Green Economy/Green Jobs Tenth Seminar, PAHO/WHO Rio + 20 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Christine M. Branche, Ph.D., FACE April 11, 2012 The Green Economy in the Construction Sector – NIOSH Experiences

The sole federal government organization charged with conducting occupational safety and health research

DRAFT Definition: “Green Jobs” Jobs related to green technologies, processes, outcomes and products Existing jobs with green practices, technologies Existing jobs that produce green economy products

Are “Green” Jobs Safe for Workers?

Not Always

Weatherproofing—Isocyanate Exposure Irritates mucous membranes, gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts Marked skin inflammation possible Severe asthma possible PPE and administrative controls not sufficient Additional engineering controls are needed

Wind Turbines  Fall risks  Crane safety needs  Control of hazardous energy  Confined spaces

Green Buildings Why the Demand? Unprecedented level of government initiatives Heightened residential demand for green construction Improvements in sustainable materials

Green Building Occupants are Healthier and More Productive ~90% + of time spent indoors in U.S.* Better indoor air quality Better lighting 2%-16% increase in worker and student productivity** *Source: The Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) Study. EPA 600/S6-87/002. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,1987 **Source: LEED project data, USGBC

Hard physical labor Rapidly changing hazards Extended work hours Tight production schedules CONSTRUCTION {

Why Construction workers? Fatalities: 751 most of any industry Injury rate: 203/10,000 non-fatal injuries and illnesses with days away from work Why Maintenance workers? Fatalities: 226 Injury rate: 307/10,000 non-fatal injuries and illnesses with days away from work Construction Injury at LEED Gold site Photo: Matt Gillen Atrium Maintenance work: fall hazards Photo: Mike Behm

Construction and Maintenance workers Key role in building lifecycle – Build – Maintain – Renovate/Refurbish/Replace – Decommission/Demolish Face many types of hazards Injuries: Falls, struck by, electrocution Illness: Silica, welding, noise, solvents Musculoskeletal Disorders: Awkward postures, high exertion, heavy lifting Renovation of Portland Federal Building Photo: Matt Gillen

Worker safety & health ≈ End-user safety & health Green Construction? Gambatese JA, Rajendran S, Behm MG. Professional Safety 2007;52(5):28-35 “…A more holistic view of green construction is needed— one that addresses safety and health over the entire life cycle of a constructed building….”

Possible Paths forward to Green Integrate sustainable construction safety and health within green design and construction practices Solution options:  Develop alternate rating system (include construction, maintenance and use  Incorporate worker safety and health into LEED

Mission: To prevent occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities through the inclusion of prevention principles in all designs that impact workers Work premises and facilities Tools and equipment Processes ProductsWork methods and organization of work

Why Target Design? Design Contributions to Occupational Fatalities, Australia, Main finding: design continues to be a significant contribution to work-related serious injury. 37% of workplace fatalities involved design-related issues. In another 14% of fatalities, design- related issues may have played a role.

Accidents Linked to Design 22% of 226 injuries linked partly to design – study in Oregon, Washington, California 42% of 224 fatalities in U.S. between linked to design 60% of fatal accidents resulted in part from decisions made before site work began – 1991 study in Europe 63% of all fatalities and injuries could be attributed to design decisions or lack of planning

Are Design Solutions Possible?

Example: Vegetative Roofs Installing plants on the roof lowers temperatures and reduces cooling energy needs. Green practice: Provide credits for “Heat Island Reduction” S&H issue: Vegetated roofs pose safe access and roof fall hazards to both construction workers who install them and building maintenance and/or landscaping workers who tend them. Weeds growing on green roof. No fall protection for maintenance work Photo: Mike Behm

Wind has blown soil and vegetation off 46 th floor green roof. Eight inch high parapet with no fall protection. Workers must “be careful” Photo: Mike Behm Example: Vegetative Roof

Provide safe access Provide fall protection via options: – Parapet – Guard rail – Roof-edge fall restraint system – Horizontal lifeline system for fall arrest protection Parapet wall on roof provides fall protection Photo: Mike Behm Safety and Health Solution: Vegetative Roofs

NIOSH’s Efforts NORA Construction Sector Council, Green Construction Committee, October 2011 Conducted a credit-by-credit review of LEED 2009 New Construction Credits. Examined construction and maintenance implications using 3 categories:

NIOSH’s Efforts Positive: Likely activities, if coupled with additional safety design and planning measures, could REDUCE construction & maintenance worker exposures and risks.  7 credits Negative: … if not coupled, could INCREASE exposures and risks.  11 credits Neutral: Likely activities appear less likely to either increase or reduce exposures and risks, regardless of safety design and planning measures.  38 credits (+1 both positive and negative)

Shared Report with the U.S. Green Building Council

The US Green Building Council’s International Roundtable can benefit from improved worker safety in LEED

Social pillar of sustainability must include workers Just as the sustainability of society depends on the environment, the strength of our economy depends on a safe and healthy workforce

NIOSH Directory of Construction Resources Twitter Matt Gillen NIOSH Construction Program Christine Branche NIOSH Construction Program The findings and conclusions in this presentation have not been formally disseminated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and should not be construed to represent any agency determination or policy.