CPWR Offers Resources to Help Protect Construction Workers from Head Injuries

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Between 2021 and 2022, almost 450 construction workers suffered a fatal head injury, and another 11,600 had injuries severe enough to force them to miss work. The causes of these injuries take many forms, including being struck by a falling object or moving equipment; falling and hitting one’s head against an object or surface and coming in contact with overhead hazards, such as equipment or electrical wires. CPWR has developed materials that show how to protect workers from these injuries, including a new version of our guide to selecting head protection, a Hazard Alert Card and a Toolbox Talk, and … Read more

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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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