NIOSH Program: Construction Sector
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) runs several prevention programs aimed at reducing the harm that can befall those in the workforce. Of the several programs that are run by NIOSH is their construction program. The NIOSH's construction program works to reduce disease, injuries and fatalities among construction workers, in the United States (NIOSH, 2016). To complete these latter task, the NIOSH conducts research on prevention strategies which can help to promote health among construction workers (NIOSH, 2016).
One such example of a prevention strategy that has been implemented through the NIOSH's construction program is their campaign to prevent falls (NIOSH). As falls are the number one leasding cause of death, and account for 1/3 of all construction n related injuries in the United States (NIOSH, 2016), this is an important issue to tackle. Primarily, this campaign attempts to raise fall awareness for both the workers and their employers. In order to reduce fall risk, employers are tasked with implementing specific policies regarding fall safety. For instance, employers must ensure that their staff are properly trained, equipped with appropriate gear, and implement plans with their staff regarding fall risk safety.
Reflections:
Considering how many occupational health and safety issues that exist within the workforce, construction would definitely be considered one of the top most hazardous occupations. Therefore, the development of programs aimed at reducing the health risk imposed on construction workers would hopefully have a wide-reaching affect. In particular, I would be interested in any programs developed by NIOSH or other entities regarding the health and safety of migrant workers. I have often heard that migrant workers are exploited and placed into dangerous circumstances by their employers, because their employers can get away with it. If I were to work in occupational health, I would want to work on projects concerning migrant worker's health and safety.
HI, Samuel!
ReplyDeleteI really like your project idea of migrant worker’s health and safety. It seems very interesting to research how their health are affected by the environments. I would like to know what kind of disease they usually get and how they can prevent. Also, it is important to train them to prevent the diseases or injury from the environment.
Hi Samuel,
ReplyDeleteConstruction does seem like a dangerous job! I would be interested to know how many falls occur within a year, considering falls account for 1/3 of all construction related injuries. I also agree with you that migrant farm workers are one of the most vulnerable populations. I was deeply saddened by the movie that described the children working in the cotton fields. The government should heavily fine farm owners that allow children and young teens to work on the fields. Clearly, much work still needs to be done in this area.