Work-related musculoskeletal disorders account for 33% of all job-related injury and illness cases and are especially prevalent in the construction industry, according to www.constructionexec.com.
Musculoskeletal disorders are injuries and disorders that affect the human body’s movement or musculoskeletal system, involving the tendons, nerves, muscles, joints, cartilage and supporting structures of the arms, legs, neck and lower back. These disorders often are caused or aggravated by prolonged exposure to intense and repetitive movements.
Physical actions such as heavy lifting, persistent grasping, awkward body postures for extended periods and forceful vibrations from powerful machinery can lead to debilitating musculoskeletal disorders that can significantly affect a construction worker’s physical and mental health.
For construction workers, the areas of the body most affected include the shoulders, neck, back and any damage or disorder of the joints or other tissues. Some of the more common musculoskeletal disorders include tension neck syndrome, digital neuritis, tendonitis, ligament sprain and muscle strain, among others.
Musculoskeletal disorders affect millions of construction workers throughout the world and cost companies billions of dollars. According to Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund of North America, 40% of construction workers surveyed said working while hurt decreases productivity and results in more severe injuries in the future.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, across all industries, musculoskeletal disorders are the largest category of workplace injuries and responsible for almost 30% of all worker’s compensation costs. The average musculoskeletal disorder has a direct cost of almost $15,000.
Those in the construction industry are seeking cost-effective solutions and new strategies to address the prevalence and effects of musculoskeletal disorders and protect workers from ergonomic hazards at construction sites. In 2008, the Construction Agenda was established with the strategic goal to “reduce the incidence and severity of work-related MSDs among construction workers in the United States.”
