Low-dose CT scans can save lives by identifying lung cancers at an early stage, when treatment is most likely to be effective. A newly published CPWR study, “Early detection of lung cancer in a population at high risk due to occupation and smoking,” validates the U.S. National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommendation that early lung cancer detection programs include both smoking and occupational exposures to define populations eligible for CT screening. The Building Trades National Medical Screening Program’s ELCD program screened 1,260 former construction workers, and researchers analyzed the results. This population included both heavy and light smokers who had been … Read more
Robins & Morton Receives Building Star Award
North Carolina Commissioner of Labor, Cherie Berry, recently presented Robins & Morton with the Building Star Award for its work in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Building Star Award is part of the North Carolina Department of Labor’s Star program, administered through its Education, Training and Technical Assistance Bureau of the Occupational Safety and Health Division. This specific award recognizes construction worksites and companies that have quality safety and health programs that meet the Carolina Star requirements. Some requirements include: management commitment and leadership, employee involvement and participation, hazard identification and evaluation, hazard prevention and control, safety and health training. “Because … Read more
Update on Nanomaterials in Construction: Epidemiology, Exposures and Awareness Webinar
When: 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, Dec. 13 (30 minutes) Who: Bruce Lippy, director or safety research, CPWR ; Gavin West, research analyst, CPWR; Laura Boatman, project coordinator, State Building and Construction Trades Council of California Engineered nanomaterials are an emerging hazard in multiple industries, including construction. This webinar will cover the latest efforts to address nanomaterial risks in a world being rapidly transformed by technology. After relying heavily on animal studies, recent epidemiologic research is providing new insight into potential health effects among workers. The speakers will also present CPWR’s latest research on nanomaterial exposure assessment and control, and … Read more
Real-Time Risk: Infection Control, Cross Contamination & Exposure
By Marlene Linders Each year, 5,000-7,500 patients die from cross–contamination due to healthcare-related construction, and the numbers are escalating considerably. Waterborne pathogens such as legionella are on the rise. The CDC estimates that 35 percent of legionella outbreaks are caused by changes in water quality from reasons external to the building itself, like nearby construction. How would you respond to these situations? Situation #1: A 42-year-old male is having open heart surgery in a hospital in the south. Construction is ongoing during the surgery; roof repairs and renovation is a constant. There is a pipe break with considerable flooding. The … Read more
Stay Safe, Productive with New Milwaukee Tool Lanyards
Milwaukee released a new line of tool lanyards and lanyard accessories, designed to keep users safe without hindering productivity. Weight-rated between 10-35 pounds, the lanyards are capable of tethering to a wide variety of tools and equipment. Each offers superior safety features, including locking carabiners for secure attachment, best-in-class shock absorption to protect users from the force of a fallen object, integrated swivels for easier use and color coding so safety managers can easily identify the proper weight-rated lanyard for the job. For safety managers and users to easily identify that the proper lanyard is in use, each of the … Read more