Improved Productivity through Construction Ergonomics

Improved Productivity through Construction Ergonomics

Construction Safety Management Institute

Our risk control service is advisory only. We assume no responsibility for management or control of customer safety activities nor implementation of recommended corrective measures. The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at the time of publication. No attempt has been made to interpret any referenced codes, standards, or regulations. Please refer to the appropriate code-, standard-, or regulation-making authority for interpretation or clarification. Only your policy or contract can give actual terms, conditions and exclusions.

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Exits

Restrooms

Participation

Sign-in sheet

Computer use

Housekeeping

Schedule

Cell phones

Hotel or travel issues?

Course materials and evaluations

Create YOUR action item worksheet

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Objectives

Understand the impact of injuries from material handling

Learn about common ergonomic risk factors on a construction site

Implement controls that reduce known risksKnow what resources are available for our construction

customers

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Macro View: 2017 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index


Construction jobs present unique challenges for successful ergonomics, due to:

• Demanding physical work

• Constant changes in job site

• Little control of environmental factors

Applications of Ergonomics


Common Activities and Risk Factors

When factors are combined, the risk goes up exponentially!

Shoveling Weight of materialsAwkward positions

Lifting Equipment WeightAwkward positions

Using Equipment Static posturesAwkward positionsContact stress

Environment Risk Factors

ColdHeatOther


Eliminate risk factor

Reduce risk factor– Engineering controls

• Reduce weight• Reduce force• Reduce distance handled

– Administrative controls• Limit time on the task• Slow down work pace• Training• Two man teams• Conditioning

– PPE

Addressing Risk Factors

Most effective control

Least effective control


Construction Ergo Risk Factors and Solutions


Risk Factor – Kneeling – Contact Stress

Contact stress resulting in knee bursitis (inflammation of bursa near knee joint)Puncture from hardware

on the ground (screws)Kneepads are the

common control


Reduced awkward and static posture • Creative back / shoulder support with a padded, 5-gallon

pail

Reducing Contact Stress – Welder


Risk Factor – BendingGetting Tasks Off the Ground

Reduced bendingUse a gang box and other

material as a quick task workstation Avoid working on the floor


Risk Factor – Reduce BendingFor Longer Lasting Operations

Build a workstation


Risk Factors – Bending and KneelingWorkstations – Height Adjustment

Adjustment range: 29 – 39 inches from the floor:

• Heavy work >10 lbs. weight/force (4”- 8” below elbow height)

• Light/normal work <10 lbs. weight/force (2”- 4” below elbow height)


Above shoulders• Arms stretched• Back arched for balance• Added weight of arms• Fatigue• Static loading

Solutions• Fabricate assembly to reduce working time• Use taller ladder or lift • Position body as close as possible to reduce shoulder fatigue• Rotation works / increase number of breaks

Risk Factor-Awkward PostureAbove the Shoulders


Risk Factor – Lifting and Lowering

Bending below the knees and lifting above the shoulders

Frequent handlingVertical handling distanceHorizontal distance from the body


Reduce Lifting

Manually handling each bag of mortar

Bulk bags loaded by an all-terrain lift


Reducing Weight Handled

Use smaller, lightweight containers with handles to minimize effort and decrease heavy weights.

Limit container weight

3 gallon bucket

5-gallon bucket 3-gallon bucket


Assumed to be easyResistance, not just weight

is criticalKey sub factors:

– Long distances– Inclines– Obstructions/surface

condition

Risk Factors – Pushing and Pulling


Carrying distanceHousekeeping tripsDistance from the body (again)Awkward and static posturesBulky loadWeight

Risk Factors – Carrying and Holding


Moving materials or equipmentUse mechanical equipment – 2-wheeler, carts, lift truck, etc.Stage materials close to the site2+ person

Risk Factor – Carrying and Pushing/Pulling“Solutions”


Solutions – Reduce CarryingCart to move ductwork


Choose the right caster for the environment Inspect casters frequently for damage and wearMaintain casters by keeping them clean and lubricatedReplace worn and defective wheels and casters immediately

Reduce Pushing/Pulling Forces: Casters


Risk Factors – Static and Awkward Postures“Tool Redesign”

Allow some jobs to be done standing up, instead of kneeling or bent overExample:

• Tie wiring: drilling, shooting studs, clips, etc.


Solutions – Standing Tools


StorageStore in correct orientation for removalLadder or step stool when over shoulder heightEliminate “mixed” bins that require sortingNeat stacking makes for easier retrievalMost accessible position

– heavy items – frequently used items

Pre-Planning Best Practices


Layout Minimize distance between work areasJust in time: sequential flow of materialsDeliver heavy materials close to installationReduce congestionHandle only once

Pre-Planning Best Practices


Productive construction toolkit on SafetyNet™• Assessment tools• Reference notes• Rebar lifting chart• Sample ergo safety program

Seminars and webinarsConstruction safety talksConsulting Center

Resources


OSHA e-tool for electrical contractorsOSHA prevention videos (v-tool)Department of Labor and Industries

Ergonomics Demonstration Project reports– Carpentry, Laborers, Rebar, and

Concrete Finishing– Wallboard

Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Construction Workers (NIOSH)

Resources


Start at the top (ownership and commitment)

Built into the process(the way

business is done)

Pre-planning is key

Take Action!

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Questions and Comments

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Image Credits

All images in this module were obtained from one of the following:1. Liberty Mutual Risk Control Services2. Bing Images3. Fotolia by Adobe

Documents

Improved Productivity through Construction Ergonomics