Ergonomics in the Construction Industry

In the dynamic world of construction, the focus is often on structural integrity and project deadlines. However, one critical aspect that significantly impacts the workforce is ergonomics—the science of designing workspaces and tasks that enhance comfort, efficiency, and safety. In an industry notorious for its physically demanding roles, understanding and implementing ergonomic principles can not only reduce the risk of injury but also boost productivity and morale. This article explores Ergonomics in the Construction Industry, offering insights into practical strategies for creating safer and more effective work environments.

What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the science of designing work tasks and workplaces to fit the worker’s needs, minimising the risk of injury and improving efficiency. It involves using one’s body in a way that aligns with the job or task, aiming to reduce strain and prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSDs develop slowly and affect soft tissues like nerves, tendons, muscles, ligaments, and joints. Common examples of MSDs include low back strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis.

 

Why Should We Talk About Ergonomics in the Construction Industry?

Integrating Ergonomics in the Construction Industry is crucial for protecting workers’ bodies from injuries. Ergonomic practices make work tasks easier on the body, enhancing both safety and efficiency. By adopting ergonomic principles, construction workers can perform their jobs more comfortably and reduce the risk of long-term injuries.

 

Phases of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

MSDs progress through distinct phases:

1. Early Phase: Symptoms start as minor discomfort, often going away after a short break or overnight rest.
2. Intermediate Phase: Symptoms return with the same activity the next day, but the body can still recover between episodes.
3. Chronic Phase: Over time, the body loses the ability to recover fully, leading to persistent discomfort and injury.

Recognising the ergonomic issues causing these symptoms early is vital for preventing further harm and allowing for timely intervention.

 

Common Risks of MSDs in Construction

There are five primary ergonomic hazards in construction work:

1. Repetition: Performing the same task repeatedly using the same muscles, leading to overuse injuries.
2. High Force: Using significant muscle power during activities such as heavy lifting, pushing, or gripping tools.
3. Awkward Postures: Holding the body in poor positions for extended periods, placing undue stress on muscles and joints.
4. Contact Stress: Pressure from objects, like tool handles, pressing on soft tissues.
5. Hand-Arm Vibration: Vibration enters the body from power tools or equipment, leading to conditions like hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

Performing tasks with any of these hazards over a long time can cause MSDs. Activities involving multiple hazards can increase the risk and severity of physical discomfort even more.

 

Practical Ergonomic Solutions for Construction

• Education and Training: Providing workers with proper training on lifting techniques, posture, and tool usage to promote safe practices.
• Tool and Equipment Design: Utilising ergonomically designed tools and equipment reduces strain and improves comfort.
• Workstation Layout: Organising workstations to minimise unnecessary movements and maintain neutral postures.
• Mechanical Assistance: Using mechanical aids like hoists and cranes to reduce the need for manual handling of heavy materials.
• Work-rest cycles: Implement regular breaks and job rotation to prevent fatigue and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
• Environmental Controls: Ensuring adequate lighting, ventilation, and temperature control on construction sites.

 

Medical Procedures for Addressing MSDs

Early intervention and proper medical procedures are essential in managing MSDs:

1. Manual Handling Injuries: For acute injuries, use ice and rest. Physical therapy and ergonomic training are recommended for chronic conditions. Severe cases might require surgical intervention.
2. Repetitive Movements: Rest and anti-inflammatory medications for early symptoms. Occupational therapy and ergonomic adjustments are preventive measures. Persistent cases may need corticosteroid injections or surgery.
3. Awkward Postures: Stretching exercises and ergonomic training to improve posture. Chronic pain may require physical therapy, and severe cases might need orthopaedic consultation.
4. Vibration: Reduce exposure to vibration and use anti-vibration gloves. Persistent symptoms of HAVS might need medical management with medications or physical therapy.
5. Environmental Factors: Addressing environmental factors involves ensuring proper lighting and ventilation. For heat-related illnesses, hydration and cooling measures are essential. Noise-induced hearing loss requires audiometric testing and the use of hearing protection.

 

Ergonomics in the Construction Industry is a practical necessity, essential for protecting workers’ health and enhancing productivity. By prioritising ergonomic principles, South African construction companies can reduce injury rates and create a more sustainable and efficient workforce. Investing in ergonomics fosters a safer and more prosperous industry for all stakeholders, ensuring the well-being of those who drive the nation’s development.

HAZARD
TRADE	HIGH FORCE	AWKWARD POSTURES	REPETITION	CONTACT STRESS	HAND-ARM VIBRATION
Carpenter – Drywall	Hands: Gripping a utility knife with a dull blade to cut drywall.	Operating a screw gun overhead with the arm fully extended and the wrist bent.	Driving screws into drywall every couple of seconds for two hours without brief rest periods.	Repeatedly using your palm to hit the blunt edge of a metal stud into place.	During prep work, using a concrete saw to cut into the floor for more than two hours in a shift.
	Whole body: Lifting a drywall sheet > 100 lbs by yourself.
Floor Layer	Hands: During prep, gripping a hand scraper to scrape stuck VCT and glued off a concrete floor.	Spreading adhesive using a hand trowel with the arm fully extended out to the side and the wrist bent.	Using the same arm motion repeatedly to spread floor leveller over an open floor for two hours without brief rest periods	Kneeling on concrete without wearing kneepads.	Operating a walk-behind electric floor scraper that shakes the hands and arms for more than two hours in a shift.
	Whole body: Push/pulling a pallet of ceramic tiles using a pallet jack with bad wheels.
Sheet Metal Worker	Hands: Gripping snips to cut thick gauge metal.	Prepping duct parts on the floor while bending the back and reaching to work on them.	Shop work: Repeated, similar motions during deburring that occurs for two hours or more without brief rest periods.	Repeatedly using your palm to hit/ assemble metal pieces together.	Operating a hand-held hammer drill to drill holes in concrete for more than two hours in a shift.
	Whole body: Lifting a long piece of duct alone without the use of a handling device.