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Susan Woskie, MS, PhD
University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell
Ph: (978)934-3265
Email: Susan_Woskie@uml.edu
Abstract:
Although significant silica and noise exposures have been documented in construction in general, and concrete finishing and demolition in particular, few controls are evidence on typical construction sites. Reduction or elimination of exposures to silica and noise in construction requires the availability of controls that are technically proven in a controlled evaluation and regularly utilized. The objective of this project is to evaluate the efficacy of specific silica and noise controls in the controlled environment of a union apprenticeship-training center. The most efficacious controls will then be introduced into worksites where the barriers encountered during their implementation and ongoing use is examined.
This study proposes to evaluate the efficacy of a range of dust and noise controls used on small powered tools including portable concrete (chop) saws, walk behind concrete saws and jackhammers as well as heavy equipment such as pneumatic hammers (hoe-rams), pulverizers and rock crushers. The technical ability (efficacy) of silica and noise controls to reduce exposures will be measured under controlled conditions at the Operating Engineers and Laborers Training Centers . Case studies of implementation will collect qualitative and quantitative data on barriers to acceptance and continued use of these technical controls in a variety of construction settings. |
