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The January 2023 issue of Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Data Bulletin examines the leading causes of death among construction workers, including those currently employed, retired, or no longer in the workforce. Although Â鶹ÊÓƵ 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.  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 Â鶹ÊÓƵ, 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  on the Â鶹ÊÓƵ 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, Â鶹ÊÓƵ has developed  based on research findings and input from industry experts. Feedback on the new checklist is welcomed.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ has added 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.

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

Â鶹ÊÓƵ 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, , or by emailing Grace Barlet at Â鶹ÊÓƵ.

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, on Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s website.

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

(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 Â鶹ÊÓƵ 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 Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s .

, Safety+Health, 12/19/22

, Construction Dive, 12/5/22

, NIEHS WTP e-Newsbrief, 12/16/22

January 8-12, Washington –

January 17-19, San Diego –

January 17-20, New Orleans –

Â鶹ÊÓƵ has openings for two positions:

 for instructions on applying.