Behavioral economics, a relatively new field of study that combines insights from psychology and economics, may have promise for influencing safety and health decisions made by employers, supervisors, and workers in the construction industry. This literature review explores the extent to which behavioral economics concepts have been used in the construction industry and, more broadly, how they have been used to influence safety or health decisions.

Nominations are now open for the 2022 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; one or more honorable mentions may also be awarded. Click here to learn more about the process and past recipients. The submission deadline is February 28, 2022.

This issue of the CPWR Data Bulletin examines construction safety management during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the impact of COVID-19 on businesses; safety and health priorities; and plans, practices, and policies to prevent viral spread. Accompanying the Data Bulletin are two new data dashboards: Characteristics of Construction Businesses and Characteristics of Construction Business Owners.

• Data Bulletin
• Data Bulletin – Charts
• Data Bulletin – Chart Data

One of the challenges facing women in the construction industry is finding personal protective equipment (PPE) that fits properly. This is a serious issue because PPE that does not fit properly will not adequately protect against occupational hazards and may increase the risk for illnesses, injuries and death. For example, oversized protective clothing can lead to tripping hazards or get caught in machinery and result in a serious injury. Although OSHA Construction Standards for PPE do not require employers to ensure that the PPE provided fits each employee, doing so will ensure their employees, including female employees, are protected.

CPWR has compiled a list of examples of commercially available PPE to help employers and women in the trades find PPE that accommodates female anthropometry. To view the list, click here.

This new NIOSH Science Blog discusses CPWR’s Small Study Program, which provides funding of up to $30,000 for short-term extramural studies (up to 12 months). This research can investigate and assess the potential risks from emerging hazards and changes taking place in the construction industry, explore new approaches for addressing persistent hazards, and create and test promising methods and interventions to improve construction worker health and safety.

To read the post and learn more about the Small Study Program, click HERE.