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Intervention Effectiveness: Integrated approaches to health and safety in dynamic construction work environments

The commercial construction industry is a highly dynamic work environment with significant physical hazards. As a result, workers are more prone to injuries, including musculoskeletal disorders, and high-risk health behaviors, such as tobacco use. Both factors limit their productivity and ability to work. Programs to improve construction worker health, safety, and productivity need to target the worksite's multiple employers, including subcontractors.

PI: Jack Dennerlein, PhD

Our goal is to improve the overall well-being of construction workers with integrated policies, programs, and practices that foster a safe and healthy work organization and environment. This calls for adapting an integrated approach to accommodate the industry's multi-employer model.

Through vetting processes and pilot testing, we’re identifying key components of a safety, health, and well-being program designed and implemented at the subcontractor level.

This project aims to:

  • Determine the efficacy of a subcontractor-based worker safety, health, and well-being program
  • Identify opportunities and recommend methods to integrate the subcontractor-based program at the systems level with global worksite policy, programs, and practices

Using theory‐based intervention methods, we’ve developed a draft intervention based on our Center’s Guidelines for Implementing an Integrated Approach. The program emphasizes management commitment, worker participation, and other indicators of integration.