Construction sector.

Construction is a large, dynamic, and complex industry sector that plays an important role in the U.S. economy. Construction workers and employers build our roads, houses, and workplaces and repair and maintain our nation's physical infrastructure. Construction work can involve building of new structures, which may include activities involved with subdivi­ ding land for sale as building sites or preparation of sites for new construction. Construction work also includes re­ novations involving additions, alterations, or maintenance and repair of buildings or engineering projects such as highways or utility systems. The occupational fatalities in the construction sector have long been disproportionate relative to the number of em­ ployees in the business. For example, in 2004 the construc­ tion industry employed 7% of the workforce, yet accounted for 23% of all work-related fatalities in the United States (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2004; NIOSH, 2004). In addition to fatal injuries, workers in these industries are at risk of injury or illness due to ʻcontact with' objects, falls to a lower or same level, overexertion and excessive noise. Prevention through Design (PtD) has been recognized and implemented internationally as a feasible method to reduce construction worker risk (HMSO, 1994; WorkCover, 2001); however, its implementation in the United States is commonly limited to those situations where design and engineering are closely partnered to construction activities through procurement, contract, and firm type. Contractors are committed to safety on the jobsite, and their efforts have improved worker safety significantly over the years. There is great potential, however,