Free OSHA Course- Health Hazards in Construction - Ergonomic Hazards
- Ergonomic Hazards
Can cause painful and disabling injuries to joints and muscles.
– Principal causes
- Heavy, frequent, or awkward lifting
- Repetitive tasks
- Awkward grips, postures
- Using excessive force, overexertion
- Using wrong tools for the job or using tools improperly
- Using improperly maintained tools
- Hand-intensive work
Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population. Effective and successful "fits" assure high productivity, avoidance of illness and injury risks, and increased satisfaction among the workforce.
Can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and
injuries:
- Strains and sprains one of the most common injuries among construction workers
- Tendonitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Low back pain
- Fatigue
Ergonomic hazards are the most frequently occurring health hazards in construction and the cause of most injuries.
- Did You Know . . . ?
The number of back injuries in U.S. construction …
– 50% higher than the average for all other U.S. industries in 1999 (CPWR, 2002).
– Backaches and pain in the shoulders, neck, arms, and hands were the most common symptoms reported by construction workers in one study (Cook et al,1996).
– Material handling incidents account for 32% of workers’ compensation claims in construction, and 25% of the cost of all claims. The average cost per claim is in the thousands of dollars).
– Musculoskeletal injuries can cause temporary or even permanent disability, which can affect the workers earnings and contractors' profits.
– There are however contractors in the U.S. who are successfully implementing safety and health programs to address these issues, including work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Click on the link shown to learn more.