Department of Health and Human Services

Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Construction Workers Department of Health and Human Services

Publisher Marketing: Construction is a physically demanding occupation, but a vital part of our nation and the U. S. economy. In 2006, the total annual average number of workers employed in construction rose to an all-time high of nearly 7.7 million, according to U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This large workforce handled tasks that range from carrying heavy loads to performing repetitive tasks, placing them at risk of serious injury. The physically demanding nature of this work helps to explain why injuries, such as strains, sprains, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders, are so prevalent and are the most common injury resulting in days away from work. Although the construction industry presents many workplace hazards, there are contractors in the U. S. who are successfully implementing safety and health programs to address these issues, including work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The safety and health of all workers is a top priority for NIOSH. This booklet is intended to aid in the prevention of common job injuries that can occur in the construction industry. The solutions in this booklet are practical ideas to help reduce the risk of repetitive stress injury in common construction tasks. While some solutions may need the involvement of the building owner or general contractor, there are also many ideas that individual workers and supervisors can adopt. (Also available in Spanish).