for submitting abstracts is now January 15, 2020. Click here to find out […]

CPWR Small Study Program Accepting Applications

CPWR is now accepting applications for funding from the Small Studies Program CPWR’s Small Study Program provides seed money of up to $30,000 to investigate promising new research initiatives. Many major research projects began with a small study to demonstrate their viability or test their approach. Other small studies have resulted in important stand-alone projects.  […]

Liberty Mutual Safety Innovation Award in Construction

The new Liberty Mutual Safety Innovation Award in Construction recognizes innovative evidence-based technologies, work practices, and programs designed to reduce or eliminate hazards that lead to injuries and pain in the construction industry. Sponsored by Liberty Mutual and administered by CPWR, the award includes a $15,000 cash prize to the winning individual or organization; in addition, […]

Arkansas Amputation Prevention Stand-Down

The Arkansas Amputation Prevention Stand-Down is scheduled for September 4 to October 4.  During this event, employers and workers will take time during their workday to focus on how to prevent amputations. A public kick-off event for the Stand-Down will take place on September 4 in Bentonville, Arkansas. This event is free and open to […]

Upcoming AGC Meeting: Prevention through Design (PtD)- A Changing Mindset

PtD encompasses all of the efforts to anticipate and design out hazards to workers in facilities, work methods and operations, processes, equipment, tools, products, new technologies, and the organization of work. The focus of PtD is on workers who execute the designs or have to work with the products of the design. The initiative has […]

Fatal falls in construction: Total deaths rise, but rate falls, report shows

The National Safety Council just published an article in Safety + Health Magazine highlighting CPWR’s recent Quarterly Data Report on Trends of Fall Injuries & Prevention in the Construction Industry. The number of fatal falls to a lower level among construction workers increased from 2011 to 2017 – reflecting a surge in employment – although […]

U.S. Department of Labor Cracks Down On Employee Exposure to Carbon Monoxide

An article published August 13, 2019 by Occupational Health & Safety explains that this silent toxin is both colorless and odorless, and exposure to it is often deadly.  That’s why the U.S. Department of Labor does not take carbon monoxide (CO) matters lightly. One seemingly minor slip-up can have detrimental and hazardous effects. As one […]

3M Fall Protection Recall

On July 25th, 2019 3M Fall Protection announced an immediate stop use and product recall of the 3M™ DBI-SALA® Twin-Leg Nano-Lok™ edge and the Twin-Leg Nano-Lok™ Wrap Back Self-Retracting Lifeline. These Twin-Leg Nano-Loks are used as part of a personal fall protection system that connects two self-retracting lifelines/devices (SRLs/SRDs) directly under the dorsal D-ring of a worker’s harness. […]

Safe + Sound Week is August 12-18 – Registration Now Open!

Join OSHA, CPWR, and many other safety & health organizations for Safe + Sound Week, August 12-18, 2019!  Register now at https://www.osha.gov/safeandsoundweek/ to let us know you’re participating and to stay current on Safe + Sound resources. Safe + Sound Week is a nationwide event held each August that recognizes the successes of workplace health and […]

June 26th: National Safety Month Webinar

In honor of National Safety Month, NSC is hosting the following webinar on June 26th at 2:00pm Eastern: Injury Facts: Data You Can Count On Join Ken Kolosh, NSC Statistics Manager and the creator of Injury Facts – a free resource featuring interactive charts and graphs (injuryfacts.nsc.org), as he walks you through the website providing […]

NIOSH Science Blog: Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

According to a recent blog post from the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), the opioid overdose epidemic continues to claim lives across the country with a record 47,600 overdose deaths in 2017. The crisis is taking an especially devastating toll on certain parts of the U.S. workforce, such as construction, which has […]

June is National Safety Month!

The National Safety Council has been leading National Safety Month since 1996.  This annual effort focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road, and in homes and communities.  National Safety Month is more pertinent than ever as unintentional injuries have become the third leading cause of death in the […]

Summer, Construction, Distraction: A Lethal Combination in Work Zones

A new blog post from the National Safety Council highlights the dangers construction workers face when doing road and highway work.  While these types of jobs are dangerous year-round – construction workers account for 10% of nonfatal pedestrian vehicle incidents and 19% of all fatal pedestrian incidents – the increase in both summertime traffic and construction zones […]

NEW! A to Z Index Feature on CPWR.com

CPWR’s main website is an excellent source of information ranging from key findings from research, training programs and materials, dissemination planning and r2p tools, and much more.  In order to make the site easier to navigate, and materials easier to find, we have recently added an A to Z Index feature.  Check it out, and […]

Safety Takes Teamwork – Letting Young Workers Know They Can Ask For Help

The ability to work as part of a team is one of the most important skills in today’s job market. Likewise, teamwork can make the workplace a safer environment for every employee.  For example, jobs that involve lifting heavy or awkward objects are better done in a team. Overexertion is the third leading cause of […]

Preventing Injuries Among Young Workers

Many workplace accidents are preventable! Being struck by an object, caught in a piece of equipment, or caught in collapsing materials are the second leading cause of young worker injury.  Learn more at https://www.nsc.org/work-safety/safety-topics/struck-by-objects. Parents, make sure your child is aware of their surroundings and knows how to prevent injuries at their summer job. Employers, […]

On-Demand Webinar: What Happens After a Fall is Arrested?: Suspension Trauma and the Importance of Having a Rescue Plan

Originally presented on Thursday, June 27th, 2019 at 1:00pm EST by: Mike Kassman, Training Specialist, CPWR – The Center for Construction Research & Training Chad Riddleberger, Captain and Technical Rescue Team Lead with Roanoke Fire-EMS, Adjunct Instructor with VA Department of Fire Programs, and Instructor with Spec Rescue International Even when contractors and workers take […]

Empowering Young Workers to Speak Up About Safety

Being young and new to a job can be an advantage – young workers bring fresh eyes and may see safety and health hazards others miss.  Empowering them to speak up about what they see may save lives! Parents should be aware when their children start new summer jobs. Encourage your children to trust their […]

Every Job Has Hazards – Especially For Young Workers!

Every minute, one young worker under 25 is injured at work.  The scenarios on this activity page can be used by parents to help children prepare for being safe on the job, or by employers as a training activity – http://youngworkers.org/injuries/hazards/hazards-activity-page/. Employers, especially, have a responsibility to point out hazards, give clear instructions for each […]

Safe + Sound “Take 3 in 30” Challenge

Management leadership is a core element of a workplace safety and health program.  Accelerate your program and show your commitment in your workplace. Take 3 in 30! Here’s how you do it: 1. Take 3 actions in 30 days There are lots of ways to accelerate your program! Choose from our list or pick one […]

Keeping Youth Safe at Summer Jobs

Attention Parents! Is your child looking for a summer job? Make sure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities as a young worker. They can’t be fired for reporting an injury, a workplace hazard, or other safety problems. They also have the right to: Be trained in a language they understand Work on machines […]

Safety Pays, Falls Cost

According to Liberty Mutual, workers compensation claims for non-fatal falls leading to more than 5 days away from work cost the construction industry $3.85 billion in 2016! Join the National Campaign to stop falls in construction at stopconstructionfalls.com.  Click the image below to download a PDF version:

Safe + Sound 2019

OSHA’s Safe + Sound Campaign is back for its third year in 2019.  The Campaign and associated Safe + Sound Week represent a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the value of workplace safety and health programs. These programs can help employers and workers identify and manage workplace hazards before they cause injury or illness, […]

New Safety Stand-Down Materials

Several new products and resources have been added to stopconstructionfalls.com in preparation for this year’s National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls.  Everything you need to conduct a Stand-Down can be found on our new One-Stop Shop page, but we’ve highlighted some of the new pieces below: Written Fall Protection & Rescue Plan – Developing and implementing […]

WWDPI Webinar: Safety and Health Among Older Construction Workers in the United States

March 20th, 2019 at 11am PST, 2:00pm EST.​ The labor force in the United States is rapidly growing older. Older workers are more vulnerable to risks at worksites due to possible declining cognitive and physical abilities with age. Therefore, this trend of an aging workforce is a significant challenge for occupational safety and health as […]

New Video: Safe Ladder Practices in Roofing

Falls are a leading cause of injury and death. This video – developed by the Roofing r2p Partnership (National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and the United Union of Roofers and Waterproofers & Allied Workers, and CPWR) – focuses on ladder safety during roofing work and shows how the free National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) […]

PEPH Podcast: Opioids and Worker Health

Partnerships for Environmental Public Education (PEPH) interviewed CPWR’s Chris Trahan Cain about the significant risks that opioids pose to worker health and safety, and how different agencies and nonprofit organizations are working to address these concerns. Listen at: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/supported/translational/peph/podcasts/2019/jan24_opioids/index.cfm.

NAHB gears up for 2019 Falls Safety Stand-Down with Fall Protection Training for Residential Construction

The National Association of Home Builders’ Fall Protection training program will help employees and employers identify and avoid fall hazards encountered during home building operations, the prevention of falls, solutions to protect against and arrest falls, and the rescue of a fallen worker. Participants will be able to: Recognize common fall hazards in residential construction. […]

Webinar: Fatality Rates in Construction Vary 3-Fold: Do OSHA and Workers’ Compensation Play a Role?

Originally presented on Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019 – 12pm EST by: Wayne B. Gray, Professor of Economics, Clark University and Executive Director, Boston Federal Statistical Research Data Center, and John Mendeloff, Professor, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs and Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh This 30 minute webinar describes the variation in construction industry fatality […]

Working in Cold Weather

Working outside in cold, wet, icy, or snowy conditions can lead to serious health problems such as hypothermia and frostbite. CPWR maintains a list of resources containing information and handouts on working safely in cold weather. View at: https://www.cpwr.com/research/working-in-cold-weather

CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report on Opioid Prescribing Rates

The CDC recently published the article, Opioid Prescribing Rates in Nonmetropolitan and Metropolitan Counties Among Primary Care Providers Using an Electronic Health Record System — United States, 2014–2017, in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.  The authors looked at differences in prescribing rates among six urban-rural county classifications across the US before and after the […]

Physicians’ Alert: Pain Management for Construction Workers

Opioids are often prescribed to help manage pain. CPWR’s Physicians’ Alert: Pain Management for Construction Workers was developed to help ensure that all construction workers who visit a doctor or other healthcare provider because of pain from an injury are aware of treatment options and understand the potential risks of addiction associated with using prescription […]

Best Built Plans featured in CFMA Building Profits

The Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) recently published an article written by CPWR’s Eileen Betit that highlights the cost of overexertion injuries in the construction industry and describes the Best Built Plans program aimed at helping the industry engage in materials handling practices that are good for business and safer for employees. Read more at http://www.cfmabponline.net/cfmabp/20180910?pg=17#pg17.

OR-FACE Trench Collapse Fatality Investigation

The number of trenching fatalities has greatly increased over the last few years, making it a priority area for those in construction safety and health to address.  The Oregon Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation program (OR-FACE) recently published a report on the investigation of a fatality resulting from a trench collapse, which contains 7 prevention recommendations […]

6th Annual Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls to be held May 6-10, 2019

The 6th annual National Safety Stand-Down to prevent falls will take place the week of May 6-10, 2019. The Stand-Down was conceived by OSHA in 2014 as part of the National Falls Campaign to raise awareness surrounding the severity of fall hazards in construction and the importance of preventing them. It’s an opportunity for employers to pause work and […]

A Social Network Analysis of The National Fall Prevention Campaign

The National Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction was started in 2012 by OSHA, NIOSH, and CPWR, with the addition of the annual Safety Stand-Down occurring in 2014.  Since that time, thousands of companies have instituted or improved their jobsite fall prevention programs, and millions of workers have paused work during a Stand-Down to learn more about […]

Measuring the Effectiveness of Toolbox Safety Training

Via the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) — A key to improving the safety and health of construction workers is ensuring that they are trained to understand and identify the hazards associated with their work so that they can be mitigated or eliminated. Toolbox Talks are one widely used training tool wherein workers participate in […]

Construction Noise Infographic

Over thirty million construction workers are exposed to hazardous noise conditions on a regular basis. In honor of National Protect Your Hearing Month this past August, BigRentz created an infographic that compares common construction noise to everyday sounds to put the risk of loud noise into perspective. It also highlights exposure limits for construction tasks […]

Fatal Electrical Injuries of Contract Workers

Electrocution is a significant cause of fatal injuries at work. This report from the National Fire Protection Association examines fatal work injuries of contract workers between 2012 and 2016. Due to the growth of temporary workers in the labor force in recent years, there has been substantial attention in recent years to special health and […]

CPWR Call for Data – Silica and Noise

CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training has recently developed a new website called the Exposure Control Database. This online tool helps construction health and safety practitioners predict worker exposure to four major hazards including silica, noise, welding fumes, and lead based on a combination of work factors like task, tool, and material. […]

OSHA reminds us to be prepared in the face of coming hurricanes

In preparation for the multiple tropical storms, typhoons, and hurricanes that are currently active in the Pacific Ocean (Typhoon Mangkhut, Hurricane Olivia, and Tropical Storm Paul) and Atlantic Ocean (Hurricanes Florence, Isaac, and Helene), OSHA reminds everyone of their Hurricane Preparedness and Response Webpage, which outlines several links on preparedness and response and recovery. OSHA’s Worker Safety […]

New Silica Resources

In August, OSHA released updated FAQs and other resources to help employers and workers understand the requirements under the Silica Standard for the Construction Industry (29 CFR 1926.1153).  CPWR has added these materials to the Work Safely with Silica website and planning tool, and updated the tip sheet, “Table 1 – Equipment Names and Best Practice […]

Annotated Bibliographies on 16 Different Topics in Construction Safety and Health

Conducting a literature review? Looking for past research on a specific hazard? Before you dig any further, check out CPWR’s collection of Annotated Bibliographies.  Organized by topics such as Asphalt, Falls, Prevention thru Design, and Older Workers, each bibliography provides a comprehensive list and overview of available interdisciplinary research published in that area. Access the […]

CPWR Recorded Webinar: WAIT, WHAT? Construction Safety Materials that Everyone Can Understand

Originally Presented on Thursday, August 23rd by: Clayton Sinyai, Communications Research Manager, CPWR Are your construction safety and health handouts and training materials getting the point across to your readers? CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training has used lessons from health communications experts to review more than 100 handouts, brochures and pamphlets […]

New OH&S Magazine Article: Take Matters into Your Own Hands: Understanding Hand Injuries in the Workplace

Hand injuries including cuts, strained muscles and tendons, damaged nerves, skin disorders, and burns can impact the quality of work, productivity – and even end careers.  According to the Occupational Safety & Health article, the BLS states that over 1 million workers are sent to the emergency room with hand injuries each year, but they […]

OSHA Region 6 Partners with Local Organizations to Host Houston Area Conference & Find Solid Safety Solutions

OSHA’s Region 6 is hosting the second biennial OSHA Construction Safety and Health Conference on September 13-14, 2018 in Houston, Texas.  While Region 6 is hosting the event, it is open to anyone around the country with an interest in construction safety and health.  Attendees will learn about new safety products, processes, and technology in […]

CPWR Recorded Webinar: Best built plans: preventing injury & improving productivity by reducing manual materials handling

Manually lifting and moving heavy materials on job sites can result in strain, sprain, and related soft tissue injuries.  These types of injuries cost businesses billions of dollars and are a leading cause of disabling injuries in the construction industry. CPWR’s new Best Built Plans program responds to this issue by providing contractors and workers with practical tools and […]

Free Safe + Sound Hardhat Stickers Available

OSHA’s Safe + Sound Week  may be over, but the Campaign is continuing all year long. To learn more visit https://www.osha.gov/safeandsound. To order free hardhat stickers to use during your Campaign efforts, please complete this form.    

Older Construction Workers at Increased Risk for Hearing Loss: Study

A new article in Safety & Health Magazine focuses on results from a CPWR study on hearing loss looking at Building Trades Medical Screening Program data from more than 19,000 workers previously employed at Department of Energy nuclear power sites.  The researchers found that 58 percent of the former construction workers had some form of hearing loss and, […]

NFPA Report: Non-Fatal Electrical Injuries at Work

Electrical hazards are a potential source of injury to workers in a wide array of work environments. Occupations that routinely involve electrical work are the most obvious populations at risk for electrical injury, but virtually any environment that utilizes electrical equipment or is conducted near electrical installations may involve exposure to hazardous energy. This report […]

New Noise & Hearing Loss Training Program

Hearing loss is a serious problem for workers in the construction industry, with three out of every four construction workers being overexposed to noise on a jobsite.  In order to understand more about noise exposure and hearing loss prevention, CPWR used its Trainers and Researchers United Network (TRU-Net) to conduct multi-trade surveys of trainers and […]

NFPA Report: Fatal electrical injuries at work

Occupations that routinely involve electrical work are the most obvious populations at risk for electrical injury, but virtually any environment that utilizes electrical equipment or is conducted near electrical installations may involve exposure to hazardous energy. This report from the National Fire Protection Association provides an overview of fatal electrical injuries at work in 2012-2016. […]

CPWR’s 6th Edition Chart Book is Now Available!

The sixth edition of The Construction Chart Book – The U.S. Construction Industry and Its Workers continues to present the most complete data available on all facets of the U.S. construction industry: economic, demographic, employment/income, education/training, and safety and health issues, plus much more all in one place. This NEW edition not only offers on-demand access to the charts […]

Construction PPE for the Female Workforce

One of the challenges facing women in the construction industry is finding personal protective equipment (PPE) that fits properly. Oversized protective clothing can lead to tripping hazards or get caught in machinery and result in a serious injury. Poorly fitted fall protection harnesses may lead to other injuries or may not be effective in the […]

NIOSH Sound Level Meter App

The NIOSH Sound Level Meter mobile application is a tool to measure sound levels in the workplace and provide noise exposure parameters to help reduce occupational noise-induced hearing loss.

On-Demand Webinar: Tools for a Successful Workplace Safety & Health Program

Presented by:  Safe+Sound – Andrew Levinson, Deputy Director, OSHA Directorate of Standards & Guidance FSL – Linda Goldenhar, Director, Evaluation & Research, CPWR S-CATsc – Tom Shanahan, Vice President of Enterprise Risk Management, National Roofing Contractors Association, and Keith J. Vitkovich, Executive Director, Roofers & Waterproofers Research and Education Joint Trust Fund CPWR is proud […]

New Research Findings: Applying Prevention through Design (PtD) to Solar Systems in Small Buildings

Researchers interviewed workers, contractors and engineers who install solar systems on small buildings to identify choices during the design process that can reduce worker exposure to injury during construction.

OSHA’s Safe Workplace + Sound Business Campaign Enters Year Two

OSHA’s Safe + Sound Campaign encourages every workplace in the US to have a safety and health program that includes management leadership, worker participation, and a proactive approach to finding and fixing hazards. Visit their website, or those of other Campaign organizers like CPWR, for useful resources.

New Report: Safety Management in the Construction Industry 2017

A new report from Dodge Data & Analytics summarizes the impact of new technologies on safety in the workplace and how those safety investments benefit contractors.

Updated: Foundations for Safety Leadership Course

The newly updated 2.5-hour Foundations for Safety Leadership (FSL) module fills a long-standing need to provide leadership skills training.

New guide for the successful incorporation of safety and health into CTE programs in construction

WVU & UC Berkeley researchers recently completed a project and subsequent guide identifying elements of effective health and safety education in CTE programs.

OSHA Alliance Construction Roundtable White Paper Aims to Reach Small Contractors

New OSHA Alliance Construction Roundtable white paper, " Proposed Strategies for the Occupational Safety and Health Community to More Effectively Reach Small Contractors in Residential Construction."

OSHA Disaster Response Resources

OSHA has consolidated key resources related to worker safety and health hazards and protective measures in disaster response and recovery efforts in these resources.

On Demand Webinar: Protecting Workers in Enclosed Cabs from Silica Exposure: Leveraging Research from the Mining Industry

Hear from OSHA about the requirements for enclosed cabs under Table 1 of the new silica standard, and from NIOSH on how lessons from mining industry research can help you comply.

New NIEHS & CPWR App provides resources for emergency response and hazardous waste workers

CPWR & NIEHS have produced a series of training materials for workers exposed to hazards on disaster sites, including a smart phone app for easy access to safety information.