NIOSH releases booklets aimed at construction, home health care workers

NIOSH has released two booklets aimed at preventing injuries among workers in construction and home health care. For Spanish-language construction workers, NIOSH translated a guide (.pdf file) outlining ways to prevent job-related musculoskeletal injuries. The booklet provides background information on ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders from a construction perspective, as well as 20 two-page tip sheets describing equipment to reduce physical stresses on the body.

The second publication (.pdf file) discusses hazards to which home health care workers might be exposed, such as overexertion, stress, weapons, hostile animals, verbal abuse and needlesticks. According to NIOSH, more than 27,400 recorded injuries occurred among more than 896,800 home health care workers in 2007. The booklet includes prevention strategies and hazard checklists for employers and workers.