National Center for Construction Safety and Health Research and Translation (U60)

Background

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 created both NIOSH and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). NIOSH is an agency established to help assure safe and healthy working conditions for working men and women by conducting research and research translation, information, education, and training in the field of occupational safety and health. Information pertaining to the specific responsibilities of NIOSH are found in Section 22 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 CFR § 671).

Construction workers have high rates of work-related injuries and deaths in comparison with other industry sectors. In 2010, there were 751 fatal on-the-job injuries to construction workers, more than in any other single industry sector. Nearly one out of every six work-related deaths in the U.S.  Construction worksites are organizationally complex multi-employer sites and present numerous health and safety challenges. Many types of construction work involve potential hazards such as silica, noise, struck-by or welding fumes, and construction tasks can involve awkward postures and other risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders.

In 2007, the NIOSH Construction Research Program underwent external review conducted by the National Academies’ Board on Infrastructure of the Constructed Environment (BICE) (hereafter referred to as the National Academies). Upon completing the review, the Academies made six major recommendations for improving the Construction Research Program, grouped into three categories https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/programs/const/naseval.html. The three categories are 1) Transferring Research to Practice; 2) Resources; and 3) Increased Communication with Policy Makers. The committee also provided suggestions and comments for draft goals of the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA). The National Academies’ final report was released in October 2008. NIOSH periodically updates its Construction Research Program plan or strategies in order to implement the Academies and other recommendations, as feasible. The NIOSH implementation plan can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/programs/const/naseval.html.  In December 2009, NIOSH established an Office of Construction Safety and Health for improving and intensifying coordination and integration activities with the NIOSH-funded National Construction Center and other stakeholders. The NIOSH Construction Research Program, including the extramural grantees component, strives to fulfill its mission through four key areas: high quality research, practical solutions, partnerships, and research-to-practice.

Purpose

With this program announcement, NIOSH continues its financial and technical support for a National Construction Center with emphasis on applied research, translation of scientific discoveries for target-specific users to prevent or reduce construction related injury and illness, effective prevention practices and products (research-to-practice), education, and outreach and sustainable partnerships.

A robust data and statistical program capability as well as a publically-accessible research-to-practice repository for construction hazards and solutions, educational materials, and other products are expected.

Training proposals are not allowed.

In 2010, the NORA Construction Sector Council performed a mid-decade review to assess which strategic goals have attracted interest and proposals from researchers and industry stakeholders, and to assess progress towards performance measures.  This review identified 6 of the 15 NORA goals as most deserving of focus for achieving ambitious performance measures.