|
CPWR UPDATE
|
January 2020
| |
From the Desk of Chris Trahan Cain, Executive Director
|
|
|
|
New Safety and Health Resources for
the New Year
 The start of a new year offers a great opportunity to find new ways to address ongoing hazards to construction workers. CPWR is supporting that work by adding to our collection of free resources that promote safety and health. Our latest materials focus on: - Solvents: A new Hazard Alert (in English and Spanish), Toolbox Talk (English, Spanish), and infographic all describe the hazards of these chemicals and how to protect workers.
- Isocyanates: A new Impact Card describes how a CPWR-funded researcher helped an occupied healthcare facility when spray polyurethane foam was installed.
- RF Radiation: At low levels radiofrequency (RF) radiation, the energy used to transmit wireless information, is not considered a hazard. However, at the levels produced by operating telecommunications antennae on rooftops or towers, RF radiation can be a considerable health risk. A new Hazard Alert (in English and Spanish) explains how to identify and guard against this danger.
- Suicide Prevention: Suicide is now a leading cause of death for off-the-job construction workers, and this collection of resources can help organizations and individuals understand the issue, start a conversation, and support friends, co-workers, and family members.
- Opioid Use: Construction workers are six to seven times more likely to die of an opioid overdose than workers in other professions. This webpage offers information about opioid deaths, prevention, and how the construction industry can begin to address this crisis.
- Foundations for Safety Leadership: A new Impact Card highlights key features of this program, which teaches foremen critical leadership skills they can use on the job site to create a stronger safety climate.
|
|
RESEARCH NEWS
Safety Innovation Awards Now Accepting Applications
Applications are open for the Liberty Mutual Safety Innovation Award in Construction, which will honor individuals and organizations that have developed new, evidence-based interventions for improving safety. Sponsored by Liberty Mutual and administered by CPWR, the award includes a $15,000 cash prize to the winning individual or organization. Applications are due February 29.
Small Study Program Reopens Funding Opportunities
Our Small Study Program provides researchers funding of up to $30,000 to investigate promising new research initiatives in areas like research to practice, emerging issues, safety culture, and reaching high-risk sectors. Many CPWR Small Studies grant recipients have gone on to publish findings and expand their research with larger projects. Learn how to apply and see the results from previous Small Study funding.
|
Wednesday, January 29th at 1:00 p.m. ET: Evaluation of Trunk and Arm Support Exoskeletons for Construction
Learn about this newly funded project that is undertaking a mixed-methods assessment of occupational exoskeletons (EXO) to understand the perspectives of a broad set of industry stakeholders, quantify the benefits and risks of EXO use, facilitate adoption, and prevent unexpected consequences. More information and registration coming soon on the CPWR webinars page.
|
|
CPWR Staff Presentations
Panel: "Silica and Emerging Respiratory Hazards in Construction"
- Gavin West, Assistant Director, Nanomaterials Research
- Alan Barr, Principal Development Engineer, University of California, San Francisco
- Eileen Betit, Director, Research to Practice
Also, visit CPWR at World of Concrete -- Booth # C3024
|
|
|
|
|
