Finding Solutions to Your Safety and Health Problems Just Got Easier

Construction Solutions database to be introduced at upcoming conference

Source: CPWR
Publication date: 2008-01-03

By Press Release

Masonry contractors, bricklayers, masons, tile setters and other masonry workers have a new tool to find practical ways for reducing injuries and illnesses on construction sites. Construction Solutions is a free, online database designed for workers, contractors, engineers or designers. This easy-to-use database describes specific hazards in construction work along with various solutions that can reduce or eliminate those hazards. But the website housing the database also offers a place for users to share comments and tips for handling work site situations.

Construction Solutions was developed by CPWR–The Center for Construction Research and Training through a grant from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). CPWR created the database using the expertise of numerous safety and health professionals, union representatives, and university researchers.

Although Construction Solutions will eventually cover all construction trades, the first section being released to the public addresses work hazards for masonry, cement and plaster. Covering tasks such as laying brick, block or stone, troweling surface materials, and concrete work, Construction Solutions describes hazards of masonry such as noise, skin contact with chemicals, manual materials handling (lifting and carrying), and silica dust. For each hazard, this database provides several solutions, such as adjustable scaffolds to reduce overhead work, participatory ergonomics program guides, improved tools, local exhaust devices to reduce dust exposures, fall protection plans, and designer/architect options that can reduce construction hazards at the building design stage, like half-weight concrete block. Solutions for other construction activities will be added as descriptions are completed.

CPWR Screen shot of CPWR's Construction Solutions

"Work site hazards can change quickly and people need to plan how to best manage hazardous situations. They don't have time to do extensive internet searches to track down an answer," said Jim Platner, Construction Solutions lead developerand CPWRassociate director of science and technology. "We're compiling explanations of hazards and ways to control them so that anyone can go online and consider a range of possible options."

Platner points to one example: silica exposure during tuckpointing often exceeds current OSHA standards and can cause lung disease after repeated exposures. Construction Solutions includes an analysis of the risk from silica exposure during this task, describes several available dust collection options, and presents information on the effectiveness of these controls.

CPWR will introduce Construction Solutions to the construction community at the 18th Annual Construction Safety and Health Conference Feb. 12-14 in Rosemont, Ill. CPWR is a sponsor of the conference, along with NIOSH and the Construction Safety Council www.buildsafe.org. Conference attendees can access the database at CPWR's exhibit space and give CPWR staff input on how to make this site and its information more useful.

After Feb. 14, everyone involved in the construction industry or construction safety and health concerns can visit the website at www.cpwrconstructionsolutions.org, and can provide comments. The website is open to the public and needs no password for access.

"Our goal is to have workers and contractors tell us about other ways to control hazards in masonry," said Laura Welch, MD, an expert on musculoskeletal disorders and CPWR medical director. "People who work every day with brick and block may have developed ways to reduce lifting and carrying for example, or may have had real life experience with specific mast climbing scaffolds described on Construction Solutions. We'll investigate their recommendations for solutions and post their reviews on the site. Getting feedback from the construction community while this project is still in development will greatly improve this tool."

For more information on Construction Solutions, contact Terrance Roach at 301-495-8506 and visit the site at http://www.cpwrconstructionsolutions.org after Feb. 14. To learn more about CPWR and its ongoing research to promote the safety and health of construction workers, visit: http://www.cpwr.com.