Brian Kleiner, a leader in the safety field, is being recognized for his work. In October, he received the 2022 A.R. Lauer Safety Award at the International Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. The prestigious award recognizes a person for their outstanding contributions to safety areas.

Kleiner, on top of serving as the director for the Myers-Lawson School of Construction, has dedicated most of his research, scholarship, advising, and forensics towards occupational and non-occupational safety, health, and well-being. While most of that work is focused on the construction industry, his impact crosses multiple spectators with a dedication to improving and saving lives.

In his acceptance speech to honor the work that has led to fewer accidents and injuries, Kleiner discussed the need for this type of research.

"To divert water from the New River to a hydroelectric plant in 1930, the mostly African-American men who drilled and blasted the 36-foot-wide tunnel did so through rock that released large amounts of silica dust into the air and into the lungs of workers, ultimately leading to the death of 800 workers between 1930 and 1933. Indeed, 87 years after the work began, enforcement of a silica standard for construction. But enforcement alone does not prevent the problem," said Kleiner to the students in the room during his speech. "Need a research question for your thesis or dissertation?  Why are the underrepresented still at a disproportionate risk across many industries?  Why does technology not automatically reduce risk?  Why do we still use materials such as drywall and why will people wear N-95 masks in a pandemic, but not when they generate silica dust sanding joint compound at home or work?  So no matter what specialty you pursue, consider incorporating safety through design. There is nothing more rewarding than impacting the quality of life of fellow humans, and there is nothing more gratifying and humbling than being recognized for this work."

Kleiner also thanked his graduate advisor, Colin G. Dury who also received the award in 2005.

The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, founded in 1957, is the world’s largest scientific association for human factors and ergonomics professionals.