[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 82 (Friday, April 28, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20994-20997]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-10454]



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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
[Announcement 528]


National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; 
Cooperative Agreement Program for Prevention Center for Occupational 
Safety and Health in the Construction Industry

Introduction

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), announces the 
availability of fiscal year (FY) 1995 funds for a cooperative agreement 
to support a prevention center for occupational safety and health in 
the construction industry. The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed 
to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of 
Healthy People 2000, a PHS-led national activity to reduce morbidity 
and mortality and improve the quality of life. This announcement is 
related to the priority area of Occupational Safety and Health. (For 
ordering a copy of Healthy People 2000, see the Section Where to Obtain 
Additional Information.)

Authority

    This program is authorized under Section 20 of the Occupational 
Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 669). Applicable program 
regulations are found in 42 CFR Part 87--National Institute for 
Occupational Research and Demonstration Grants.

Smoke-Free Workplace

    The PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a 
smoke-free workplace and promote the nonuse of all tobacco products, 
and Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking 
in certain facilities that receive Federal funds in which education, 
library, day care, health care, and early childhood development 
services are provided to children. [[Page 20995]] 

Eligible Applicants

    Applications may be submitted by public and private non-profit and 
for-profit organizations and governments and their agencies. Thus 
universities, colleges, research institutions, hospitals, other public 
and private organizations, State and local governments or their bona 
fide agents, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, Indian 
tribes or Indian tribal organizations, and small, minority- andor 
women-owned businesses are eligible to apply.
    Applicants must have ongoing national activities related to 
construction workers and must have established linkages to labor unions 
and employers in construction as demonstrated in operating programs. 
The applicant organization may subcontract to address certain 
``Recipient Activities'' under the Program Requirements section for 
which the applicant organization does not have expertise or resources. 
Collaboration in submitting a joint application is strongly encouraged 
among the different organizations.

Availability of Funds

    Approximately $3,300,000 is available in FY 1995 to fund one award. 
The award is expected to begin on or about August 1, 1995 for a 12-
month budget period within a project period of up to five years. 
Funding estimates may vary and are subject to change.
    Continuation awards within the project period will be made on the 
basis of satisfactory progress and the availability of funds.
    If requested, Federal personnel may be assigned to a project in 
lieu of a portion of the financial assistance.

Purpose

    The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to support a center 
that demonstrates effective surveillance mechanisms and prevention 
processes that are efficacious and effective in preventing injuries, 
disabilities, and diseases associated with work in the construction 
industry. At least one-third to one-half of the overall effort should 
be directed at the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal 
disorders.

Program Requirements

    In the area of prevention, there is specific interest in research 
that evaluates the effectiveness of interventions in preventing 
construction-related injuries and diseases or reducing their impact. 
This research might evaluate different approaches to implementing a 
specific intervention strategy. In addition, there is a need to examine 
intervention strategies for which evidence of effectiveness is either 
sparse or unknown. Interventions chosen for evaluation should have a 
significant potential for reduction in morbidity, mortality, 
disability, or cost related to construction work. Surveillance is an 
integral part of prevention effectiveness studies.
    Also of interest is research that more accurately defines the cost 
of construction injuries and diseases as well as the cost or prevention 
effectiveness of interventions. Cost analysis should be included in the 
plans, where appropriate, to evaluate an intervention(s). A more 
complete discussion of methodologies for assessing cost analysis is 
presented in A Framework for Assessing the Effectiveness of Disease and 
Injury Prevention (CDC, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, March 
27, 1992, Volume 41, Number RR-3, pages 5-11). (To receive information 
on these reports see the section Where to Obtain Additional 
Information.)
    In conducting activities to achieve the purposes of this program, 
the recipient will be responsible for the activities under A. 
(Recipient Activities), and CDC/NIOSH will be responsible for the 
activities listed under B. (CDC/NIOSH Activities).

A. Recipient Activities

    1. Develop surveillance programs of injuries and diseases (through 
analysis of medical claims data, workers' compensation data, etc.) 
among the building trades from which priorities for etiologic research 
and intervention studies can be determined. Surveillance should be 
applied to both health and safety status and to associated risk factors 
and must address unionized, non-unionized, and self-employed 
construction workers. Particular attention should be given to hazard 
identification and exposure assessment methodologies for construction 
workers.
    2. Develop and conduct studies to determine long-term health, 
social and economic consequences of work-related exposures, injuries, 
musculoskeletal disorders, and related conditions. Prior to conducting 
a full study, assure that feasibility studies are critically evaluated 
by an independent review panel with no ties to the awardee. (Methods 
for these studies may include existing records systems such as case 
registries.) These studies may be integrated with longitudinal studies 
of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and should not involve more 
than 25 percent of the overall effort.
    3. Develop and validate prevention effectiveness techniques in 
reducing or eliminating risk factors in the construction industry and 
integrating these techniques into continuous improvement and worker 
participation strategies within the construction process. (Evaluations 
of the effectiveness of interventions that have proven or obvious 
efficacy are encouraged.)
    4. Provide innovative methods, techniques, and approaches for 
improving occupational safety and health in construction.
    5. Develop and validate exposure assessment tools effective in 
evaluating exposures of construction workers to hazardous chemicals and 
substances.
    6. Using appropriate exposure assessment methodologies, undertake 
projects to quantify the extent and magnitude of exposures of 
construction workers to potentially hazardous substances and chemicals 
prevalent on construction sites. High priority substances include lead, 
diesel fumes, particulates and dusts and other prevalent substances.
    7. Develop and validate methods to enhance information 
dissemination of hazards, risk abatement and other health information 
specific to groups associated with the construction industry. Methods 
may include innovative training programs/ methods, educational 
materials, user-friendly software and computerized data, workshops and 
other relevant methods. Methods should be generalizable to workers in 
most trades.
    8. Develop and validate innovative intervention programs to reduce 
and prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss among construction 
workers. This program may include research to assess barriers to use of 
hearing protection; demonstration projects to enhance the use of 
appropriate hearing protection; collaborative studies with tool 
manufacturers, hearing protection manufacturers, etc.; assessments of 
the extent of hearing loss among the construction worker community; 
development/implementation of educational programs, etc.
    9. Develop and validate methods to assess the overall impact of 
lead abatement programs on the health of construction workers.
    10. Publish and disseminate findings of studies and projects listed 
under Program Requirements to individuals involved or interested in the 
construction industry including, but not limited to, construction 
workers, labor and management groups, architects, project and design 
engineers, researchers, etc. [[Page 20996]] 
    11. Establish collaborative activities with appropriate 
organizations and agencies, and collaborate with CDC/NIOSH in 
undertaking surveillance, field, and research investigations in support 
of the program requirements.
    12. Integrate the prevention program within the operational 
framework of the parent organization.
    13. Review technical and scientific merits of proposed intramural 
projects, including their potential to achieve the stated objectives 
and the extent to which the plans are consistent with the purpose of 
the program.
    14. Evaluate the extent to which the overall theme and objectives 
are achieved in regard to progress, efficacy, and effectiveness. 
Implement a plan for continuously improving the surveillance process 
that is used for evaluating progress. Meet at least quarterly with CDC/
NIOSH to exchange information on activities and collaboration. (These 
meetings should include the principal investigators of each study 
conducted under this agreement.)

B. CDC/NIOSH Activities

    1. Provide technical assistance through site visits and 
correspondence in the areas of program development, implementation, 
maintenance, and priority-setting.
    2. Provide for collaborative efforts for appropriate aspects of the 
program as requested by the grantee.
    3. Assist in the reporting of project results to the scientific, 
public health, labor and industrial communities via presentations, 
publications in peer-reviewed and technical journals and newsletters, 
and through other forms of communication.

Evaluation Criteria

    Applications will be reviewed and evaluated according to the 
following criteria:
1. Background and Need (15%)
    The extent to which the applicant presents data justifying need for 
the program in terms of magnitude of the related injury and disease 
problem and identifies suitable target populations. The extent to which 
a description of related current and previous experiences show:
    a. Performance in achieving the purpose of cooperative agreements 
that preceded this announcement.
    b. Efficiency of resources and uniqueness of program including the 
efficient use of existing and proposed personnel with assurances of a 
major time commitment of the project director to the program and the 
novelty of the program approach.
    c. Training and experience of the program director and staff to 
accomplish satisfactorily the proposed program.
2. Goals and Objectives (10%)
    The extent to which the applicant has included goals and objectives 
that are relevant to the purpose of the proposal and are achievable 
during the budget and project periods and the extent to which these are 
specific and measurable.
3. Methods (30%)
    The extent to which the applicant provides a detailed description 
of proposed activities that are likely to achieve each objective and 
overall program goals. The extent to which the applicant provides a 
reasonable and complete schedule for implementing all activities. The 
extent to which roles of each unit, organization, or agency are 
described, and coordination and supervision of staff, organizations and 
agencies involved in activities are delineated.
4. Evaluation (30%)
    The extent to which the proposed evaluation system is detailed and 
will document program process, effectiveness, impact, and outcome and, 
if applicable, measure surveillance system sensitivity, timeliness, 
representativeness, predictive value, and ability to detect the impact 
of specific interventions on morbidity, mortality, severity, 
disability, and cost of related diseases and injuries. The extent to 
which the applicant demonstrates potential data sources for evaluation 
purposes, and documents staff availability, expertise, and capacity to 
perform the evaluation. The extent to which a feasible plan for 
reporting evaluation results and using evaluation information for 
programmatic decisions is described.
5. Collaboration (15%)
    The extent to which relationships between the program and other 
organizations are described. If applicable, the extent to which 
collaborative efforts (if any) and roles are clear and appropriate.
6. Budget and Justification (Not Scored)
    The extent to which the applicant provides a detailed budget and 
narrative justification consistent with stated objectives and planned 
program activities.

Executive Order 12372 Review

    This program is not subject to review by Executive Order 12372.

Public Health System Reporting Requirements

    This program is not subject to the Public Health System Reporting 
Requirements.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.262.

Other Requirements

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Projects that involve the collection of information from 10 or more 
individuals and funded by this cooperative agreement will be subject to 
approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act.

Human Subjects

    If the proposed project involves research on human subjects, the 
applicants must comply with the Department of Health and Human Services 
Regulations, 45 CFR Part 46, regarding the protection of human 
subjects. Assurance must be provided to demonstrate that the project 
will be subject to initial and continuing review by an appropriate 
institutional review committee.
    In addition to other applicable committees, Indian Health Service 
(IHS) institutional review committees also must review the project if 
any component of IHS will be involved or will support the research. If 
any American Indian community is involved, its tribal government must 
also approve that portion of the project applicable to it.
    The applicants will be responsible for providing assurance in 
accordance with the appropriate guidelines and forms provided in the 
application kit.

Application Submission and Deadline

    The original and two copies of the application PHS Form 5161-1 (OMB 
Number 0937-0189) must be submitted to Henry S. Cassell, III, Grants 
Management Officer, Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants 
Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mailstop E-
13, 255 East Paces Ferry Road, NE., Room 300, Atlanta, GA 30305, on or 
before June 26, 1995.
    1. Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting the 
deadline if they are either: (a) Received on or before the deadline 
date, or (b) Sent on or before the deadline date and received in 
[[Page 20997]] time for submission to the objective review group. (The 
applicants must request a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark or 
obtain a legibly dated receipt from a commercial carrier or the U.S. 
Postal Service. Private metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as 
proof of timely mailing.)
    2. Late Applicants: Applications that do not meet the criteria in 
1.(a) or 1.(b) above are considered late applications. Late 
applications will not be considered in the current competition and will 
be returned to the applicants.

Where to Obtain Additional Information

    To receive additional written information call (404) 332-4561. You 
will be asked to leave your name, address, and telephone number and 
will need to refer to Announcement 528. You will be receive a complete 
program description, information on application procedures, and 
application forms.
    If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the 
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained 
from Oppie M. Byrd, Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management 
Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (CDC), 255 East Paces Ferry Road, NE., Room 300, Mailstop E-
13, Atlanta, GA 30305, telephone (404) 842-6546. Programmatic technical 
assistance may be obtained from Marie Haring Sweeney, Ph.D., National 
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Surveillance, 
Hazard Evaluation and Field Studies, Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (CDC), Mailstop R-13, Robert A. Taft Laboratories, 4676 
Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-1049, telephone (513) 841-4207.
    Potential applicants may obtain a copy of Healthy People 2000 (Full 
Report, Stock No. 017-001-00474-0) or Healthy People 2000 (Summary 
Report, Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) referenced in the INTRODUCTION 
through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, 
Washington, DC 20402-9325, telephone (202) 512-1800.
    Copies of A Framework for Assessing the Effectiveness of Disease 
and Injury Prevention (CDC, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 
March 27, 1992, Volume 41, Number RR-3, pages 5-11) may be obtained by 
calling (404) 488-4334.

    Dated: April 21, 1995.
Diane D. Porter,
Acting Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
[FR Doc. 95-10454 Filed 4-27-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-19-P