University of Massachusetts Lowell
Department of Work Environment

Workers and Lawrence Community members have an important role in our project. To learn more please go to the following sections.

Background

At the Department of Work Environment (DWE), the emphasis is on preventing work-related illnesses, injuries, and deaths, simultaneous with the promotion of the health and safety of both the workers and the general environment. In 1992, the University of Massachusetts Lowell established the Construction Occupational Health Project (COHP) to research and to identify the health hazards in the construction industry. Its ultimate objective was to design intervention strategies that lead to a reduction in the risks faced by this segment of the working population. COHP has received grants from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Center to Protect Workers’ Rights (CPWR) to study safety and health on Boston’s Central Artery/Tunnel project. Working with the building trade unions and the regional construction industry, COHP has quantified risks associated with several trades and professions.

Key Role

DWE researchers oversee the research component of the project and coordinate data collection and analyses. They collaborate in designing and conducting focus groups, interviews, surveys, and in testing, and modifying data collection instruments. At the same time, DWE researchers play a lead role in designing inter-organizational and policy level interventions.