Building a New Reality for Safety Training

By Dan Ruane Even as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration demands a high standard, construction safety continues to be an area of opportunity for the industry. As the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 1,008 fatalities in 2020, there remains a compelling need for improvement. All workers have the right to a safe work environment, and jobsite safety should always be a top priority for any construction company. Beyond the moral obligation, it makes financial sense. A U.S. National Safety Council survey reveals that each dollar invested in safety measures returns $2 in avoided costs. The challenge: traditionally, safety … Read more

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CPWR-NIOSH COVID-19 Webinar COVID 101: Back to Basics

The cold January weather throughout much of the country is keeping many people indoors right now. With COVID-19 continuing to spread, it is important to remember that a multi-layered approach to exposure control on construction jobsites is key. While vaccinations are important and effective at preventing COVID, especially severe illness and death, other key safety measures include requiring employees and visitors to wear masks, improving ventilation and allowing time off for isolating or quarantining when necessary. Join CPWR and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for a COVID 101: Back to Basics webinar from 3-3:30 p.m. ET on … Read more

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New Data Bulletin, Data Dashboards Focus on Construction Worker Health

The January 2022 issue of CPWR’s Data Bulletin examines anxiety and depression among construction workers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry already suffers from an alarmingly high and increasing suicide rate, making it particularly important to understand workers’ mental health at this difficult time. In 2020, nearly one out of every six construction workers reported experiencing anxiety/depression, with a higher prevalence among those who were ages 18 to 34 (18%), female (24%), living below the poverty line (18%) or working part time (19%). The Bulletin also reveals that among workers surveyed in both 2019 and 2020, 43% reported … Read more

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Nominations Open for 2022 Liberty Mutual Award Safety Innovation Award in Construction

Nominations are now open for the 2022 Liberty Mutual Safety Innovation Award in Construction, which recognizes innovative approaches for reducing or eliminating hazards that lead to injuries and pain for construction workers. The nominated intervention can take many forms, including a new tool, an evidence-based technology, a new work practice or a novel safety and health program. It could also be a grassroots or media campaign focused on reaching smaller contractors or segments of the construction workforce at higher risk. Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Insurance in partnership with CPWR, the award includes a $15,000 cash prize for the winning individual … Read more

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ABC Unveils Safety Technology Guide

Associated Builders and Contractors has issued its online Safety Technology Guide, a resource for contractors looking to implement construction technology for the best possible safety performance. “Executing on ABC’s commitment to world-class safety on jobsites requires ABC member contractors to continuously innovate,” said Matt Abeles, ABC vice president of construction technology and innovation. “To keep contractors on the pulse of technology, ABC provides its members numerous resources like this guide to help them not only build the workforce of the future, but also ensure that they achieve optimal safety through the STEP Safety Management System, a world-class safety program founded … Read more

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