Printer FriendlyOur goals are:
- To gain a better understanding of occupational health risks for construction workers
- To develop intervention strategies to alleviate the risks for construction workers
COHP Research activities are subdivided into four areas:
Current epidemiology research projects are:
- Characterization of musculoskeletal health symptoms and pulmonary function testing among construction workers
- Case-control study of musculoskeletal symptoms among ironworkers
Ergonomics research is currently focused on:
- Exposure characterization of construction work (in different trades, e.g. laborers, ironworkers, carpenters, and operating engineers) by using an observational method known as PATH (Posture, Activities, Tools, and Handling)
- Validation studies of PATH
- Whole-body vibration exposure assessment of Operating Engineers
- Utilizing checklists and structured ergonomic job analyses to evaluate construction work
- Development of a Manual Material Handling Guide, specifically for construction work
Industrial Hygiene research includes:
- Field and laboratory activities to evaluate chemical exposures during construction work
- Some hazards that are being evaluated include: diesel fumes, dust (particulates not otherwise classified), silica, and noise
Policy research includes:
- Qualitative studies of the culture of construction aimed at improving the understanding of workers' perceptions of risk by conducting casual open interviews and focus groups
- Designing participatory programs to recognize, evaluate and control the hazards in the workplace