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 workers.

The results of the trainer and worker surveys identified a need for additional training materials and new strategies to improve retention of training materials. Based on these findings, CPWR’s r2p and training staff developed the Construction Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention Training Program. This comprehensive program consists of several modules and exercises that can be used on their own or as part of OSHA training programs, including a 1-hour elective module, a 30-minute elective module, and in-class and hands-on refresher exercises.

Learn more at: https://www.cpwr.com/research/research-practice-library/r2p-and-p2r-work/preventing-hearing-loss

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.

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Fire-statistics-and-reports/Fire-statistics/Non-fire-incidents/Fatal-electrical-injuries-at-work

See also: NFPA Report: Non-Fatal Electrical Injuries at Work

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 and data, but also includes interactive features that enhance the user’s experience. Users can click on terms to access definitions instantly, and easily enlarge charts and tables within each page. References, citations, and databases are also hyperlinked to enable users to further explore these sources.

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 event of a fall. CPWR has aggregated this list of examples of commercially-available PPE has been compiled to help employers and women in the trades find PPE that accommodates female anthropometry.

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.

Key Benefits

• Raises workers’ awareness about their work environment
• Helps workers make informed decisions about the potential hazards to their hearing
• Serves as a research tool to collect noise exposure data
• Promotes better hearing health and prevention efforts
• Easy to use

For more information and to download, visit https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/app.html.