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James W. Platner, Ph.D., CIH
CPWR
Silver Spring, MD
Ph: 301-578-8500 X8501
Email: jplatner@cpwr.com
Original Project Abstract:
(Under development)
Construction workers suffer high rates of fatal and non-fatal injuries, occupational illness/cancers, and musculoskeletal disease (MSD). In order for contractors or workers/unions to take evidence-based actions to prevent occupational illnesses and reduce MSDs, they must be able to anticipate which tasks are high risk, and identify available control options or solutions. An on-line database will be developed which will allow workers and contractors to identify hazards associated with specific construction tasks, and provide options for actually controlling those hazards.
Participatory research methods and focus groups will be used to identify common tasks and trade-group priority hazards. Technical advisory group reviews and focus groups will be conducted with journeyman apprenticeship instructors from all 15 of the construction trades unions.
Multiple, repeated process and outcome evaluation measures will be used. This will include evaluation of e-tool format and use, evaluation of hazard summary content, evaluation of solution or control information, and evaluation of use and user comments. Beta testing and email surveys will draw on a panel of technical reviewers, union leaders, OSHA 500 trained safety instructors, and apprenticeship instructors. Short surveys will be administered to labor leaders at regional Building Trade Meeting, and contractors' associations to evaluate changes in their self-reported use of this tool.
There are many on-line resources providing information on risk. Preventing injuries and illness requires improved mechanisms for practitioners to access the information they need to control these risks, or to alter practices or processes in a way that solves these problems. Development will parallel the NIOSH workplace Solutions small employer database, and adapt criteria from the NORA Intervention Effectiveness Team.
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