The January 2023 issue of CPWR’s Data Bulletin examines the leading causes of death among construction workers, including those currently employed, retired, or no longer in the workforce. Although CPWR and others have extensively researched fatal occupational injuries, there is limited information on deaths not on the job site among construction workers, even though worksite exposures and tasks may result in lifetime health impacts such as cancers. The Data Bulletin found, for example, that the leading manner of death varied by age, with workers 16 to 34 years old most likely to die in a motor vehicle accident, while those 35 and older were most likely to die from heart disease, including heart attacks.

Nominations close soon for the 2023 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. This intervention can be an evidence-based technology, work practice, program, or grass-roots campaign/media engagement focused on reaching smaller contractors or other underserved segments of the construction workforce. Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Insurance in partnership with CPWR, the award -- now in its fourth year -- includes a $15,000 prize for the winning individual or organization; one or more honorable mentions may also be awarded. Learn more about the process and past recipients on the CPWR website. The submission deadline is January 31.

Pre-Task Planning (PTP) -- also known as job hazard analysis, job safety analysis, morning huddle, etc. -- is a process performed before each task starts to discuss the steps of work, hazards, and available controls. To help construction practitioners evaluate and improve their PTP process, CPWR has developed a free, one-page checklist based on research findings and input from industry experts. Feedback on the new checklist is welcomed.

CPWR has added three more Data Dashboards to its collection – now numbering two dozen -- of these highly interactive free tools. The first new dashboard connects to this month’s Data Bulletin, on causes of construction worker death; the second, to November’s Data Bulletin on electrical injuries; and the third details health insurance coverage among construction workers. As always, the underlying data can be downloaded in a spreadsheet for additional analysis.

CPWR’s Nano Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Improvement Tool help manufacturers, distributors, and importers of products containing nanomaterials strengthen their SDSs. The free, highly interactive SDS Improvement Tool uses questions to evaluate an existing SDS and generate recommendations, based on authoritative guidance, regulations, and good industrial hygiene practice.

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 participate by watching last month’s webinar, Struck by Hazards, Barriers, and Opportunities in the Construction Industry, or by emailing Grace Barlet at CPWR.

Our Small Study Program, which supports promising new research initiatives on improving construction safety and health, has a particular interest in studies that plan to work with and/or target small employers. We define small employers as those with 19 employees or fewer. We are giving priority to funding studies aimed at:

A study may be proposed at any time and can receive funding of up to $30,000. For more information, including how to apply, visit the Small Study Program on CPWR’s website.

If you have exposure measurements for silica, welding fumes, lead, or noise, CPWR needs your help!

The Exposure Control Database (ECD), a free online tool that estimates your workers’ exposure to common health hazards, is expanding. If you have data that you are willing to share, please submit it to CPWR to make the ECD more accurate and reliable. If you have any questions, please contact Sara Brooks ([email protected], 301-495-8532) with any questions. The following sampling forms are available to submit measurements:

January’s webinar will be announced soon. Until then, watch any of CPWR’s past webinars on demand.

Drone use in construction can distract workers and increase risk of falls: CPWR, Safety+Health, 12/19/22

Nonprofit launches ‘nudge’ program to protect workers from struck-by accidents, Construction Dive, 12/5/22

White Paper: CPWR Workshop on Combating Suicide and Overdose Fatalities Among Construction Workers, NIEHS WTP e-Newsbrief, 12/16/22

January 8-12, Washington – Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting

January 17-19, San Diego – MCAA 2023 Safety Conference

January 17-20, New Orleans – AGC Construction Safety & Health Conference

CPWR has openings for two positions:

Visit our Career Opportunities page for instructions on applying.