New ‘Best Built Plans’ Program Can Help Reduce Strains, Sprains on Jobsite

Manually lifting and moving heavy materials on jobsites can result in strain, sprain and related soft tissue injuries. These types of injuries are a leading cause of disabling injuries in the construction industry.

Working with a community of practice that included researchers, insurers and industry stakeholders, CPWR’s Research to Practice and Training staff surveyed and interviewed contractors to understand the motivators and barriers to engaging in materials handling practices that would minimize the risks for these types of injuries. Based on their responses, CPWR developed a program, Best Built Plans, to provide contractors and workers with practical tools and information to plan for safe materials handling while staying productive and profitable.

Best Built Plans includes resources for everyone involved in materials handling—from the new worker entering the industry to the contractor. A Site Planning Tool helps contractors integrate safer materials handling into every part of the business plan over the lifecycle of a project. Interactive training and coaching resources reinforce the value of following safe practices. The tool includes a Hazard Alert card and a Toolbox Talk linked to two “Lift Coach” phone games that reinforce safe material handling. The Hazard Alert, Toolbox Talk and related games are available in English and Spanish.

All of these materials are free and easy to access and use. Visit Best Built Plans to access the Planning Tool, Training and Coaching resources. The Lift Coach game apps can be found HERE. To view a recent webinar explaining Best Built Plans, CLICK HERE.