Understanding Ergonomics in Construction

What is Ergonomics in Construction?

Ergonomics in construction involves designing and arranging workspaces, tools, and equipment to ensure workers’ safety, comfort, and efficiency. It includes factors such as the proper height of workbenches, minimizing repetitive motions, reducing strain on the body, and providing adequate lighting and ventilation. By implementing ergonomic principles in construction, companies can improve productivity, reduce the risk of injuries, and create a more comfortable work environment for their employees.

Importance of Ergonomic Hazard Prevention in Construction

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that ergonomics-related injuries caused nearly 33 percent of “days away from work” in the construction industry. It highlights the importance of ergonomic hazard prevention to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and other work-related injuries.

Some of the benefits of incorporating ergonomic safety in construction include:

• Reduce Workplace Injuries – It is essential to lessen workplace injuries by following ergonomic best practices, such as providing proper construction safety training. By implementing ergonomics, workers can avoid situations and tasks that may cause excessive strain or discomfort, leading to better well-being, morale, and productivity.

• Improve Worker Safety – Exhausted or burned-out workers are more prone to making mistakes, leading to accidents and injuries. By considering ergonomic principles in construction, companies can reduce fatigue and discomfort among workers, resulting in a safer work environment.

• Enhance Worker Satisfaction – When a construction company prioritizes ergonomic hazard prevention, it can enhance employee attitudes and morale. Workers can perform their daily tasks with less strain, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.

• Comply With Industry Regulations – While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) doesn’t have specific mandates for ergonomic hazards in construction, employers must protect employees from recognized threats that could cause severe harm or death, including ergonomic hazards.

Major Ergonomic Injuries in Construction

Construction workers are vulnerable to a range of ergonomic-related injuries, which can be acute or chronic. The two types of major ergonomic injuries are:

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs)

Repetitive motions such as strain muscles, joints, and tendons cause CTDs. There are three types of CTDs:

• Tendon disorders

• Nerve disorders

• Neuro-vascular disorders

Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains happen from a single forceful event and occur instantly. For example, a worker might experience this when they do something beyond their physical limits, like suddenly lifting a heavy or awkward object.

6 Construction Ergonomic Hazard Examples

One of the best ways to prevent ergonomic-related injuries is by knowing what factors put people at risk of having them. Here are some of the common ergonomic hazards in construction:

Heavy Lifting

Construction workers are often required to lift heavy objects, which strains and fatigues their muscles. It can lead to chronic back pain, shoulder pain, and other musculoskeletal disorders.

Solution: Employers can reduce this risk by providing mechanical lifting equipment or implementing proper lifting techniques.

Awkward Grips and Posture

Working with tools or equipment that require awkward grips or postures can cause strain and discomfort to workers. For instance, using a jackhammer or holding a drill at an awkward angle for an extended period can lead to hand and wrist injuries.

Solution: Using ergonomic tools or rotating job tasks can help alleviate these hazards.

Repetitive Tasks

Repetitive tasks, such as hammering or drilling, can lead to discomfort and strain on workers’ muscles over time. It can lead to injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis.

Solution: Employers should rotate tasks among workers and provide rest breaks to reduce the risk of ergonomic injuries.

Using the Wrong Tools

Using the wrong tools for a job can lead to injuries or strains. For example, using a hammer that is too heavy or too light for a specific task can result in wrist injuries.

Solution: Ensure that workers are adequately trained and given the right tools.

Using Poorly Maintained Tools

Working with poorly maintained tools can increase the risk of ergonomic injuries. Tools that aren’t in good condition can be harder to use, leading to excessive strain on the body.

Solution: Employers should regularly inspect and maintain tools to prevent ergonomic hazards.

Hard Surfaces

Working on your knees on concrete or other hard surfaces can cause strain and discomfort to workers. It can lead to knee and back injuries over time.

Solution: Employers should provide workers with knee pads or anti-fatigue mats to reduce the strain on their bodies. They can also rotate tasks so workers aren’t continuously working on hard surfaces.

How to Combat Ergonomic Hazards in Construction

There are several ways to combat ergonomic hazards in construction and promote workplace safety. Some of these include:

Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPEs, such as back braces, knee pads, and gloves, can help reduce the risk of ergonomic injuries in construction. Employers should provide suitable PPE for workers and ensure they are trained to use them correctly

Provide Proper Training

Employers should adequately train workers on identifying ergonomic hazards and ways to prevent them. This includes techniques for safely lifting objects, using tools properly, and taking breaks when necessary.

Opt for Ergonomic Equipment

Employers should choose ergonomic tools and equipment to help reduce the risk of injuries. For example, providing workers with adjustable workbenches or using mechanical lifting equipment can significantly reduce the strain on their bodies.

Conduct Regular Inspection and Maintenance

A well-maintained worksite is essential in preventing ergonomic injuries. Employers should regularly assess tools and equipment to ensure they are in good working condition. It includes replacing worn-out or broken tools promptly.

Encourage Reporting of Injuries and Hazards

Provide workers with a channel to quickly and easily report injuries or hazards. Employers should also act promptly on these reports to prevent further incidents and show their commitment to workplace safety.