New Study Examines Construction Worker Safety, Mental Health

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Research findings indicate construction contractors continue to make progress responding to issues affecting worker safety and health, such as heat and mental health, but many areas for improvement remain. The new study, Safety Management in the Construction Industry 2023 SmartMarket Report, examines occupational safety and health challenges across the industry and shines a light where more effort is needed. It was conducted by Dodge Construction Network and CPWR. Key findings include: Working in extreme heat is increasingly common in construction, posing significant safety and health risks to workers. To combat this problem: 52% of contractors in the study report making … Read more

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New Data Bulletin Examines Mental Health Trends Among Construction Workers

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Construction workers have the highest overdose death rate and the second highest suicide death rate of any U.S. industry. Those two issues are key elements of the September 2024 edition of CPWR’s Data Bulletin, “Mental Health Trends in the Construction Industry,” which also examines topics such as anxiety, depression, serious psychological distress, seeing a mental health professional and medication use. In 2021, 15.4% of construction workers reported, based on symptoms or medication, having anxiety or depression, and in 2022, there were 17,100 overdose and 5,200 suicide deaths among those usually employed in the construction industry.

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5th Annual National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-by Incidents Coming in April

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National Work Zone Awareness Week 2024 will take place April 15-19, including the NORA Construction Sector Council’s fifth annual National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-by Incidents. Any workplace can hold a stand-down by taking a break to focus on struck-by hazards and reinforcing the importance of training and prevention. Learn how to participate in the event and about this hazard — including resources to make workers safer — on CPWR’s Struck-by Hazards webpage. Also, CPWR is recruiting general and specialty contractors to participate in a pilot planning program to prevent struck-by incidents. Learn more about the free program and how to … Read more

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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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Winner Announced for 2022 Liberty Mutual Safety Innovation Award in Construction

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The finalists for the 2022 Liberty Mutual Safety Innovation Award in Construction were announced at CPWR’s annual Research to Practice Seminar and Workshop in June. The award — sponsored by Liberty Mutual Insurance and administered by CPWR — recognizes innovative Evidence-Based technologies, work practices and programs (interventions) designed to reduce or eliminate construction hazards that lead to injuries and pain in the construction industry. The winner receives a $15,000 cash prize and a plaque; two honorable mentions also receive a plaque. Applications for the 2023 Liberty Mutual Safety Innovation Awards in Construction will open later this year. For background, read … Read more

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