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NIOSH Programs > Construction > Program Description
ConstructionProgram DescriptionThe mission of the NIOSH research program for the Construction sector is to eliminate occupational diseases, injuries, and fatalities among individuals working in these industries through a focused program of research and prevention. The program strives to fulfill its mission through:
Over the years, NIOSH and its partners have completed numerous research projects to address construction safety and health issues. NIOSH supports targeted surveillance activities involving a number of state health departments on important construction topics such as lead exposure. Support is also provided for extramural construction research projects conducted by academic and other researchers through grants and cooperative agreements. Projects cut across a number of important construction issues. For example, past projects have addressed important causes of injuries and fatalities such as falls and electrical hazards. Projects have addressed musculoskeletal disorders associated with construction work, and health hazards such as noise, asphalt fumes, silica, and welding fumes. Research has also been conducted to address unique aspects associated with the construction setting - such as the lack of permanent work stations and continuously changing environments. NIOSH-funded researchers have developed tools and approaches such as task-based sampling to address these issues. The NIOSH Construction Program originally used a number of "high priority" construction topics to encourage research on those areas where research is most likely to make a difference. These were included in a 2003 Request for Applications for Construction Safety and Health Research. We are currently transitioning to developing and using a set of strategic goals to guide project planning and partnerships in future years. We also want stakeholder feedback to insure that the goals selected are also relevant problem areas for construction stakeholders and practitioners. |
NIOSH Program:Construction |
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