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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.
© 2018 Liberty Mutual Insurance. These materials may contain confidential information. Do not copy or disclose without prior permission from Liberty Mutual Insurance.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Construction Ergo Risk Factors and Solutions
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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
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Reduced awkward and static posture • Creative back / shoulder support with a padded, 5-gallon
pail
Reducing Contact Stress – Welder
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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
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Risk Factor – Reduce BendingFor Longer Lasting Operations
Build a workstation
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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)
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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
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Risk Factor – Lifting and Lowering
Bending below the knees and lifting above the shoulders
Frequent handlingVertical handling distanceHorizontal distance from the body
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Reduce Lifting
Manually handling each bag of mortar
Bulk bags loaded by an all-terrain lift
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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
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Assumed to be easyResistance, not just weight
is criticalKey sub factors:
– Long distances– Inclines– Obstructions/surface
condition
Risk Factors – Pushing and Pulling
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Carrying distanceHousekeeping tripsDistance from the body (again)Awkward and static posturesBulky loadWeight
Risk Factors – Carrying and Holding
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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”
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Solutions – Reduce CarryingCart to move ductwork
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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
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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.
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Solutions – Standing Tools
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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
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Layout Minimize distance between work areasJust in time: sequential flow of materialsDeliver heavy materials close to installationReduce congestionHandle only once
Pre-Planning Best Practices
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Productive construction toolkit on SafetyNet™• Assessment tools• Reference notes• Rebar lifting chart• Sample ergo safety program
Seminars and webinarsConstruction safety talksConsulting Center
Resources
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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
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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