Affiliations: Department of Occupational and Environmental Safety
and Health, University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Whitewater, WI,
USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Sang D. Choi, PhD, Department of Occupational & Environmental Safety
& Health, University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, 800 West Main Street,
Whitewater, WI 53190-1790, USA. Tel.: +1 262 472 1641; Fax: +1 262 472 1091;
E-mail: chois@uww.edu
Abstract: Objective: The aim of this survey study was to identify
trade-specific ergonomic issues, and discuss practical solutions to reduce
work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and injuries in the construction
industry. Method: Thirty-two construction firms in the Midwestern United
States completed the final survey questionnaire. Twelve different construction
skilled trades participated included: general contractor, road, heavy and
highway, concrete, electrical, carpentry, landscaping, plumbing, roofing, steel
erection, street lighting/traffic signal, and utility construction. Total
workforce of the participating companies numbered 11,118 employees. Result: More than 90% of the participants in the survey had a
written safety program; however, the majority of the firms did not have a
trade-specific ergonomic intervention. The survey revealed that construction
constructors perceived safety (worker well-being) as a high priority in their
company. This study suggested that construction skilled-trade jobs
the construction worker to employ trade-specific hand tools and working body
positions that may contribute to different types of WMSD risks, body parts
injured, and injury sources. Possible practical construction trade-specific
ergonomic solutions might be considered includinge: selection of ergonomic hand
tools, reduction of weight of construction materials, and promotion of wellness
exercises. onclusion: This paper may imply that need for more trade-specific
ergonomics program elements to help alleviate the work-related musculoskeletal
problems in the construction field.
