TAPS: Strategies for Diffusing Control Technologies for Masonry Tools (Completed – 2004-2009)
Mark Goldberg, Ph.D.
Hunter College – CUNY
New York, NY
Ph: 212-481-7555
[email protected]
Original Project Abstract:
Hunter College will collaborate with CPWR in this intervention project which employs previously developed “tools” for exposure assessment and control of health hazards. The project is designed to evaluate “programs” for integrating occupational disease prevention into construction work practices. To help accomplish this Hunter College will collaborate with CPWR on the following specific aims:
- Collect quantitative exposure data for exposure hazards, with emphasis on introducing and evaluating engineering controls, for manganese, hexavalent chromium and silica (agents which are currently the subject of rule-making or for which data is lacking);
- Develop and evaluate health hazard prevention programs including a contractor certification program for reducing silica exposure to Pointer/Caulker/Cleaner (PCC) workers through an intervention that will develop, implement, evaluate and disseminate a contractor certification program recognized by owners, workers and their unions, regulators and insurance carriers, that leads to the systematic adoption of silica control programs by masonry restoration contractors. This effort will be carried out jointly with key stakeholders, including labor and management as represented by the Labor/Management Craft Committee of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC), and by the International Masonry Institute. This component of the proposed research project has the following objectives: Greater use of engineering controls among PCC contractors to reduce silica exposure, Reduced silica exposure among employees of participating contractors; PCC workers and employers trained in the recognition and control of silica hazards; An increased market advantage for responsible contractors who utilize silica control measures.