October 4, 2002—According to the Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North America, (LHSFNA), musculoskeletal (muscle, joint and bone) injuries are the most common injury problem in the construction industry. They account for over one-third of all lost workday injuries and produce about half of all compensation claims.
The LHSFNA cites a recent survey in which 40% of construction workers said “working while hurt” is a major problem, and notes that working while hurt reduces productivity and can lead to disabling, career-ending injuries.
To address this issue, the LHSFNA encourages the application of ergonomics principles, which they define as “finding ways to make the work easier so workers can work smarter, not harder.” According to the LHSFNA, ergonomic changes are generally not expensive, can be quite simple, and usually make the job more productive since workers are less tired or hurt.
To view LHSFNA’s list of ergonomic suggestions in the areas of Planning, Tools & Equipment, Cooperation, Materials, and Training, contact LHSFNA.
