Research Projects Focus on Preventing Suicide and Opioid-Related Deaths in Construction

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In January 2023, CPWR invited proposals from construction professionals and researchers across the U.S. to tackle the issue of suicide and opioid-related deaths in the construction sector. Nineteen proposals were submitted and reviewed by experts, resulting in five projects receiving $50,000 each from a private donor. The evaluation of programs and interventions for their efficacy and scalability was a top priority in the selection process. The researchers will report on their findings in 2024. Evaluating the Implementation and Effectiveness of New Peer-Support Programs in Two Building Trades Unions — Washington University in St. Louis The Greater St. Louis Construction Laborers … Read more

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Department of Labor Proposes Rule to Clarify PPE Standard, Ensure Safety of Construction Industry Workers

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The U.S. Department of Labor announced a notice of proposed rulemaking to clarify the personal protective equipment standard for the construction industry. The current standard does not state clearly that PPE must fit each affected employee properly, which the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s general industry and maritime standards do. The proposed change would clarify that PPE must fit each employee properly to protect them from occupational hazards. The failure of standard-sized PPE to protect physically smaller construction workers properly, as well as problems with access to properly fitting PPE, have long been safety and health concerns in the construction … Read more

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4 Types of Heat Illness + Tips to Prevent on the Jobsite

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How water, rest + shade to get the work done By Taylor Klitzke With drastic, seasonal weather changes in many parts of the country, it’s a good time to review the extra precautions that must be taken to protect our workers. On occasion, workers may be required to work in hot environments for long periods, and when the human body is unable to maintain normal temperature, heat-related illnesses can occur. Every year, thousands of workers become sick from exposure to heat, and several even die. To prevent heat-related illness and fatalities, superintendents must learn the signs of heat illness and … Read more

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Practice Ladder Safety All Year Long

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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ladder deaths accounted for 161 on-the-job fatalities in 2020, the most recent year for which statistics are available. That same year, there were 22,710 ladder-related workplace injuries, an injury stat that has remained relatively constant over the previous several years. The American Ladder Institute recently marked National Ladder Safety Month, spreading the word about safe ladder practices, training opportunities and more. Because safety never takes a break, now is the time to take the lessons learned in March and carry them forward all year long. By continuing to follow ladder safety practices … Read more

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Cold Stress Safety, Protection on the Jobsite

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By David DeSilva and Dr. Mark S. Williams The best time to think about cold stress safety isn’t when it’s about to snow – it’s when it’s still warm out. Cold stress happens when skin temperature and internal body temperature drops. If the body can’t warm itself, the stress can lead to serious illnesses and injuries. Superintendents may start thinking about protecting their crew against the cold during frigid temperatures. Oftentimes, however, that may be too late, especially if the jobsite is in the Northeast, Midwest, Rocky Mountains or parts of the upper Pacific regions of the U.S. When a … Read more

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