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A study of trade-specific occupational ergonomics considerations in the U.S. construction industry.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this survey study was to identify trade-specific ergonomic issues, and discuss practical solutions to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and injuries in the construction industry.
METHOD
Thirty-two construction firms in the Midwestern United States completed the final survey questionnaire. Twelve different construction skilled trades participated included: general contractor, road, heavy and highway, concrete, electrical, carpentry, landscaping, plumbing, roofing, steel erection, street lighting/traffic signal, and utility construction. Total workforce of the participating companies numbered 11,118 employees.
RESULT
More than 90% of the participants in the survey had a written safety program; however, the majority of the firms did not have a trade-specific ergonomic intervention. The survey revealed that construction constructors perceived safety (worker well-being) as a high priority in their company. This study suggested that construction skilled-trade jobs the construction worker to employ trade-specific hand tools and working body positions that may contribute to different types of WMSD risks, body parts injured, and injury sources. Possible practical construction trade-specific ergonomic solutions might be considered includinge: selection of ergonomic hand tools, reduction of weight of construction materials, and promotion of wellness exercises.
CONCLUSION
This paper may imply that need for more trade-specific ergonomics program elements to help alleviate the work-related musculoskeletal problems in the construction field.

Links

  • Publisher Full Text

    • Authors

    Choi SD

    Institution

    Department of Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, WI 53190-1790, USA. chois@uww.edu

    Source

    Work (Reading, Mass.) 42:2 2012 pg 215-22

    MeSH

    Administrative Personnel
    Age Distribution
    Construction Industry
    Female
    Health Surveys
    Human Engineering
    Humans
    Lifting
    Male
    Midwestern United States
    Muscle Stretching Exercises
    Musculoskeletal Diseases
    Occupational Diseases
    Occupational Health Services
    Pilot Projects
    Professional Competence
    Program Evaluation
    Questionnaires
    Safety Management
    Sprains and Strains
    Time and Motion Studies
    United States
    Workplace
    Wounds and Injuries

    Pub Type(s)

    Journal Article

    Language

    eng

    PubMed ID

    22699188