CPWR UPDATE
From the Desk of Chris Trahan Cain, Executive Director

October 2024

New CPWR-Supported Health and Safety Research

CPWR has again been chosen to serve as the NIOSH National Construction Center, continuing more than 30 years in a role that responds to the industry’s occupational health and safety hazards, particularly through applied research and translation. Included in our upcoming work are nine new multi-year research projects -- five led by university-based research partners and four by CPWR staff. Some build off previous research, such as those studying chemical hazards facing painters, safety culture, and exoskeletons, while others examine new topics, such as heat and OSHA state consulting programs. In addition, the Small Study Program, which provides awards of up to $30,000 to investigate promising research and practical initiatives, is again accepting applications -- see more about that opportunity in the Research News section below.

TOOLS FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH

Updated Guide on Selecting Head Protection for Construction Work Available

Between 2003 and 2010, over 2,200 construction workers died from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Construction workers are at high risk for TBIs due to exposure to hazards such as falling and flying objects, being struck-by vehicles or heavy equipment, and work at heights. Wearing protective headgear, such as a hardhat or safety helmet, is essential for reducing the risk of a TBI, but as head protection technology changes, it can be difficult to know what to purchase. Version two of CPWR’s guide breaks down the difference between hardhats and safety helmets, the difference between Type I and Type II protection, other items covered in the OSHA rule and voluntary standards, and what to consider when conducting a risk assessment to make your headgear selection. Also, learn more about this resource during this month’s two-part webinar series on head protection in construction, presented by NIOSH-NORA Construction Sector Council Struck-by Work Group. Registration information is below. 

 

New Best Built Plans Contractor Tip Sheet for Safe Manual Materials Handling

CPWR’s Best Built Plans program is a comprehensive planning and training program aimed at improving manual materials handling practices to prevent strains, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries. In response to a recent evaluation of the program, there is now a new tip sheet that breaks down the concepts and resources from the comprehensive program into a streamlined tip sheet that can help get contractors of any size started on effectively planning and training to prevent manual materials handling injuries.

 

Sign Up for NABTU/CPWR Newsletter on Preventing Deaths from Suicide and Opioids

NABTU and CPWR recently published the second edition of our newsletter to help the construction industry prevent suicides and deaths from opioids -- REASON (Resources and Effective programs Addressing Suicides and Opioids Now). Each issue of REASON provides comprehensive solutions, important research, and free resources that highlight these issues and the positive steps being taken to address them. Read the second issue and subscribe now.

RESEARCH NEWS

Small Study Program Again Accepting Grant Funding Requests

Our Small Study Program advances construction safety and health by providing financial support for promising research and practical initiatives. It prioritizes funding for initiatives that aim to:

  • Reach high-risk groups, including small employers (those with 19 or fewer employees), vulnerable workers, and those in residential and light commercial construction.
  • Develop interventions that can be immediately applied on the job.
  • Engage stakeholders in partnerships that identify and overcome barriers to adopting good practices.
  • Tackle persistent or emerging issues with the use of new technologies to enhance worker safety, health, and wellbeing.
  • Translate research into practice and ensure widespread dissemination.
  • Promote proven safety practices to small employers for immediate impact.

You can propose a study at any time, and it may receive up to $30,000 in funding for a one-year period. For more information, including how to apply, visit the Small Study Program on CPWR’s website.

NEWS & EVENTS

Webinar

The NIOSH-NORA Construction Sector Council Struck-By Work Group presents a two-part series on head protection hosted by CPWR:

 

Part 1: Head Protection in the Construction Industry – The Basics

Tuesday, October 15th, 2:00 PM – 3:15 p.m. ET

Each year, thousands of construction workers suffer head injuries on the job. Based on historical data, over 50,000 nonfatal work-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are treated on average annually in United States emergency departments, and between 2003 and 2010, 2,210 construction workers died from a TBI. Common causes of head injuries include: being struck by a falling or flying tool, material, or other object; falling and coming into contact with an object or surface; and coming into contact with overhead hazards. During this webinar you will learn more about TBIs and their impact on construction workers, how to select protective headgear to prevent TBIs, and what the current OSHA, ANSI, and ASTM standards say about head protection.

 

Panelists:

  • Bradley Sant, Senior Vice President, Safety and Education, American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA)
  • Srinivas Konda, MPH, Epidemiologist, Division of Safety Research, National Institute for Occupational and Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • Rosa Greenberg, MPH, Research Analyst, Research to Practice Program, CPWR
  • Diana Jones, Senior Director, Technical Programs and Development, International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA)
  • Brady Robinette, Lieutenant, Lubbock Fire Rescue
  • Douglas Trout, MD, NIOSH Office of Construction Safety and Health

Registration: Click here to register and submit questions in advance

 

Part 2: Selection and Practical Use of Head Protection in the Construction Industry Thursday, October 31st, 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM ET

A follow-up to our October 15th webinar, this session will explore the practical application of concepts discussed previously, including the use of head protection to prevent TBIs, how to select appropriate headgear, and information covered in the standards. You will hear from various contractor representatives on how they have incorporated head protection into their overall struck-by prevention programs and how they have handled the current transition many are making from traditional hardhats to safety helmets as well as challenges that might arise. We will also explore limitations to the current standards, research that still needs to be done, and factors that should be considered from the employees’ perspective when making decisions about head protection on the job.

 

Panelists:

  • Alanna Klein, Director, Risk Control, CNA Insurance
  • Brian A. Rizzo, CSP, Director, Office of Construction Services, Directorate of Construction, OSHA
  • Andrew Valentine, CHST, LEED AP, Safety Director II, Gilbane Building Company
  • Paul Ziegler, Vice President of Safety, Allan Myers
  • O’Brien Mills, Vice President of Safety, Aldridge Electric
  • Kenneth G. Seal, Apprenticeship Training Representative, Finishing Trades Institute
  • Chris Trahan Cain, CIH, Executive Director, CPWR

Registration: Click here to register and submit questions in advance

Speaking Engagements

October 3, virtual International Society for Fall Protection Symposium

10/3, 2:25-3:10 ET – “Preventing Falls in Construction: New Data and Resources”

  • Rosa Greenberg, MPH, Research Analyst, Research to Practice Program, CPWR
  • William ​Harris, MS, Research Analyst, Data Center, CPWR

 

October 22-24, virtual – 2024 National Work Zone Management Conference

10/23, 4:00-4:30 p.m. ET – “OSHA Heat Standard Update/Working in Hot Environments”

  • Gavin H. West, MPH, Director of Health Research, CPWR
  • Bradley Sant, Senior Vice President, Safety and Education, American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA)

CPWR in the News

CPWR, NLO and NABTU Working to Address Opioid Misuse in the Trades, America’s Work Force Union Podcast, 9/26/24


Contractors shine a light on industry’s suicide problem, Construction Dive, 9/9/24



Nanomaterials in construction: CPWR offers tips on exposure control, Safety+Health, 9/11/24

Career Opportunities

CPWR has openings for:

Visit our Career Opportunities page for instructions on applying.

Partner News

AIHA Asks for Feedback on New Network

The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) has just launched the EHS Network, which is targeted to environmental, health, and safety generalists and safety practitioners who may be assuming some industrial hygiene (IH) responsibilities in their jobs. The network plans to offer access to discounted fundamental IH training materials, a new online community where those who are being asked to practice more “IH” in their jobs could network with IH professionals (as well as each other), and possibly other benefits. To help AIHA understand how the EHS Network can serve its audience better, it has developed a short survey it encourages people to complete

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Linkedin  Youtube