The Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), is soliciting applications for funding a National Center for Construction Safety and Health Research and Translation (NOFO Number: RFA-OH-24-001). The objective is to fund multidisciplinary approaches that address occupational safety and health challenges in the construction sector, aiming to prevent injuries and illnesses among construction workers. Applicants must develop strategies for research translation and implementation of best practices over a five-year project period.
Key components of the center include Planning, Administration, Communication, and Research-to-Practice cores, each serving specific functions to foster research integration and outreach. The funding opportunity is open with specific eligibility criteria targeting higher education institutions, nonprofits, governments, and for-profit entities with a proposal deadline of December 1, 2023. NIOSH plans to allocate an estimated total of $28.75 million over these projects, with individual awards potentially reaching $5.75 million per year. Applications should address significant workplace hazards, integrating research initiatives with tangible outcomes to enhance the well-being of construction workers. This initiative aligns with the Healthy People 2030 goals to promote safer work environments and better health among all workers.
The RFA-OH-24-001 funding opportunity focuses on establishing a National Center for Construction Safety and Health Research and Translation (U54) under NIOSH, aiming to enhance safety and health for U.S. construction workers. This initiative invites multi-disciplinary proposals that emphasize research and intervention strategies aimed at minimizing work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in the construction sector. Key objectives include creating partnerships to implement prevention strategies, disseminating best practices, and enhancing policy informed by research outcomes.
Funding of $5.75 million is available annually for a maximum project duration of five years, with an anticipated total investment of $28.75 million over the project's lifetime. The application process requires a letter of intent by November 1, 2023, and applications are due by December 1, 2023, with later deadlines extending annually.
The program emphasizes collaboration with academic institutions and interdisciplinary approaches to address significant health burdens faced by construction workers, such as high rates of injury and mental health issues, particularly related to substance abuse. Overall, this funding aims to generate effective research that translates into practical solutions in the construction industry, promoting worker safety and well-being.