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Ergonomics in Construction

The construction industry is plagued by debilitating and costly occupational injuries to workers’ backs, necks, shoulders, and extremities. Many of these injuries could be prevented by simple changes in the workplace and in work activities.

Ergonomics is the study of improving the fit between the worker and the physical demands of the workplace. Knowledge of ergonomics is used to design the workplace and work activities to help the worker avoid injury and to improve productivity.

The primary type of injuries or traumas that ergonomics deals with are the repetitive motion injuries (RMIs). As the name implies, RMIs are caused by activities that are repeated on a regular basis. RMIs primarily affect the neck, back, shoulders, and extremities. The symptoms of RMIs may not be noticeable until after months or even years of exposure. Symptoms may appear to be acute after a sudden and severe onset. They can include chronic pain, numbness, tingling, and limited range of motion.

A. Factors that can contribute to RMIs:

1. Awkward posture
   
2. Forceful exertion, including heavy lifting
   
3. Repetitive work
   
4. Vibration from tools and equipment
   
5. Pinching (contact stress) during tool use and material handling
   
6. Temperature extremes
   
7. Lack of recovery time to affected body parts

   Note: Repeated localized fatigue or soreness after completion of the same task or day’s work often indicates that the worker is being exposed to conditions that can lead to RMIs.

B. Requirements that employers must follow:

1. Employers must establish and implement a program designed to minimize RMIs if more than one person is diagnosed with RMIs as follows:
   
   1. The RMIs are work related.
      
   2. The employees incurred the RMIs while performing a job process or operation of identical work activity.
      
   3. The RMIs were reported in the past 12 months.
      
   4. A licensed physician objectively identified and diagnosed the RMIs. 5110(a)
      
2. The program must include the following:
   
   1. A work site evaluation
      
   2. Control of exposures that caused the RMIs
      
   3. Training of employees. 5110(b)
      

C. Techniques for reducing RMIs:

1. Proper lifting and material handling
   
2. Use of equipment to reduce load and strain
   
3. Employee rotation for repetitive tasks
   
4. Use of ergonomically designed tools
   
5. Use of personal protective equipment
   
6. Appropriately timed rest periods