‘Best Built Plans’: CPWR pilot program aimed at curbing injuries from lifting, moving heavy materials

Silver Spring, MD — Lifting and moving heavy materials are among the leading causes of disabling injuries in the construction industry, and these injuries can cost employers billions of dollars, according to the Center for Construction Research and Training – also known as CPWR.

In an effort to reduce these injuries, the organization is launching a pilot program called Best Built Plans. Eileen Betit, director of CPWR’s Research to Practice program, said during a July 27 webinar that Best Built Plans is starting with a “small group of contractors in order to get direct feedback on what’s helpful, what’s missing and what needs to be improved so that our final program provides the industry with the resources needed to reduce injuries.” She added that it was “developed by a community practice that includes researchers, insurers and industry stakeholders.”

The program includes three major subjects: A site planning tool, training resources, and coaching on warm-ups and best lifting practices.

CPWR also is seeking voluntary feedback on the program with an anonymous, 10-question survey on its website.