RTI International - News Release - 9.15.2009

RTI International to Study Ways to Reduce Workplace Injuries, Illnesses

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.—RTI International will conduct research and provide technical support to identify ways to reduce and prevent workplace injuries and illnesses as part of a new contract with the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety.

As part of the 5-year contract, worth up to $3.7 million, RTI researchers will provide NIOSH with analytical and technical support, conduct research and analysis, and evaluate existing programs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2007, more than 4 million workers were injured or sick as a result of their work and more than 5,500 people died as a result of work-related injuries. These injuries include slips and falls, needle stick puncture wounds, workplace violence, hearing loss, and motor vehicle accidents, as well as illnesses ranging from cancer and asthma to green tobacco sickness.

"In order to change the trend in workplace injury statistics, we need to scientifically assess causes and risk factors, improve technologies, and change attitudes and behaviors in the workplace," said Kristina Peterson, a senior survey manager at RTI and the project's director. "Our project will begin to do those things, and we will then work to insure that what we learn is transferred into practice in the workplace."

To accomplish that task, RTI has enlisted a panel of nationally and internationally known occupational ergonomists, industrial hygienists, occupational nurses and others to team with RTI on specific projects. RTI is also partnering with the Ergonomics Center of North Carolina, the Ergonomics Laboratory of Iowa State University, and the WORKSAFE IOWA Occupational Medicine Associates Network to provide specialized services.

"The more we can understand about how and why workplace injuries and illnesses occur, the better we will be able to develop ways to reduce and prevent such accidents and injuries in the future."