ABSTRACT
Workers in the construction industry suffer back injuries and sprains and strains involving lost workdays at rates second only to transportation workers, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data (CPWR, 1998). Surveys of construction workers have found high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (Hölmstrom et al. 1995, Cook et al. 1996), and some clinical studies have supported the link between construction work and musculoskeletal conditions (Hölmstrom et al., 1995). Task evaluations of construction sites reveal numerous ergonomic risk factors common to a number of trades, including awkward and static postures, excessive force and vibration, repetition, and extreme environments (Schneider and Susi, 1994). Other studies have revealed trade-specific ergonomic risks (Spielholz et al., 1998, Zimmerman et al., 1997). The nature of construction work and characteristics of the construction industry create greater obstacles to implementing ergonomic improvements than in fixed-site industries, including:
▪ A work environment that is constantly changing. ▪ A mobile work force and short duration jobs that limit employer incentives to invest in
prevention of chronic conditions. Even where interest is present, effectiveness of interventions is difficult to measure.
