Update on Nanomaterials in Construction: Epidemiology, Exposures and Awareness Webinar

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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

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Webinar: Predicting Exposure to Hazards Using CPWR Exposure Control Database

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Predicting worker exposure to jobsite hazards, such as silica, has historically been a challenge in construction. The construction industry lacks a system to help health and safety practitioners predict exposure to hazards and implement effective controls accordingly. To bridge this gap, CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training has developed an interactive, online Exposure Control Database that calculates exposure to four major hazards—silica, welding fumes, noise and lead—using prepopulated objective data. Join CPWR Exposure Control Technologies Research Director Babak Memarian and Industrial Hygienist Sara Brooks to learn more about CPWR’s Exposure Control Database and how to use it. … Read more

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Study Reviews Key Findings of Fatal Injuries at Road Construction Sites

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Working at road construction sites can be dangerous. Between 2011 and 2016, 532 construction workers lost their lives at road construction sites, an average of 89 workers each year. CPWR’s Data Center recently explored road construction fatality trends and causes using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Among the key findings: About half of these deaths happened when a worker on foot was struck by a vehicle or mobile heavy equipment (such as a dump truck on the worksite, or a passing car intruding on the worksite) Construction laborers suffered the greatest number of construction fatalities, and both the … Read more

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Hazard Alert: Opioid Deaths in Construction

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More than 42,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses in 2016. An analysis of fatal opioid overdoses in Ohio showed that construction workers were seven times more likely than other workers to die this way. This is shocking and sad, and there are steps that those in the occupational safety and health community can take. While the CPWR agrees workplace injuries should be prevented with programs like its new Best Built Plans, construction workers continue to get hurt on the job and these injuries cause pain. Doctors routinely prescribe opioids for pain. The CDC reports that as many as one out … Read more

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New ‘Best Built Plans’ Program Can Help Reduce Strains, Sprains on Jobsite

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Manually lifting and moving heavy materials on jobsites can result in strain, sprain and related soft tissue injuries. These types of injuries are a leading cause of disabling injuries in the construction industry. Working with a community of practice that included researchers, insurers and industry stakeholders, CPWR’s Research to Practice and Training staff surveyed and interviewed contractors to understand the motivators and barriers to engaging in materials handling practices that would minimize the risks for these types of injuries. Based on their responses, CPWR developed a program, Best Built Plans, to provide contractors and workers with practical tools and information … Read more

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