Responding to Opioids’ Impact on Construction Workers 

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The construction industry has been hit particularly hard by opioids, with state-level studies finding that construction workers are 6-7 times more likely to die of an opioid overdose than workers in other professions. CPWR is playing a leading role in helping the industry respond to this danger, including two new resources: Training program, intended to be used by experienced NABTU instructors, that is designed to increase awareness of opioids and decrease stigma associated with opioid use. The training program is available now, launched in a beta version that is under evaluation. CPWR anticipates this program will be refined in the … Read more

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FEMA Strengthens Construction Standards for Disaster Recovery

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency released an update on Dec. 20, 2019, to its Recovery Interim Policy FP-104-009-11, Consensus-Based Codes, Specifications and Standards for Public Assistance, Version 2.1, adding several International Codes , developed by the International Code Council, to the list of required Consensus-Based Codes, Specifications and Standards. The I-Codes requirements aim to advance national resiliency and reduce community risk before and after a disaster. The Public Assistance Program is FEMA’s largest grant program averaging $4.7 billion in assistance each year to state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations. Through the PA program, following a federal declaration, … Read more

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CPWR Releases New Safety + Health Resources for the New Year 

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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 its collection of free resources that promote safety and health. The organization’s 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 radiation, … Read more

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ABC’s Greg Sizemore Appointed Vice Chair, Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention

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Associated Builders and Contractors announced that Greg Sizemore, the association’s vice president of health, safety, environment and workforce development, has been appointed vice chair of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention. In this role, Sizemore will help support the alliance’s mission to address suicide prevention as a construction health and safety priority and reach a zero-suicide industry. “I am honored to be a part of this mission committed to raising awareness and equipping all levels of our workforce with the tools and education necessary to reduce the risk of suicide in the construction industry,” said Sizemore. “It is our … Read more

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How to Deal with Unknown Site Conditions + Underground Utilities

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Planning, training to minimize risk By Dwayne Goddard As a senior superintendent, I have been working in the construction industry for more than 42 years. I have seen the industry evolve, particularly in the way we approach unknowns on a jobsite. Gone are the days of walking on a new site and immediately digging a trench or tearing down walls. Now more than ever, the emphasis is on planning and identifying potential hazards before they occur. Plan the work, work the plan In my career working for multiple general contractors, I have observed a drastic variation in the frequency that … Read more

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