One study will focus on stress and resultant safety issues in the workplace specifically for Hispanic speaking workers

Virginia Tech researchers and their collaborators will soon engage in research on construction safety and health issues, thanks to a $7 million grant from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

One project researchers will study is “Micro-processes of Latino construction workers’ health.”  Stress on the job likely plays an important role in workplace safety and health, especially in the construction industry. In this study, researchers will use Computer Assisted Telephone Survey (CATS) technology to conduct brief daily surveys of construction workers.

CATS technology overcomes language and literacy issues frequently encountered in this worker population.  The surveys will cover exposure to job stress, safety behavior, as well as indicators of injury and health. Workers will also be followed for six months after the diary period to evaluate the longer-term health effects of job stress.

This approach, if effective, will enable better understanding of the role of occupational stress in work-related illness and potential injury among immigrant workers.

Read full article, which includes all seven research award projects.