Controls for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in constructon trades

Abstract

Workers in the construction experience high rates of injuries and illnesses, including work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Unfortunately, little attention from construction industry toward the ergonomic risk, cause an ergonomics injury that leads to musculoskeletal disorders. The study was to find the most severe Ergonomic Risk Factors (ERFs) and to propose procedures to mitigate them. Three objective had been identified which is to study ergonomic risk factors (ERFs) in construction trades, to determine factors affecting ergonomic risk factors (ERFs), and to propose procedures to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in construction sites. Fifty four (54) sets of questionnaires survey was distributed to constructions workers. The questionnaire had been analysed using Microsoft Excel software for the reliability test result, percentage frequency distribution, relative risk matrix and Average Index (AI). Data then tabulated in table and illustrated in the form of charts. Results indicated that repetition and awkward posture were the highest risk of ERFs and concreter had the highest exposure to all ERFs. From the findings, latent error at management level and lack of control by management are the most factors affected ERFs and may lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, set a proper working time to the workers and giving the correct position and instruction for ergonomics are highly regarded procedures to reduce MSDs, coupled with ergonomic program such as hazard information and reporting, and training, for implementing ergonomic changes in order to controls musculoskeletal disorders among workers in the construction trades.