ARTICLE
Research findings released last week indicate construction contractors continue to make progress responding to issues affecting worker safety and health, such as heat and mental health, but many areas for improvement remain. The new study, Safety Management in the Construction Industry 2023 SmartMarket Report, examines occupational safety and health challenges across the industry and shines a light where more effort is needed. It was conducted by Dodge Construction Network (DCN) and CPWR, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities in construction. Some of the findings include: Heat Working in extreme heat is increasingly common in construction, posing significant safety and health risks to workers. To combat this problem: 52% of contractors in the study report making changes at their company in the last three years to prevent heat-related illnesses onsite. 66% of contractors implemented a heat-safety policy at their company. Mental Health, Suicide, and Opioid Use The study revealed a high level of interest on worker wellbeing. Fifty-two percent of contractors wanted more resources for managing mental health, suicide, and opioid use. The next most frequently cited topic was lifting or ergonomics, safety at 34%. Contractors were asked whether their company provides a program for substance use or mental health, such as access to professional services. There were major differences depending on company size: 80% of large contractors (100 or more employees) offer programs for substance use or mental health. Only 29% of small companies (fewer than 20 employees) offer these programs. Pre-Project and Pre-Task Engagement The study also examines the use and subsequent advantages of other good safety practices on the jobsite, including during pre-construction and pre-task planning. Both strategies show the clear benefits of engaging multiple viewpoints in these processes The study also examined other good safety practices, including the use of right-sized PPE, online training, and the use of technology. Click here to read the full report, which contains detailed findings and analysis on each of these topics including feature articles and case studies illuminating how these insights can be more widely implemented across the industry. The report can be downloaded here. – CPWR
Research findings released last week indicate construction contractors continue to make progress responding to issues affecting worker safety and health, such as heat and mental health, but many areas for improvement remain.
The new study, Safety Management in the Construction Industry 2023 SmartMarket Report, examines occupational safety and health challenges across the industry and shines a light where more effort is needed. It was conducted by Dodge Construction Network (DCN) and CPWR, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities in construction.
Some of the findings include:
Heat Working in extreme heat is increasingly common in construction, posing significant safety and health risks to workers. To combat this problem:
Mental Health, Suicide, and Opioid Use The study revealed a high level of interest on worker wellbeing. Fifty-two percent of contractors wanted more resources for managing mental health, suicide, and opioid use. The next most frequently cited topic was lifting or ergonomics, safety at 34%.
Contractors were asked whether their company provides a program for substance use or mental health, such as access to professional services. There were major differences depending on company size:
Pre-Project and Pre-Task Engagement The study also examines the use and subsequent advantages of other good safety practices on the jobsite, including during pre-construction and pre-task planning. Both strategies show the clear benefits of engaging multiple viewpoints in these processes
The study also examined other good safety practices, including the use of right-sized PPE, online training, and the use of technology.
Click here to read the full report, which contains detailed findings and analysis on each of these topics including feature articles and case studies illuminating how these insights can be more widely implemented across the industry. The report can be downloaded here. – CPWR