Pre-Task Planning (PTP) – also known as job hazard analysis, job safety analysis, morning huddle, etc. – is a process performed before each task starts to discuss the steps of work, hazards, and available controls. To help construction practitioners evaluate and improve their PTP process, CPWR has developed a free, one-page checklist based on research findings and input from industry experts. Feedback on the new checklist is welcomed.

This issue of the CPWR Data Bulletin examines the leading causes of death among construction workers, including those currently employed, retired, or no longer in the workforce. Although CPWR and others have extensively researched fatal occupational injuries, there is limited information on deaths not on the job site among construction workers, even though worksite exposures and tasks may result in lifetime health impacts, such as cancers.

Data Bulletin
Data Bulletin – Charts
Data Bulletin – Chart Data

CPWR has published a white paper capturing key points from a two-day workshop they hosted this summer addressing the high rates of suicide and overdose deaths in the construction industry. The workshop’s 50 participants – who came from contractors, labor organizations, government, and universities – examined current programs and divided themselves into four thematic area workgroups that will continue to meet and develop roadmaps for action on research, practice, and policy.

Click here to read the white paper. 

Nominations are now open for the 2023 Liberty Mutual Safety Innovation Award in Construction, which recognizes innovative approaches for reducing or eliminating hazards that lead to injuries and pain for construction workers. This intervention can be an evidence-based technology, work practice, program, or grass-roots campaign and media engagement focused on reaching smaller contractors or other underserved segments of the construction workforce. Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Insurance in partnership with CPWR, the award includes a $15,000 cash prize for the winning individual or organization, and one or more honorable mentions may also be awarded. Click here to learn more about the process and past recipients. The submission deadline is January 31, 2023.

CPWR has launched the Nano Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Improvement Tool, which will help manufacturers, distributors, and importers of products containing nanomaterials strengthen their SDSs. CPWR’s existing eLCOSH Nano Inventory provides information about the use of manufactured nanomaterials in a wide range of over 800 construction products, but studies show that many SDSs do a poor job of communicating nanomaterial hazard information for protecting workers. The free, interactive SDS Improvement Tool uses questions to evaluate an existing SDS and generate recommendations, based on authoritative guidance, regulations, and good industrial hygiene practice. SDS users may also find this tool helpful to evaluate the information they receive about potential nanomaterial hazards.