From the Desk of Chris Trahan Cain, Executive Director | |
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March Data Bulletin Focuses on Falls in Construction | |
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Over the past decade, falls have accounted on average for 343 fatal and 21,400 nonfatal injuries annually. The March 2024 issue of CPWR’s Data Bulletin, “Fatal and Nonfatal Falls in the U.S. Construction Industry, 2011-2022,” examines falls among construction workers by major and detailed industry subsector, primary source (e.g., factor responsible for injury), height of fall, time of day of fall, and contracted worker status. The Data Bulletin also looks at the size of the firms that suffered fatal falls. In 2022, for example, there were 397 fatal injuries resulting from falls to a lower level. Although small establishments (10 or fewer workers) employ less than a quarter of the workforce, over 70% of fatal falls occurred among those working at these firms. We have also updated two Data Dashboards that feature fall statistics: Falls, Slips, and Trips in Construction and Construction Focus Four.
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TOOLS FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH | |
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Redesigned StopConstructionFalls.com Supports May’s Falls Stand-Down
Coming May 6-10 is the 11th annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction.
Part of the year-round Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction, the Falls Stand-Down has provided information and free materials to hundreds of thousands of people across the industry over the past decade. Find resources -- in English and Spanish -- on the redesigned StopConstructionFalls.com, including how to participate in the Stand-Down and how to order hardhat stickers, Hazard Alert Cards, and more.
5th Annual National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-by Incidents Coming Next Month
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 our 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 participate by watching last year’s webinar, Struck by Hazards, Barriers, and Opportunities in the Construction Industry, or by emailing Grace Barlet at CPWR.
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Tuesday, March 19 at 2:00 p.m. ET (1 hour)
Safe Ladder Use in Construction
The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that fatal injuries in the construction industry due to ladders decreased 12.6% from 2021 to 2022. However, there is still work to be done when it comes to ladder safety -- 90 fatal falls occurred from ladders in 2022. As part of the National Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction and the current Ladder Safety Month, CPWR is co-hosting a webinar on ladder safety with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), and the American Ladder Institute and Werner Ladder. Attendees will first hear from Dr. Kurt Beschorner of the University of Pittsburgh about the latest research on how ladder design, environment, and human factors all impact safety. Following his presentation will be a panel discussion with experts on topics such as choosing the right ladder, inspecting ladders, and maintaining three points of contact. Help guide the conversation by submitting your discussion questions in advance at registration.
Moderator: Douglas Trout, MD, NIOSH Office of Construction Safety and Health
Panelists:
- Kurt Beschorner, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh
- Richard Trewyn, Director of Risk Education and Training, NRCA
- Chad Lingerfelt, Director of Training and Jobsite Safety & Security, Werner Co.
Register here and submit a question in advance
Thursday, March 7 at 2:00 p.m. ET
Research & Resources for Construction Workers at Disproportionate Risk (Hosted by Occupational Health & Safety)
Two CPWR staff members will present key findings and resources for at-risk construction workers during this webinar. Data Center Director Amber Trueblood will review recent employment and other trends, highlighting information on language barriers, aging workers, Hispanic workers, and women in construction. Jessica Bunting, Research to Practice (r2p) director, will describe free CPWR resources that address safety and health hazards disproportionately affecting these populations, including contractor planning resources, training materials, and guidance for workers.
Panelists:
- Amber Trueblood, DrPH, Director, Data Center, CPWR
- Jessica Bunting, MPH, Director, Research to Practice, CPWR
Click here to register
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March 6, online -- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences Education OccHealthSci Seminar Series
12:00 p.m. (PT) – “Resources To Strengthen Construction Industry Safety Climate, Safety Leadership, And Safety Management”
- Linda Goldenhar, Consultant, CPWR
March 8, online – ICOH Scientific Committee in the Construction Industry
6:00 p.m. (IST) -- “Major Health Hazards in Construction -- Identification, Mitigation and Prevention”
- Alberto Caban-Martinez, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami
- Monalisha Sahu, Department of Occupational Health, All India Institute of Hygiene & Public Health, India
- Babak Memarian, Director of Safety Research, CPWR
- Kalyanbrata Saham, Chief Medical Superintendent (Retd.), South-Eastern Railway (Indian Railways), India
- Rick Rinehart, Deputy Director, CPWR
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ASSP Releases Heat Standard for Construction Workers
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) announced that it has published the first national voluntary consensus standard addressing heat stress for workers in construction and demolition operations. ANSI/ASSP A10.50-2024, Heat Stress Management in Construction and Demolition Operations, offers guidance on protecting workers; explains how to acclimate workers to high heat conditions; and provides requirements for training employees and supervisors. The standard contains checklists and flowcharts designed to help companies develop clear and effective heat stress management programs that bridge the regulatory gap.
Webinar: Hard Hats vs. Helmets
On March 13, the American Road and Transportation Builders Association is hosting a free webinar on the benefits and challenges that come with switching your team from hardhats to helmets. Hear from safety leaders at organizations that have already made the switch. Discussion will focus on:
- Why are helmets more protective?
- Real-life situations where helmets saved lives.
- Realities and practicalities of using helmets, including cost.
- Challenges you face, including getting worker buy-in.
- Accommodating your employees’ diverse needs and preferences.
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