MODULE 3 : SAFETY IN CONSTRUCTION

Safety hazards during project construction:

Different phases, different risks:

 Safety during construction differs from regular operation & maintenance.

Construction stages:

 Civil works
 Material & equipment storage
 Erection
 Testing & commissioning
 First energizing
 Trial operations
 Handing over

Increased risk from simultaneous activities:

 Civil, mechanical, electrical, storage works happening together.

Hazards by stage:

 Civil works: Pitfalls, falling objects, collapsing structures.

 Erection: Falling people, crane/sling failures, falling equipment, welding fires.
 Testing/commissioning: Electrical shocks/fires/explosions.
 Storage: Fire hazards.

Quality impacts safety:

 Poor construction quality increases future equipment failure, fire, and
accidents.

Main causes of accidents:

 Falling people/materials
 Transport machinery accidents
 Lifting equipment failures
 Excavations
 Pitfalls
 Falling from heights
 Crane/sling/rope/shackle failures
 Falling objects
 Explosions/fires
 Road accidents
 Collapsing structures
 Electrical accidents
 Equipment failures
 Lightning

Accident causes:

 Management lapse
 Human error/negligence/ignorance
 Plant/machine component or subsystem failure
 Unavoidable natural causes (floods/storms/lightning)

EXCAVATION AND FILLING

Excavation Dangers:

 Serious hazards: Falls & falling objects (1 cubic meter of earth weighs over a
ton!)
 Cave-in risk: More likely fatal than other construction accidents.
 Proper planning crucial: Prevent accidents through good management &
supervision.
 Awareness for all involved: Know the hazards & safety procedures.

Collapse Causes:

 Soil failure: Loose rocks/soils can't support their own weight.

 Moisture breakdown: Heavy rain/frost weakens soil strength.
 Vehicle vibration: Movement nearby can cause collapse.
 Edge overload: Heavy loads placed near the rim.
 Soil pockets: Different soil types (sand pockets) create instability.
 Lowered object impact: Pipes hitting sides can trigger collapse.
 Nearby structure instability: Excavation near foundations risky.

Additional Danger:

 Falling people/equipment into the pit.


 Safety Provisions during Excavation

 Utilities: Verify & isolate underground installations (sewers, pipes, cables). If

not possible, fence/protect them.
 Fencing: Guard/barricade areas for people, vehicles, and livestock to prevent
falls.
 Signage & Lighting: Warning signs & night illumination for pedestrians and
traffic.
 Vibrations: Prevent external vibrations from vehicles (rail/road) near steep
slopes.
 Foundation Proximity: Secure foundations before excavating below their
level.
 Slips & Cave-ins: Take extra precautions to prevent them in vibration-prone
areas.
 Ladders: Provide ladders in trenches 1.5m+ deep.
 Night Work Lighting: Adequate lighting for excavation areas during the night.
 Public Safety: Illuminate and warn about excavations on public sidewalks
during darkness.
 Traffic Control: Flagman to warn public/trucks and direct them at the site.
 Adjacent Structures: Secure them from collapse during excavation work.
 Side Support: Bracing and timbering to prevent falls/dislodgment of earth and
rock.
 Loose Material Removal: Remove unstable material and brace trench sides
for safety.
 Material Storage: Stockpiles away from power lines and walls, at least 1/3
trench depth or 1m from the edge.
 Pumping Precautions: Monitor for potential subsidence and soil changes due
to pumping.

Write as short bullet points:

Protection of Employees and Public
Fencing:

 Keep unauthorized people and animals away from the excavation with
fences at least 1 meter high.

 Combine fences with signs, barriers, lights, flags, or guards for extra
protection.
 Maintain all safety devices until the excavation is filled back in.

Notices and Warning Signs:

 Place clear warning signs at all entrances and exits to alert people of the
excavation.

Protective Gear:

 Hard hats: Required for everyone in and around the excavation to protect
from falling objects.
  Eye protection: Goggles or safety glasses to shield eyes from
dust, debris, and flying objects.
 Hearing protection: Earplugs or muffs if noise levels from machinery
exceed safe limits.

Lighting:

 Night work: Provide adequate lighting for the excavation area and
surrounding sidewalks.

 Emergency backup: Have emergency generators on site to ensure lighting

in case of power outages.
 Glare control: Use shades on lights to prevent glare that could increase
the risk of falls.

Plant and Machinery:

 Park excavation equipment at least 6 meters away from the edge of the
pit.
  Don't allow vehicles to drive too close to the excavation edge.

UNDER-WATER WORKS

Dangers:

 Compression & Decompression: Rising too quickly can cause "the bends"
from nitrogen bubbles in the body. Symptoms: joint
pain, itching, vision/hearing issues, paralysis. Requires a decompression
chamber.
 Nitrogen Narcosis: Similar to alcohol intoxication, caused by increased gas
absorption under pressure.
 Oxygen Toxicity: Breathing high oxygen levels leads to
disorientation, breathing problems, vision issues, lung damage, seizures.
 Underwater Physics & Chemistry: Different laws
apply: welding, chemicals, weight, and movement behave differently. Proper
training is crucial.

Safety Precautions:

 Master dive equipment: Check its condition before every dive.

 Plan every dive: Time, depth, work, and stick to it.
 Buddy system: Never dive alone. Stay close to your partner.
 Rescue plan: Know how to get help and where the nearest decompression
chamber is.
 Controlled ascents & descents: Descend slowly, and ascend with scheduled
decompression stops.
 Monitor air supply: Check it regularly throughout the dive.
 Prevent decompression sickness: Avoid deep dives, limit time spent
underwater, ascend slowly, and limit daily dives.
 Cutting safety: Carefully assess material behavior and potential hazards
before cutting.
 Wire Rope: Be cautious when cutting tightly-bound wire rope to avoid spring-
like backlash.
 Slag protection: Ensure equipment doesn't get hit by falling slag.
 Overhead cutting: Avoid if possible due to falling molten material risks.
 Electrical safety: Never touch live electrodes or grounded work. Secure any
loose metal objects carried.

UNDER-PINNING

 Weak Original Foundation: Can't handle current or planned loads.

 Changed Usage: Increased load from renovations or added floors.
 Soil Changes: Subsidence, erosion, or new foundation type needed.
 Nearby Excavations: Soil removal impacts surrounding structures.
 Existing Foundation Support: Stabilizes old foundations for various reasons.
 Cost-Effectiveness: Strengthening cheaper than rebuilding in some
situations.
 Foundation Movement: Poor soil, subsidence, or structural changes
necessitate repair.
 Building Expansion: Adding stories requires stronger foundations.
 Inadequate Foundation Depth: Can't support modified building weight.

HAZARDS AND SAFETY MEASURES - UNDERPINNING

Digging Under Pressure:

 Collapse risk: Excavating under existing structures requires extra caution to

prevent cave-ins.

 Investigate utilities: Map and protect underground cables, pipes, and services
before digging.
 Soil stability: Maintain proper excavation angles based on soil type and angle
of repose.
 Flooding and gas hazards: Ensure proper drainage and ventilation to prevent
flooding and gas build-up.

Structural Support:

 Strengthen existing walls: Before digging, assess and reinforce

superstructure to handle temporary unsupported spans.
 Pit wall support: Use shoring, bracing, or sheet piling to prevent sidewall
collapses.
 Escape routes: Provide safe and readily accessible ladders or ramps for
workers to exit pits.

Construction Precautions:

 Reinforcement connections: Use threaded couplers instead of dowel bars for

secure connections between concrete sections.
 Surrounding structures: Assess and strengthen nearby structures potentially
affected by underpinning work.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

 Mandatory PPE: Equip workers with helmets, harnesses, safety

shoes, masks, goggles, and high-visibility vests.
 Safe access and ventilation: Ensure safe entry and exit points for pits, and
proper ventilation to avoid hazardous fumes.

SHORING
Shoring Safety: A Quick Guide

Shoring provides temporary support for structures during construction, repairs,

or alterations, preventing collapses and keeping workers safe. Here are some
essential points to remember for safe shoring practices:
Planning and Preparation:

 Hazard Assessment: A qualified professional should identify and address

potential risks at the job site before installing shoring.
 Shoring Plan: Plan the shoring system based on the specific project
requirements and ensure availability of the necessary equipment.
 Equipment Inspection: Thoroughly inspect all shoring equipment before
use for any defects or damage. Replace any faulty equipment
immediately.
 Qualified Design: Use a shoring drawing prepared by a qualified
professional as a guide during installation and throughout the project.

Safe Usage and Maintenance:

 Proper Handling: Handle shoring equipment with care and use it only as
intended.
 Authorization: Do not erect, dismantle, or modify the shoring system without
approval from a qualified supervisor.
 Continuous Monitoring: Regularly inspect the shoring system throughout the
project and immediately report any safety concerns to a supervisor.
 Fall Protection: Shoring systems are not designed for fall protection. Workers
should use appropriate fall protection equipment separately.
 Dizziness and Disorientation: Workers experiencing dizziness or
lightheadedness should not use shoring systems.
 Safety Equipment: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment
(PPE) while working around shoring systems.

Dismantling and Removal:

 Supervisor Approval: Only a qualified supervisor can authorize the

dismantling of the shoring system.
 Safe Sequence: Follow a safe dismantling sequence to avoid unexpected
collapses.
 Complete Removal: Ensure all shoring components are removed and stored
properly before considering the job complete.

Remember: Following these shoring safety guidelines can help prevent

accidents and ensure a safe working environment for everyone involved in
construction projects.

Additional Tips:

 Regularly adjust uneven ground conditions to maintain proper shoring

alignment.
 Avoid forcing braces onto frames, as this can compromise the system's
integrity.
 Implement additional safety measures like warning signs and barricades
around the shoring area


LADDERS, SCAFFOLDS, TEMPORARY STRUCTURES

SCAFFOLDS
Definition:

 A temporary platform structure supporting workers and materials during

construction, repair, or painting.

Hazards:

 Collapses: Most common and serious risk.

 Unsecured ladders: Slips and falls from ladders.
 Unsuitable/faulty
ulty materials: Structural failures due to weak or damaged
components.
 Inadequate support: Platforms lacking proper support or uneven width.
 Missing guardrails or toe-boards:
toe Falls from edges.
 Unsecured scaffolds: Lack of proper attachment to building/structure or
inadequate bracing.

Safety Measures:

 Detailed drawings and instructions: Ensure clarity for safe erection.

 Horizontal bracings: Provide stability at multiple levels.
 Sound materials and adequate strength: Use safe and sturdy components.
 Secure planks and fasteners: Ensure uniform, close laying, and secure
fastening.
 Stable support and bracing: Securely support, suspend, and properly brace
all scaffolds.
 Secure attachment to building: Use strong fastenings to
o the building or
brace/guy independent structures.
 Storm/wind precautions: Stop work during adverse weather conditions.
 Regular inspections: Check all scaffold elements thoroughly every 7 days.
 Overhead protection: Provide covering for workers below.
 Falling
ing object protection: Use screens or mesh netting to catch materials from
above.
 Side screens for passageways: Protect people walking underneath.
 Safe dismantling: Follow a safe sequence, avoid premature removal of
components, and maintain overall stability.
 Nail removal and tidy storage: Remove nails carefully and store materials
properly.

Write as short bullet points:

LADDERS

General:
 Use sturdy ladders with intact rungs and no missing parts.
 Avoid painted wooden ladders: Paint hides defects.
 Provide ladders or stairs for reaching platforms above 1.5 meters.
 Use ropes instead of ladders for bulky materials.
 Never place ladders on unstable objects.
 Secure ladders on vibrating surfaces to prevent slipping.
 Extend ladders at least 1 meter above the landing point.
 Always face the ladder when climbing.
 Minimize material transport on ladders.
 Regularly inspect and ensure ladder stability.

Climbing and Positioning:

 Place ladders in a safe position before climbing.

 Secure the base or have someone hold it.
 Avoid slippery footwear and heavy loads.
 Only one person per ladder.
 Don't use metal ladders near live wires.

Bonus Tip: Ladder use should be restricted to access only. Consider alternative
tools whenever possible.

TUNNELING

Hazards:

 Physical Labor: Hard work can lead to bodily injuries and fatigue.
 Rock Falls: Collapse can cause head injuries, crush injuries, and death.
 Dust Exposure: Silica and cement dust can cause respiratory problems and
skin issues.
 Chemical Vapors: Exposure can lead to lung problems, including potentially
fatal pneumonitis.
 Radon: Can cause lung cancer.
 Oxygen Depletion: Oxygen deficiencies can contribute to breathing problems.

General Safety Precautions:

 Maintain clean, dry tunnel floors.

 Properly cover and secure electrical lines.
 Ensure medical supplies and personnel are readily available.
 Maintain firefighting equipment and sufficient water supply.
 Avoid storing unused materials in the tunnel.
 Use well-maintained and efficient tools and machines.
 Regularly inspect working platforms.
 Establish a reliable communication system within the tunnel.
 Test power, communication, lighting, and safety devices regularly.
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Steel helmets, rubber
gloves, goggles, and protective clothing are mandatory.
 Dual Power Supply: Ensure backup power to avoid safety hazards during
outages.
 Safe Scaling Practices: Proper hammer strokes (avoiding hollow sounds) and
vigilance are crucial.
 Ventilation and Drainage: Maintain proper airflow and drainage systems.
 Safety Signage: Install clear and frequent safety signs.
 Restricted Access: Only authorized personnel should enter the tunnel.

BLASTING

Operation:

 Red flags displayed around the blast area for clear visibility.
 200-meter safety zone: All personnel must retreat to this distance before
detonation.
 Pre-blast warning: Loud whistle blast to alert everyone.
 Trained supervision: Experienced personnel must oversee the operation.
 200-meter structure distance: Blasting prohibited within 200 meters of
existing structures (exceptions require written engineer approval).

Regulations and Procedures:

 Follow all government regulations for explosives use, drilling, loading, shot
firing, and disposal.
 Adhere to established safety protocols: Implement all specific procedures
and precautions before, during, and after every blast.


DEMOLITION

Major Risks:

 Uncontrolled collapse of structure or parts.

 Falls from heights (both people and objects).
 Impact with underground or overhead services.
 Manual handling injuries during debris movement.

Environmental Concerns:

 Generation of demolition debris.

 Presence of hazardous materials in debris.
 Dust emissions.
 Noise pollution.
 Climate impact.

Pre-Demolition Actions:

 Comprehensive site survey: Identify obstacles, plan screen and scaffold

positioning.
 Public safety measures: Establish secure barriers, warning signs, and safe
access/egress routes.
 Surrounding structures: Assess and stabilize nearby buildings to prevent
collapse from support removal or foundation undermining.
 Utilities disconnect: Shut off and control all relevant services
(electricity, gas, water, steam) outside the building.
 Secure the demolition site: Fence and cordon off the area, display prominent
warning signs.
 Dust control measures: Implement dust suppression techniques like
watering, misting, or covering debris.

Additional Points:

 Trained and skilled personnel are crucial for safe demolition.

 Utilize appropriate equipment and machinery for controlled dismantling.
 Hazardous materials must be identified, removed, and disposed of safely.
 Proper segregation of debris into hazardous and non-hazardous types is
essential.

Remember: Demolition requires meticulous planning, strict safety protocols, and

environmental awareness. Following these guidelines and prioritizing safety in
every aspect can help ensure a successful and responsible demolition project
with minimal risks to workers, the public, and the environment.




NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA (NBC) GUIDELINES

The National Building Code (NBC) is a document that provides guidelines for
 construction of structures

General:

 Covers construction of dwellings, apartments, hotels, and dormitories.

 Updated regulations to ensure health, safety, and environmental
sustainability.

Kitchens:

 Washing area: Proper drainage connection required.

 Impervious floor: Easy cleaning and hygiene.
 Open space access: Interior or exterior ventilation minimum of 1 sq m.
 No shafts: Avoids smoke and grease build-up.
 No chutes above 15m: Safety precaution.

Bathrooms:

 Ventilation: Open air window/vent minimum of 0.37 sq m.

 Location: Over another bathroom, washing area, or terrace (except watertight
floors).
 Seat material: Non-absorbent for hygiene.
 Enclosed walls: Impervious surface at least 1m high.
 Floor slope: Towards drain, not other rooms.
 Water closet room: Only for toilet use, flush cistern required.
 Terrace toilet: Counts towards Floor Area Ratio (FAR) if 2.2m high.
 Septic tank: Mandatory when no sewage outlet.

Lofts:

 Permitted only in residential buildings apart from shops.

 Maximum area: 25% of covered area.
 Minimum height: 1.75m between loft and ceiling.

Basements:

 Height: 2.5m minimum, 4.5m maximum.

 Ceiling height: 0.9m minimum, 1.2m maximum above road.
 Ventilation: Mandatory (blowers, exhaust fans, AC).
 Drainage: Surface water excluded.
 Waterproofing: Walls and floors.
 Access: Not directly from road, only main entrance or alternative staircase.
 Location: Only allowed to touch adjacent property if flush with ground or
authorized.

Building Exits:

 Clear, visible, and illuminated exits for safe escape.

 Number based on occupancy, capacity, and travel distance.
 Alarms for prompt evacuation.
 Continuous exits leading to building exterior.
 Horizontal or vertical exits.
 Lifts and revolving doors not considered exits.

Fire Safety:

 Automatic fire detection and alarm systems in large buildings.

 Fire extinguishers, wet risers, and automatic sprinklers as per standards.

Staircases:

 Single staircase ok for group housing under 300 sq m and 24m height.
 Minimum width: 0.9m (low-rise buildings), 1.25m (flats, hostels, etc.).
 Material: Non-combustible for interior stairs.
 Location: Fire officer approval required.
 Handrail height: 100cm minimum.
 Standard dimensions for treads, width, arrangement, and headroom.
 No living spaces or stores opening into staircase.
 Continuous from ground floor to terrace level (main and fire escape stairs).
 No electrical shafts, AC ducts, or gas pipelines in staircase.
 Non-combustible materials for decoration/panelling.
 Beams and columns not to obstruct headroom or width.


RELEVANCE OF ERGONOMICS IN CONSTRUCTION SAFETY.

What is Ergonomics?

 Matching job tasks to your body to minimize injury risk.

 Creating the optimal work environment to prevent musculoskeletal disorders
(MSDs).
 MSDs affect muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
 Caused by repetitive tasks like lifting, bending, and reaching.

What are Ergonomic Hazards?

 Work conditions that can lead to MSDs.

 Present in any workplace and have long-term impacts.
 Cause back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, sprains, etc.
 "Working hurt" is a major problem in construction, impacting productivity and
causing long-term pain.
Common Construction Ergonomic Hazards:

 Heavy Lifting: Lifting 50+ lbs can strain muscles and lead to tears, joint
pain, and hernias.
 Improper Grip & Repetitive Hand Movement: Improper tool grip and
hand/wrist overuse can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, sprains, and fatigue.
 Tool Training and Upkeep: Proper training and maintained tools reduce
muscle strain and joint/tendon injuries.
 Repetitive Tasks: Hammering, carrying, lifting, and measuring can cause
muscle and ligament pain, especially with prolonged repetition.

Ergonomic Hazard Prevention:

 Promote proper posture: Straight back, avoid twisting/bending.

 Consider weight and configuration of lifted items: Use lift devices when
needed.
 Break down heavy loads: Lighten individual load weight.
 Use ergonomic tools: Specially designed grips for repetitive tasks.
 Maintain tools in top shape: Sharpened knives, good drill bits, etc.
 Use the correct tools for the job: Avoid improvisation.
 Stretch before work, rest, and stay hydrated.

Remember: Prioritizing ergonomics in construction protects workers from

preventable injuries, promotes well-being, and boosts productivity. Implementing
these guidelines can create a safer and healthier work environment for
everyone.

MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

What are they?

 Painful conditions affecting muscles, tendons, and nerves.

 Examples: Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, neck pain, back problems.

Risk factors:

 Repetitive arm/hand movements (bending, grasping, reaching).

 Forceful or fast movements with insufficient recovery time.
 Fixed postures, heavy loads, vibration, cold, or heat.

Types of injuries:

 Muscle: Pain from accumulated byproducts in fatigued muscles.

 Tendon: Inflammation and irritation of tendons connecting muscles to bones.
 Nerve: Compression or irritation of nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling.

Prevention:

 Vary tasks and work positions to avoid repetitive movements.

 Use ergonomic tools and equipment to reduce force and awkward postures.
 Take regular breaks for muscle recovery and stretching.
 Maintain proper posture and lifting techniques.
 Address environmental factors like cold, heat, and vibration.

Remember: WMSDs are preventable. Implementing these measures can create

a safer work environment and protect workers from painful and debilitating
injuries.

Tendon Injuries:

 Types: With sheaths (hand/wrist), without sheaths (shoulder/elbow/forearm).

 Sheathed tendons: Lubrication issues cause friction, inflammation, and
swelling.
 Unsheathed tendons: Repetitive motions and awkward postures cause
tearing, thickening, and inflammation (tendonitis).
 Bursitis: Inflamed bursa (lubricating sac) due to friction from thickened
tendons.

Finger tendons and their sheaths

Tendon, muscle, bone unit

Nerve Injuries:

 Nerve compression: Caused by swollen muscles, tendons, and ligaments

surrounding nerves.
 Symptoms: Muscle weakness, "pins and needles," numbness, dryness, poor
circulation.
 Wrist in natural condition Wrist showing symptoms of Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome

What are the symptoms of WMSDs?

 Stages: Early (aching during work), Intermediate (aching persists), Late

(constant pain, weakness).
 General symptoms: Pain, stiffness, tightness, redness, swelling, "pins and
needles," numbness.
 Early intervention: Important for preventing long-term or irreversible damage.
Important points:

 Recognizing early symptoms is crucial for preventing escalation.

 Seeking medical advice for diagnosis and treatment is essential.
 Implementing preventive measures at work can significantly reduce WMSD
risk.

How can we prevent WMSDs?

Eliminate Repetition:

 Mechanization: Use machines for repetitive tasks.

 Job rotation: Switch tasks to avoid overuse.
 Job enlargement/enrichment: Add variety and complexity to tasks.
 Teamwork: Share workload and reduce individual repetition.
Optimize Workplace:

 Ergonomic design: Design tools and equipment for comfort and ease of use.
 Adjustable workstation: Adapt furniture to individual needs.
 Proper posture training: Educate workers on safe body mechanics.

Modify Work Practices:

 Work breaks: Schedule regular breaks for muscle recovery.

 Stretching: Encourage frequent stretching to improve flexibility.
 Lifting techniques: Train proper lifting techniques to avoid strain.
 Stress management: Implement strategies to manage workplace stress.

Remember: Preventing WMSDs requires a multi-pronged approach focusing on

eliminating repetition, optimizing work environment, and modifying work
practices. By implementing these strategies, you can create a safer and
healthier work environment for everyone.

Job Design for WMSD Prevention:

 Mechanization: Automate repetitive tasks where possible.

 Job Rotation: Switch tasks regularly to engage different muscle groups.
 Job Enlargement/Enrichment: Add variety and complexity to avoid muscle
overload and monotony.
 Teamwork: Share workload and encourage collaborative planning.
Workplace Design:

 Fit the workspace to the worker: Adjustable furniture and proper layout.
 Evaluate workstations: Identify and address sources of risk.
Tools and Equipment Design:

 Ergonomic tools: Reduce required force and awkward postures.

 Proper jigs and fixtures: Minimize muscle strain while holding elements.
 Maintain and replace tools regularly: Ensure optimal functionality and
usability.
Work Practices:

 Training: Teach proper posture, workstation adjustment, and relaxation

techniques.
 Rest periods: Schedule regular breaks to allow muscle recovery.
 Stress management: Implement strategies to combat work-related stress.
 Worker control: Empower workers to influence their job tasks.
 Improved communication and support: Foster positive work environment and
employee satisfaction.

Remember: A multi-faceted approach incorporating all these elements is key to

effectively preventing WMSDs and protecting workers' health and well-being.

RELEVANCE OF ERGONOMICS IN CONSTRUCTION SAFETY

Relevance of Ergonomics in Construction Safety:

 Focuses on: Designing work to prevent strain and injury.

 In construction: Fits job to employee, not vice versa.
 Benefits: Avoids muscle strain, reduces MSD risk (musculoskeletal
disorders).
 MSD impact: Severe, short- or long-term, affects work and life.

Major Ergonomic Risks:

 Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs): Develop gradually from repetitive

stress.
 Sprains or strains: Sudden injuries from awkward postures or heavy lifting.
 Cumulative Trauma Disorders

 Develop gradually from repeated stress on soft tissues.

 Examples: Tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, Raynaud's disease.
 Risk factors: Repetitive motions, awkward postures, heavy
lifting, vibration, cold temperatures.

Tendon Disorders:

 Inflammation of tendons or sheaths due to rubbing against bones or

ligaments.
 Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow): Pain and tenderness on the outer
elbow, radiating to the forearm.

Nerve Disorders:

 Compression of nerves against bones, ligaments, or tendons.

 Carpal tunnel syndrome: Pain, numbness, and tingling in thumb, index
finger, and wrist.
Neuro-Vascular Disorders:

 Compression of blood vessels or nerves due to vibration or cold

temperatures.
 Raynaud's disease: Fingers turning white, blue, and then red with painful
burning sensation.

Sprains and Strains:

 Caused by sudden forceful events exceeding physical limitations.

 Examples: Muscle tears, ligament stretches.
 Risk factors: Lifting heavy objects, awkward postures, static
loading, repetition.

Sprains vs. Strains:

 Sprains: Injuries to ligaments connecting bones.

 Strains: Injuries to muscles or tendons.

Remember: Both CTDs and sprains/strains can cause significant pain and
impact work performance. Implementing proper ergonomics, training, and safe
work practices can significantly reduce the risk of these injuries and create a
safer workplace for construction workers.

Ergonomic Hazard Controls in Construction

Stooping & Bending:

 Provide tools like auto-feed screwdrivers, powder-actuated fasteners, rebar

tying tools, motorized screeds, kneeling creepers, and adjustable scaffolding.

Overhead Work:

 Use mechanical lifts, elevated platforms, extension shafts for tools, spring-
assisted drywall tools, pneumatic drywall finishing tools.

Lifting & Handling:

 Reduce material weight (smaller cement bags, lightweight blocks).

 Utilize mechanical/hydraulic/vacuum lifts, carts, special handles for drywall
panels, powered/non-powered carts, pre-blended mortar/grout, skid plates for
concrete hoses.

Hand Intensive Work:

 Use easy-hold gloves for mud pans, power caulking guns, anti-vibration
gloves, power brushes, quick threading lock nuts, ergonomic tools
(conforming handle shapes, sizes).

Remember:

 No single solution fits all. Combine multiple controls for optimal protection.
 Implement these simple, cost-effective solutions to protect construction
workers from ergonomic injuries.

ERGONOMICS HAZARDS

Hazard Types:

 Awkward postures: stooping, kneeling, overhead work.

 Static postures: prolonged positions during tasks.
 Contact stress: strain from lifting, holding, handling materials.
 Repetitive motion: fine motor skills tasks causing MSDs.
 High forces: heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, gripping tools.

Body Regions at Risk:

 Back muscles/ligaments.
 Neck muscles/ligaments.
 Hands/wrists muscles, tendons, nerves.
 Knees/legs bones and muscles.

Injuries & Risks:

 Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs): CTDs, RSIs.

 Backaches, shoulder, neck, arm, hand pain.
 Health complications from ergonomic injuries.

Solutions & Preventative Measures:

 Reduce awkward postures: raise work surfaces, use tools with extension
handles, kneeling creepers.
 Minimize overhead work: utilize lifts, hoists, extension shafts for
tools, extension poles for power tools.
 Address contact stress: use power vacuums, proper lifting
techniques, substitute lighter materials, skid plates.
 Counter repetitive motion: choose ergonomic tools, automate tasks with
power tools, reduce vibration exposure.
 Manage high forces: train proper lifting methods, substitute tasks, design
tools for low grip force.

Remember:

 Implement multiple controls for optimal protection.

 Find ways to eliminate or reduce ergonomic hazards in any setting.
 Promote worker safety and health for a productive and pain-free construction
environment.

MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

 Definition: Injuries/pain in
muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, nerves, supporting structures.
 Causes: Sudden exertion, repetitive motions, force, vibration, awkward
postures.
 Affected areas: Upper/lower back, neck, shoulders, extremities.
 Examples: Carpal tunnel, epicondylitis, tendinitis, back pain, tension
neck, hand-arm vibration syndrome.
 Risk factors:

o Static postures: Even natural stances like standing can lead to

MSDs over time.
o Twisting/tension: Unnatural postures increase biomechanical load
and contribute to MSDs.
o Repetitive motion: Repeated movements wear out joints and
muscles.
 o High pace/low recovery: Lack of rest during repetitive work
increases risk.
o High force: Forces muscles to work harder, leading to quicker
fatigue and pain.
o Vibration exposure: Affects blood circulation, nerve
compression, causes tingling/numbness.
o Extreme temperatures: Reduces ability to judge force and
strength, increasing MSD risk.

Remember:

 MSDs can affect many parts of the body.

 Early identification and intervention are crucial.
 Implement measures to address risk factors and prevent MSDs in the
workplace.