Ergonomics in Construction : Management and Worker Perceptions
Summary Statement
Describes research on the perceived incidence of musculoskeletal ailments suffered by workers and the tasks that relate to them
Aug 2000
Construction is by its very nature a physical process. This is further aggravated by its labour intensive nature and the low level of mechanization.
Construction requires, inter alia, bending, working in awkward or cramped positions, reaching away from the body and overhead, repetitive movements, handling heavy materials and equipment, use of body force, exposure to vibration and noise, and climbing and descending.
Poor ergonomics results not only in injury or disease to persons, but compromises cost, productivity, quality, schedule, and worker satisfaction.
Descriptive research
conducted to determine the status quo with respect to occupational health
in construction investigated, inter alia, ergonomic related issues. Findings
include the following: musculoskeletal injuries predominate among health
problems, two-thirds of the top five health problems from each of 3 survey
populations being ergonomic related; climbing and descending was ranked
within the top 3 ergonomic problems for each survey population, and back
ailments was ranked second by managers in terms of perceived incidence
of ailments suffered by workers.
