NIOSH Award Highlights Construction Ergonomics

The 2008 Alice Hamilton Award in the Educational Materials Category was given to James Albers of the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology and Cheryl Estill of the NIOSH Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies for the 2007 booklet “Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Construction Workers.”

Construction work is one of the most hazardous industries in the United States. According to the booklet, the occurrence of back injuries in the construction industry is 50 percent higher than the average for all other industries in the nation. In addition, one study reported that backaches and pain in the shoulders, neck, arms and hands were the most common symptoms reported by construction workers, the booklet read.

Furthermore, musculoskeletal disorders can be costly, as material handling incidents account for 32 percent of workers’ compensation claims in construction and 25 percent of the cost of all claims, with the average cost per claim being $9,240.

Some of the most common injuries in construction are the result of job demands that push the human body beyond its natural limits. Workers who often lift, stoop, kneel, twist, grip, stretch, reach overhead or work in other awkward positions are at risk of developing a work-related musculoskeletal disorder. Such disorders can include back problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, rotator cuff tears, sprains and strains.

To aid in the prevention of these injuries, this booklet – intended not only for construction workers, but also for unions, contractors, safety specialists and others – suggests many simple and inexpensive ways to make construction tasks easier, more comfortable and better suited to the needs of the human body.

For example, construction workers often must stoop, bend, kneel or squat for long periods of time when working at floor or ground level. Working repeatedly in these positions can cause pain, fatigue and even injury. According to the booklet, providing construction workers with an auto-feed screw gun with an extension that allows them to stand upright while working is a possible solution.

The approximate cost of a stand-up screw gun is between $200-$400. While this poses an initial expense, the equipment can save an employer thousands of dollars in workers' compensation costs.

The award honors a pioneer in occupational health as a discipline, researcher and physician Dr. Alice Hamilton (1869-1970).

A copy of the booklet can be accessed here accessed here or through NIOSH's Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh.