KNOWLEDGE OF ERGONOMICS AND ERGONOMIC RISK FACTORS FOR WORKERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Abstract

Construction is a physically demanding and potentially hazardous profession. The construction industry is characterized by fragmentation, multiplicity of operation, multiplicity of crews and industry culture. Ergonomics is still a relatively new theme for the construction industry. Understanding the ergonomic issues in construction can play a critical role in ameliorating its risks among the construction workers. Sustained physical work can be the cause of bodily injury to workers, which in turn entails enormous losses to the industry in terms of money, time, and productivity. Each of these however contributes to unforeseen and unfamiliar hazards or the unsafe behavior of workers. Several safety and health organizations have proposed rules and regulations that limit workers’ efforts in order to mitigate possible bodily injuries. Despite the advancement in technology the ergonomic knowledge has been slow in construction industry, however, physical efforts continue to cause serious damage to workers’ health and, as a result, efforts are being directed towards a more ergonomic and safe working environment. The aim of the paper is to discuss various ergonomic risks encountered by construction workers on construction sites and develop various interventions to reduce those risks. The paper also advocate for participatory research ergonomics as an effective health and safety policy in the construction industry so as to achieve the positive safety culture in the workers daily operations.