['Ergonomics']
['Ergonomics']
07/16/2024
Copyright 2025 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.
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Introduction
The construction industry continues to see an unacceptable number of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among its workers. The resulting medical burden, loss of production and workforce loss must be addressed for the industry to continue to meet its commitments. Country-wide, the construction industry faces an aging workforce and trained worker shortages. The management tools, jobsite tips and checklists in this brochure are identified to help minimize the damaging effects to the construction industry from musculoskeletal disorders. The information contained in this brochure comes from the construction industry. The information includes examples of best practices currently used by some members of the industry. The background information on musculoskeletal disorders is provided for informational purposes and to provide a structure for the contractors' management of the tools, jobsite tips and check lists. This information also provides an overview that is broad enough to support the use of the brochure in two major ways: one will be to find interventions for existing musculoskeletal disorders on construction projects and the other is to assist contractors and workers identify potential musculoskeletal disorders.
OSHA recognizes this information brochure is not to provide an enforcement blueprint for the Agency. The purpose of this brochure is to provide industry-tried practices that will assist its contractors and its workers reduce musculoskeletal disorders. The Agency encourages construction employers and workers to take full advantage of the information it provides. The Agency encourages using this information to reduce the harmful impact musculoskeletal disorders have on the industry and its workers.
Common Types of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Construction Workers
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders occur from continual wear and tear on the muscles joints, bones, and nerves. Generally, musculoskeletal disorders in construction workers affect the hand, wrist, shoulders, neck, upper and lower back, and the hips and knees. Different types of musculoskeletal disorders are often associated with different types of construction work. Some of the most common diagnoses of work-related musculoskeletal disorders recorded in construction workers are listed below.
Back Pain is caused by repeated lifting of materials, by sudden movements, whole body vibration, lifting and twisting at the same time, bending over for long periods of time. Work as a laborer, drywall installer, scaffold erector, doing form work or on jobs where heavy lifting and carrying is common, is associated with back problems.
Sprain is an injury or tear to a ligament. Ligaments attach one bone to another.
Strain is an injury to muscles that have been stretched or used too much. Strained muscles and sprained ligaments both irritate the muscles around them. This adds to the pain and discomfort. Thirty seven percent of lost wartime injuries in construction workers are due to sprains and strains.
Degenerative disc disease is caused by damage to the gel-like cushions between the bones in the spine. Released gel presses on the nerve. Symptoms of this disorder include numbness, pain and weakness, usually in the leg and hips, but sometimes in the arms and upper back.
Tendinitis, an inflammation and soreness in tendons, is caused by repeated movement of a joint. Tendinitis is associated with work that requires repetitive motions like using a staple gun, rotating or twisting motions (screw driving). or from prolonged use of tools that are too small or too large for the hand. Tendinitis is most common among roofers, sheet metal workers and masons. Depending on where the injury occurs, a different name is assigned to the disease. Common tendinitis problems include: Tenosynovitis (usually in the wrist), Trigger finger (palm side of any finger), De Quervain's Disease (tendons in the thumb), Epicondylitis (tennis elbow). Symptoms include a burning pain or dull ache, swelling or puffiness, snapping or jerking movements), Ganglionic cysts (a thick mucous fluid which can form within a tendon sheath) are often called bible bumps are reported in iron worker s or rodmen who twist wire ties.
Raynaud's Syndrome or White Finger Disease is due to damage to the nerves and blood vessels in the hands often caused by the use of vibrating hand tools such as power hand tools, power snips, grinding wheels, gas-powered circular and chain saws, needle guns, torque wrenches, jackhammers and impact tools and others. Symptoms include numbness and weakness in the hand and fingers. A common characteristic of Raynaud's Syndrome is a whitening of the fingers, hand, and sometimes the forearm to the elbow after exposure to vibration or cold.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a condition caused by reduced blood flow in the shoulder and arm caused by overhead work or carrying heavy items in the hands with the arms straight down. Other musculoskeletal disorders that involve the shoulder include rotator cuff tendinitis and bursitis. Construction workers who have the highest risk of shoulder problems because they work overhead include: scaffold erectors, insulators and painters.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a problem of the nerve in the hand and wrist, is caused by repeated bending of the wrist, holding tools or materials tightly, constantly pressing the wrist against a hard object. Carpal tunnel syndrome has been reported in carpenters, electricians and sheet metal workers. Classic symptoms include: numbness, tingling, burning and pain. In severe cases, there may be wasting of the muscles at the base of the thumb; dry shiny palm; clumsiness of the hand.
Carpet Layers' Knee is caused by repeated use of knee kickers while laying carpeting. Other musculoskeletal disorders of the knees reported in construction workers are bursitis, and fractures. Floor layers, tile setters, roofers, electricians sheet metal workers, carpenters and insulators report knee pain and sprains.
Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders in Construction
There are activities, actions, conditions or exposures that can increase the chance or risk of developing a work-related musculoskeletal disorder. There are some differences in the factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders of the hands, wrist, neck and shoulder also known as upper extremities, the back, and the hips, knees, ankles and feet or the lower extremities.
Risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders of the hands, wrist, neck and shoulder may include:
- Force or muscle effort
- Awkward body postures
- Repetitive work
- Contact pressure
- Vibration
- Temperature
Each of these risk factors is discussed in detail below.
1. Force or Muscle Effort
Force is the amount of effort it takes to do an activity or work. Lifting, pushing, pulling, and gripping a tool are examples of activities that require exerting force or muscle effort. Keeping the body in one position for a period of time (for example, doing overhead work) also requires muscle effort. The more force that is exerted, the greater the stress on the body.
2. Awkward Body Postures
In generally, the most comfortable working postures are when the shoulders are down and relaxed, the arms are close to the sides, elbows are bent and wrists and hand straight, like the posture used to shake hands with someone. This is called a neutral posture or position. When the working posture is out of the neutral position, the stress on joints, muscles, tendons, nerves and blood vessels is increased. The amount of muscle effort is also increased and the risk of fatigue and injury also increases. It takes more muscle effort to work at eye height than to work at elbow height.
Working with arms raised is a very awkward posture which puts stress on the muscles, tendons and joints of arms, hands and shoulders. Working at elbow height also allows the body weight to push the tool being used.
3. Repetitive Work
Nailing a deck, screwing drywall, tying rebar, and making terminations are examples of repetitive tasks. Doing the same motions over and over again puts stress on muscles, tendons and joints.
4. Contact Stress (Tools and Sharp Objects)
Tools and materials (wood, metal) can press against the soft part of the palm of the hand or other soft tissues of the body. When tools or sharp edges press into the palm of the hand, they can press on or compress the soft blood vessels and nerves in the hand. When blood vessels are compressed, the amount of blood that gets through to the tissues is reduced. Compressed nerves can cause numbness and tingling. Continuous compression may cause irreversible damage to the blood vessels, nerves and surrounding tissue.
5. Vibration from Hand Tools
Damage to the blood vessels and nerves of the hand and fingers can result from the use of powered hand tools. Rotary hammers, chainsaws, grinders and jackhammers all cause vibrations to travel through the hand. The risk of conditions, such as Raynaud's Syndrome, from powered hand tools is increased when exposed to cold, because the cold causes the need for a much tighter grip on the tool.
6. Temperature
Cold can increase the risk of muscle strain. Muscles tend to tense when it is cold; this makes strain more likely.
Heat Stress is a concern when working in hot or humid environments. Heavy physical work raises your body temperature. Heavy work in hot environments can lead to a series of problems including dehydration, heat cramps, confusion, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which is life threatening.
Non-Work-Related Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Disorders
Some risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders have nothing to do with work. Certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, hormone imbalances and pregnancy can increase your chances of getting some musculoskeletal disorders. Your general health and age as well as spare-time activities may also play a part in the development of musculoskeletal disorders. If you work for yourself or on your own house in the evening and weekends, chances are you are being exposed to some of the same risk factors you face on your job. Even if your free time activities are very different from your work activities they may involve similar risk factors, such as repetitive actions, mechanical stress or awkward postures. If, for example, you're a pitcher during softball season, play a lot of tennis, or have hobbies which involve fine precision work (carving, model-making) you may be exposed to risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders.
Remember that the greater the number of risk factors you are exposed to, the higher your risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. The longer your exposure, the higher your risk.
Factors Related to Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders
The type of grip used to hold a tool also makes a difference in the amount of effort expended. A pinch grip which uses only the fingers to hold an item, requires more muscle effort than a power grip. A power grip (full-hand grip), which uses the larger muscles of the arm, has about four times the strength of a pinch grip. A pinch grip can cause fatigue and injury.
The position of hands and arms in relation to the body also affects the amount of force that needs to be exerted .. If using a tool causes the wrist to bend downward, backward, or to one side or the other causes more force to be used. The more often work is done with bent, the greater the risk of developing a musculoskeletal disorder of the hand, wrist, shoulder or elbow.
A slippery handle or a handle that is too large or too small for the hand is hard to hold. These factors cause the user to grip the handle more tightly or to apply more force.
Gloves that are too tight or too loose or made of certain materials (some chemical-resistant gloves) also cause the user to grip tools more tightly than without. However, it is important to remember that gloves are an important part of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and should be worn when required.
Risk Factors for the Back
There are a number of common risk factors associated with injuries to the back. They include:
- Lifting
- Pushing, pulling, tugging
- Twisting, reaching, sideways bending, unequal lifting
- Working in a single position
- Whole body vibration
Lifting is a forceful movement requiring energy and muscle effort. It stresses muscles, tendons and ligaments and increases forces on the spine. This is true even if proper lifting techniques are used. Bending from the waist and lifting at the same time, forces on the spine are increased even more. Forces are also increased if lifting is done at the same time as...
This is also true if you reach, twist or hold the object away from you body as you lift. Using one arm to lift an object or carrying and object on one shoulder or one hip also places extra (and uneven) stress on the spine. Factors that affect the stress of a lift on the back and other parts of the body include:
- Size and weight of the object. If the object is too big or bulky you won't be able to do a squat lift (bent legs, straight back). Bending from the waist to lift an object, the stress on the lower back is three times greater than lifting with a straight back.
- Horizontal distance of the lift. If you hold the object away from your body, with your arms out in front of you, your back muscles have to work much harder to hold the object. When the object is held away from your body, the forces on your lower back increase. Lifting with the load away from your body also puts stress on your arms and shoulders.
- Vertical distance of the lift. Try to keep the vertical distance of lifts between knuckle and shoulder height. The lift should not start below knuckle height nor end above shoulder height. Lifting from below knuckle height puts stress on the legs and knees as well as on the back. Lifting above shoulder height puts stress on the upper back, shoulders and arms.
- Twisting or bending done at the same time as the lift. Bending or twisting while lifting greatly increases the stresses on the spine over a straight lift.
- Amount of lifting. Repeated lifting , even lifting light loads may cause localized muscle fatigue or whole body fatigue. Fatigue increases the risk of accident and injury. Frequent lifting also puts stress on the discs, tendons and ligaments of the back.
2. Pushing, pulling, tugging and sliding
- Pushing, pulling, tugging and sliding objects require muscle force or effort. They put a strain on your lower back. They also stress the muscles, tendons and joints of shoulders, arms, upper back and legs. The amount of force these movements require depends upon: The amount of force used to pull or push the object.
- Pushing uses less force and allows use of upper body weight.
- Body posture while pushing or pulling.
- Awkward postures force the body to exert more force to move the object.
- Condition of the walking surface.
- High friction between the object and the surface, for example moving an object over gravel requires more force to move the object. Slippery surfaces reduce the amount of traction, leading to the possibility of slips and falls.
- Slope of the work surface. The greater the slope, the harder it is to push the item.
- Weight of the object. The greater the weight, the more stress on the shoulder, back, and legs.
- Position of the object. Pushing or pulling an object above the shoulder or below the waist is more stressful.
3. Twisting, Reaching, Sideways Bending, Unequal Lifting
Any amount of twisting, reaching or bending while lifting causes more stress on the back.
- Reaching upward usually causes the back to arch. This increases the forces on the lower spine. It also puts stress on the upper back, shoulders and arms.
- Forward reaches that are longer than the length of the arm and require bending or stretching put stress on the lower back and on the legs.
- Bending sideways or twisting your trunk puts stress on your lower back.
- Carrying an object on one shoulder, arm, hand or hip puts more stress on one side of the spine.
Remember: The more reaching, twisting, sideways bending and unequal lifting/carrying you do, the greater the risk of back injury.
4. Working in a Single Position (static postures)
Working in one position for an extended period of time causes muscle fatigue. Bending over, leaning forward, and/or working with arms above shoulder height for a period of time stresses the lower back, neck and shoulders. Even sitting for long periods causes back fatigue.
If you have already have low back pain, constant standing can be painful. Putting inserts in your boots and standing on padding rather that hard ground or concrete may help. It's important to move around, change positions and rest your muscles as often as possible.
5. Whole Body Vibration
Whole body vibration is mainly a problem for heavy equipment operators and truck drivers. Over time, certain types of vibration can cause little changes (cumulative traumas) in the spine that can build up until there is permanent damage.
Other Risk Factors to Consider
Other risk factors contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders on the site. They include:
- Floor surfaces and obstacles in the work area & Housekeeping Practices
- Height of the work
- Working beyond the body's capacity
- Lifting techniques
- Tool belts
1. Floor surfaces and obstacles in the work area & Housekeeping Practices
Good housekeeping practices are important to reducing musculoskeletal disorders.
- Mud, wet, oily surfaces and poor housekeeping are serious slip, trip and fall hazards.
- Materials, wires, power cords and tools on the ground are common causes of slips and trips.
- Slips and trips cause back injury.
- Reaching over, under or around an object or barrier increases the stresses on the lower back.
2. Height of the work
Work areas not designed so that both tall and short people can work comfortably and are a problem for each:
- Tall people may need to bend over or stoop to do certain jobs. This increases the stress on their lower spines and tires their muscles.
- Shorter people may need to reach up to do a job. Bending backwards while reaching up, increases the pressure on the lower spines. Working with raised arms can also cause fatigue and shoulder, neck and elbow problems.
3. Working beyond your capacity
Being physically fit has many advantages but strong muscles and fitness do not necessarily protect the spine from injury. Lifting affects spinal discs no matter how fit or strong you are.
It is important to remember that everyone has limitations. Working beyond our limitations puts all workers at risk for injury.
4. Lifting techniques
Lifting involves many different muscle groups. Lifting from the ground to waist level uses muscles of the leg and thigh. Lifting between the waist and the shoulder, uses mostly back muscles. Lifting above shoulder height uses muscles of the upper back and shoulder.
Most of us have been taught that the proper lift technique is the squat lift with the knees bent and back straight. A squat lift puts stress on the lower legs, knees and thighs. It also requires a lot of energy.
The proper lift depends more on the size and shape of the object you are lifting than of any set technique. If an object is too big or bulky you may not be able to hold it against your body as you lift. When you hold an object away from your body, the forces on your spine increases. This happens no matter what lift technique you use.
People who do a lot of lifting will often lift freestyle rather than squat. Freestyle (what most do when no one is watching back bent, legs almost straight) puts more stress on the back but requires less energy than squat lifting.
It is important to be careful about the way you lift. No matter how you lift, if the object is too heavy, back injury may occur. The best way to prevent back problems is to eliminate or reduce the need for heavy lifting.
5. Tool Belts
Wearing a tool belt that can weigh anywhere from 25 to 60 pounds puts stress on the lower back and hips. Adding suspenders to your tool belt can help redistribute the weight, but it requires adjustment until you get the shoulder-waist-hip distribution that's best for you. Suspenders can also cause shoulder discomfort. The best strategy is to reduce the weight of your tool belt. If you don't need it, don't carry it.
Making Construction Work Safer
In most cases, the cause of musculoskeletal disorders can be traced to body movements and the demands of the job. Given the physical nature of construction jobs, it is not surprising that many workers complain of back, shoulder, or knee problems. Many of these conditions could be prevented if we reduce the amount of awkward, heavy, repetitive activities required by the job. While construction jobs will never be like desk jobs, they can be made to be safer.
Elements of a Good Health and Safety Program
Successful programs aimed at reducing musculoskeletal disorders have six essential elements. Your program may include more elements. The six essential elements include:
- Management commitment and employee participation.
- Hazard awareness and identification.
- Job hazard analysis and solution development.
- Training.
- Medical management and alternative duty.
- Program evaluation and task assessment.
Management Leadership and Employee Participation Management commitment to control and reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders starts at the top and must run through every level in the organization. The commitment includes assigning program responsibilities and the authority to those that run the program, providing adequate financial, personnel and material resources, analysis of the worksite activities and infrastructure to identify risk factors and hazards, information dissemination, training and medical management.
The most effective solution to reducing safety and health hazards on the construction site is a combination of leadership and worker involvement. Involved employees provide input and report the presence of risk factors on the site, report symptoms and injuries, suggest and design solutions and provide the central resource for maintaining a risk free project. If there is a functioning safety committee on your project, control and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders should be one of its areas of concern. If there is no committee, consider forming one to address musculoskeletal disorders and other safety and health concerns on your project.
Hazard Awareness and Identification
Supervisors and workers must be aware of risk factors and hazards on their jobs and in their work environment that lead to musculoskeletal disorders. A key component of a successful program is the ability of the workforce to learn, identify and report the risk factors, hazards, signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders. Skills in hazard awareness are developed through training programs and hands-on practice. There are many programs and free materials available in print and on the web that can help in this training. Information on where to get some of this information is included in the back of this brochure.
Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and Solution Development
A Job Hazard Analysis helps find what risk factors or hazards exist on the job site. Careful evaluation of the job site identifies risk factors and hazards; use of checklists help record your observations for further examination. Several checklists for recording risk factor and hazards are included in this manual. Once the risk factors, hazards and injuries are identified and recorded, the safety and health committee, in collaboration with management, contractors and workers, have the facts to develop solutions, e.g., improve site housekeeping through the alteration of material delivery schedule, use self-raising platforms or buddy system for lifting, etc. Some general solutions are listed below.
Training
Training provides the basis for consistent awareness, identification, analysis, targeting and control of musculoskeletal disorders hazards. The training should reach workers and supervisors as well as others participating in the musculoskeletal disorders control program.
Medical Management and Alternate Duty
The key to rapid successful return to health, duty and productivity is prompt access to health care for assessment, treatment and follow-up. The longer a worker is away from work the less likely the worker will return. Replacement of a skilled workers is expensive or, at times, difficult or impossible. It is a benefit to workers and employers to bring an injured worker back to alternate or reassigned duties as soon as medically appropriate.
Program Evaluation
Evaluating the effectiveness of a program is just as important as instituting the program. Is your program reducing musculoskeletal disorders, hazards and risks? Does an initial upsurge in musculoskeletal disorders reporting mean your project became less safe because of the program? Does this upsurge mean that a hidden population of injured workers has gotten treatment and will be returned to a healthier level of life and productivity? Have you successfully identified and targeted your musculoskeletal disorders hazards? Program evaluation will help answer all these and more questions.
Where to find more information
Add web sites and publications for individuals to find information on reducing MSD's.
Looking at the work-site
Checklists are useful tools for determining the presence of hazards and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders at your work-site. Checklists are a way of collecting the same kind of information each time that you look at a site. They also serve as reminders to look at the most important activities related to musculoskeletal disorders on the site.
The following checklists are sample approaches to learning about hazards on your work-site, identifying solutions and how well your prevention program is working. These kinds of checklists can be changed to suit your worksite or your personal styles.
Draft: Worksite Evaluation Checklist
Why should I fill out the checklist?
This checklist is intended to help develop an "eye" for musculoskeletal problems and to prevent injuries.
Who fills out the checklist?
Jointly updated by contractors and workers or their representatives.
How often do I update the checklist?
Periodically or as the site changes. Changes may include but are not limited to weather conditions, introduction of new workers on the site, new materials, change in operations, new phase of the project, etc.
Do I need to fill out the entire checklist?
Each time the checklist is updated, fill out the Job Site Information Section. Some parts of the checklist may not apply to your kind of work. Fill out what applies to your job or site activities.
Job Site Information
Date: ____ Site: _________________________________
General Contractor: _________________________________
Subcontractor: _________________________________
Worker/Representative: _________________________________
Name / Signature:
_________________________________
(Person filling out this form)
Materials Handling & Lifting
List those tools and materials weighing over 20 lbs that are lifted by hand. These might include bricks or blocks, drywall, plywood, rebar, structural iron, roofing materials, forms, jack hammers, tampers, saws, pneumatic wrenches or anything over 20 lbs. Fill out the box:
| Tools/Materials over | Jobs where lifting | Job titles | Possible solutions to |
|---|---|---|---|
List the materials and tools weighing over 50 lbs that workers lift without assistance; how often do they perform these lifts each day. Fill in the box below.
| Job title | Item being lifted over 50 lbs | # times/day | Possible solution to eliminate lift |
|---|---|---|---|
Are there handles for materials that must be carried? Yes ____ No ____
- If there are no handles, why?
- How can handles be easily installed?
- If there are handles, are the handles easy to use and comfortable? Yes ____ No ____
Are workers encouraged to get someone's help to lift heavy materials?
- Yes ____
- No ____ Why not? _________________________________
Are dollies, hand-trucks, wheelbarrows or other assists available for moving materials?
- Yes ____
- No ____ Why not? _________________________________
If dollies, hand-trucks, wheelbarrows or other assists are available, are they being used?
- Yes ____
- No ____ Why not? _________________________________
Are materials delivered as close as possible to where they will be used?
- Yes ____
- No
____ How can the delivery schedule be changed?
_________________________________
_________________________________
What jobs cause workers to lift overhead? Fill in the box.
| Job title | Item being lifted | # times/day | Possible solution to reduce lift |
|---|---|---|---|
Are materials stored on walking or working surfaces?
- Yes ____ Do workers have to bend down to pick up or lift materials? Yes ____ No ____
- No ____
Could the materials be stored at waist height?
- Yes ____
- No ____ Why not? _________________________________
Which tasks do workers have to reach far to pick up or lift materials? Fill in the box.
| Job title | Item being lifted | # times/day | Possible solution to reduce reach distances |
|---|---|---|---|
Tools
Are tools kept sharp and in good condition?
- Yes ____
- No ____ Why not? _________________________________
What can be done to improve tool maintenance? _________________________________
What tools weigh more than 20 lbs? Fill in the box.
| List tools more than 20 lbs | Who uses them | Alternative tools less than 20 lbs |
|---|---|---|
What hand tools used on site vibrate? Fill in the box.
| List hand tools that vibrate | Who uses them | Ways to reduce vibration exposure |
|---|---|---|
What hand tools have to be used in awkward postures or in difficult positions? Fill in the box.
| List hand tools | Who uses them | Ways to reduce awkward postures |
|---|---|---|
List the hand tools that have poor handle designs, grips that are too big or small, blow cold air on the workers' hands or have chilled handles. Fill in the table.
| List hand tools | Who uses them | Check the problems the tool has | Possible solutions | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bad design | Grip size | Cold air | Chilled handles | |||
Repetitive Work
List the jobs that require motions be repeated many times for 1 hour or are repeated throughout the workday? Can the repetitions be reduced by job rotation or rest breaks? Fill in the box.
| Job description | Job title of workers | Describe repeated motions | Repeated many times for 1 hour? (yes/no) | Repeated throughout the day?
(yes/no) | Rest breaks possible?
(yes/no) | Job rotation possible?
(yes/no) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Awkward Postures
List the jobs that require work at shoulder height more than 1 hour per day; jobs that require overhead work more than 1 hour per day? Can scaffolds, platforms or other equipment reduce work above shoulder height?
| Job description | Job title of workers | Work at shoulder height for 1 hour or more (yes/no) | Overhead work for 1 hour or more each day (yes/no) | Scaffolds, platforms, etc., possible
(yes/no) | Other solutions? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kneeling
List the jobs that require or kneeling for more than 1 hour a day? Are kneepads or cushions available? Are the pads or cushions being used? Fill in the box.
| Job description | Job title of workers | Kneepads or cushions available (yes/no) | Kneepads or cushions used regularly (yes/no) | Equipment available to reduce kneeling? | Other solutions? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Working in one posture or position for a long period
List the jobs that require workers to stay in one position for a long time. Fill in the box.
| Job description | Job title of workers | Possible solutions |
|---|---|---|
Twisting, Turning, Bending
List the jobs that require a lot of twisting, turning or bending. Are there ways of reducing twisting, turning or bending? Fill in the box.
| Job description | Job title of workers | Check the motion the job requires | Possible solutions | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twist | Turn | Bend | Combination | |||
Surfaces for Walking and Working
List the jobs where the working and walking surfaces are not clean and dry; obstructed; uneven or not level. How can the surfaces be improved? Fill in the box.
| Location of Working or Walking Surface | Condition of Work Surface Check all that apply | Ways to reduce or fix the condition | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wet/ slippery | Obstructed | Uneven | Steep slope | Other condition(s)
(list) | ||
Worksite Lighting Conditions
List the work areas that are lit with artificial lighting. Is there enough light to do the work? To see materials being moved? Are walking surfaces adequately illuminated? Do shadows restrict visibility? Does glare restricts visibility? Fill in the box.
| Work Sites w/artificial lighting | Work Sites w/natural lighting | Enough light to do work
(artificial or natural) | Walking surfaces well lit? (yes/no) | Shadows restrict visibility?
(yes/no) | Glare restrict visibility?
(yes/no) | Possible solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Standing
List the jobs that require workers to stand all day. Which jobs require standing on concrete or steel? Fill in the box.
| Jobs requiring standing all day | Jobs standing on concrete or steel all day | Use antifatigue mats (yes/no) | Use job rotation (yes/no) | Use adjustable stools on work site? (yes/no) | Other solutions? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sitting
List the jobs that require sitting for more than one continuous hour. Are workers sitting in the cold to do the job? Sitting on building materials to do the job? Fill in the box.
| Job description | Job title of workers sitting | Sitting in cold to do job (yes/no) (yes/no) | Sitting on building materials or structure to do job (yes/no) | Possible solutions? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Heavy Equipment Operators
List the types of heavy equipment operating on the site. On which machines do operators need to lean forward to see or do their work? Do they have to stretch or use awkward postures to reach the equipment controls? Are the seats comfortable for the operators? Does the seating in any of the equipment vibrate a lot? Are the mirrors in the right spots for good visibility? Fill in the box.
| Equipment type on site | Number of pieces of each type | Need to lean forward to see?
(yes/no) | Stretch or awkward postures to use controls? (yes/no) | Mirrors in the right places? (yes/no) | Good seats?
(yes/no) | Seats vibrate? (yes/no) | Solutions to reduce the problem? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Training
List the training courses that supervisors had on preventing musculoskeletal disorders? What courses do they need to take? Fill in the box. If no courses were taken, write NONE on the first line.
| Name of Superintendents | Name of courses taken & year taken | Name of courses needed |
|---|---|---|
List the training courses that workers had on preventing musculoskeletal disorders? What courses do they need to take? If no courses were taken, write NONE on the first line. Fill in the box.
| Workers | Name of courses taken & year taken | Name of courses needed |
|---|---|---|
Recording Signs and Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Disorders
List the jobs and job titles of workers that have reported muscle pain, joint and back or neck pain in the last 2 weeks. What is the possible cause of the symptom, for example, lifting, awkward postures, working in one position for long periods, repetitive work, something else? You might also want to look at OSHA 200 logs, first aid logs or any other sources of information that is available on your site. Fill in the box.
| Symptom | Jobs | Job Title | Possible cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle pain | |||
| Joint Pain | |||
| Wrist or hand pain | |||
| Elbow or shoulder pain | |||
| Knee pain | |||
| Ankle or hip pain | |||
| Back Pain | |||
| Neck Pain | |||
Reporting
| Yes | No | |
| Do workers feel free to report symptoms of musculoskeletal | ||
| Do workers feel free to report hazards associated with | ||
| Does the company have an incentive program that discourages | ||
| Are hazards quickly remedied when reported? | ||
| Do workers feel free to report suggested solutions? | ||
| Do workers feel free to report injuries? | ||
| Do supervisors have the same freedom to report information about |
Solutions
Now that you have reviewed all of the jobs for hazards and risk factors related to musculoskeletal disorders, this is the time to consider solutions that best fit your worksite and budget, but which fix the problems.
Based on your review, list the jobs on site that are the most hazardous for musculoskeletal injuries:
Work with the supervisors and workers to analyze the hazards you have noted as well as, risk factor information to select appropriate solutions. The analysis may be as simple as providing anti-fatigue mats for workers who stand on concrete all day, or as complex as developing a rotation schedule for workers who must work in cramped spaces all day.
List the suggested solutions according to the ease of getting done, the expense and the potential to eliminate the identified risk factor or hazard (effectiveness)?
Proposed solutions
Most effective - - - - - - - - - - - - - Easiest to get done- - - - - - - - - - - - - Least expensive
You also might want to develop a schedule that allows you to check back periodically to see if the solution actually worked.
Program Evaluation Checklist
Every health and safety program should have one part of its activities dedicated to the elimination of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, The most effective programs are evaluated on a regular schedule, especially as worksites change. This checklist provides a cursory evaluation of the main elements of your program to reduce musculoskeletal disorders. Fill this out to see where your program is working and where it might need improvement. If you answer "No" to any question, jot down why this activity does not occur in your organization.
Management Leadership and Employee Participation
| Yes | No | Reason for No | Possible solutions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Is there program participation by the site safety & health manager? | ||||
| Is there program participation by superintendents? | ||||
| Is there program participation by foremen? | ||||
| Are workers/representativ es active throughout the program? | ||||
| Can participation be improved? |
Hazard Awareness and Identification
| Yes | No | Reason for No | Possible solutions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does the program ensure that superintendents, foremen and workers are able to identify symptoms, hazards, risk factors and abatements of musculoskeletal disorders? | ||||
| Does the program ensure superintendents, foremen and workers collect and report their information related to musculoskeletal disorders? |
Job Hazard Analysis and Hazard Control
| Yes | No | Reason for No | Possible solutions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does the program ensure that MSD information is reviewed on a regular schedule? | ||||
| Does the program identify controls that are feasible for the worksite? | ||||
| Once identified, are the controls put into effect on the worksite? |
Training
| Yes | No | Who is not trained? | Suggestions how to change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Are workers, foremen or superintendents trained about musculoskeletal disorders and the program? | ||||
| Has the training resulted in changed attitudes, work organization or behavior? | ||||
| Give examples of improvements due to last training |
Program Evaluation
| Yes | No | Why Not? | Possible solutions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does the program include a periodic evaluation? | ||||
| Does this evaluation drive program improvements? | ||||
| Is this evaluation share throughout the organization? |
Medical Management and Alternate Duty
| Yes | No | Why Not? | Possible solutions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does the program generally ensure prompt access to appropriate health care? | ||||
| Does the program ensure prompt access to appropriate health care for assessment of a condition? | ||||
| Does the program ensure prompt access to appropriate health care for treatment of a condition? | ||||
| Does the program ensure prompt access to appropriate health care for followup of a condition? | ||||
| Does the program provide medically appropriate alternate or reassigned duties? |
EXAMPLES OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDER INTERVENTIONS IN CONSTRUCTION
| PROBLEM | SOLUTIONS |
|---|---|
| Manual handling | Pre-job planning to minimize handling, improved housekeeping to 6 prevent trips, increased use of carts/dollies/hoists/mechanical handling, 7 ladder hoists/gin poles/daisy chains/cranes for moving materials on/off 8 roofs, chain falls, motorized buggies, carrying handles, extension 9 handles for carrying large or awkward materials (like drywall), Break 10 up loads (cement in 47 lb bags), Shoulder pads for carrying on 11 shoulders, Ergonomics training, Pre-job stretching program, weight 12 labeling of materials, Getting help (two-person lifts) |
| Weight of building materials | Light-weight concrete blocks, fiberglass ladders, cement in smaller 15 packages (47 lb), 3 ft wide drywall |
| Hand tools | Handles that are more comfortable, better grips, right size for the hand, 18 allow a power grip for heavy work and pinch grip for fine work, allow 19 a neutral wrist posture, reduce the amount of force needed, lighter 20 weight tools when appropriate, power tools (cordless screwguns), tool 21 sharpeners for cutting tools |
| Vibrating tools | Vibration absorbing padding on handles, anti-vibration gloves, 24 vibration-dampened handles on pavement breakers |
| Whole-body Vibration | Vibration-dampened seating |
| Overhead work | Drywall lifts, scissors lifts, extension poles/stands for operating tools 29 overhead, work platforms |
| Work at ground level | Tables/stands for bring work to waist height, storage of materials at 32 waist height, adjustable height scaffolding for bricklayers, pipe stands 33 for steam-fitters/plumbers, D handle/longer handles for shoveling, rebar 34 tying devices, stand-up fastening systems for roof insulation |
| Awkward Postures - Operators | Better visibility for equipment operators, better cab design |
| Repetitive work | Power tools, micropauses/ rest breaks, job rotation |
| Kneeling | Knee pads, Pants with knee pad pockets, rest and stretch breaks |
| Standing on concrete | Shoe inserts, sit/stand stools, Bucket seat (converts a 5 gal bucket into a 42 seat), floor mats, rest breaks |
| Process Solution (Drilling) | Avoid drilling by casting sleeves in concrete |
| Temperature | Heat and air conditioning |
| Back, Hip | Tool Belt/Suspenders/Fall Protection - full body harness Integrate all three |
| Outreach | OSHA will have to sell idea |
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