A new report from CPWR—The Center for Construction Research and Training shows the number of construction workers who developed a musculoskeletal disorder resulting in days away from work decreased more than 20% between 2012 and 2022, according to Safety+Health magazine.
Researchers explored industry trends in MSDs, which include tendinitis, back strains and sprains, and carpal tunnel syndrome. MSDs can lead to disability, early retirement and limitations to employment.
Using Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the researchers found there were 33,200 MSDs among construction employees that resulted in days away from work between 2021 and 2022 compared with 42,100 MSDs recorded between 2011 and 2012. The rate of MSDs dropped to 19.4 per 10,000 full-time equivalent employees between 2021 and 2022 from 33.9 per 10,000 full-time equivalent employees between 2011 and 2012.
In 2023, 40.5% of construction employees limited their activities for at least 24 hours after a “likely work-related” repetitive strain injury compared with 31.7% for all other industries. By major industries, construction had the fifth highest median days away from work because of MSDs.
Specialty trade contractors accounted for the most MSDs among construction subsectors at 25,000, followed by building construction with 5,000.
