152 Ergonomic Hazards in Construction - OSHAcademy

1 This course discusses the Hazards and control measures to reduce Ergonomic injuries on Construction sites. Emphasis is placed on using engineering, administrative and personal protective equipment Hazards in Construction This page intentionally blank OSHA cademy Course 152 Study Guide Ergonomic Hazards in Construction Copyright 2021 Geigle Safety Group, Inc. No portion of this text may be reprinted for other than personal use. Any commercial use of this document is strictly forbidden. Contact OSHA cademy to arrange for use as a training document. This study guide is designed to be reviewed off-line as a tool for preparation to successfully complete OSHA cademy Course 152. Read each module, answer the quiz questions, and submit the quiz questions online through the course webpage. You can print the post-quiz response screen which will contain the correct answers to the questions.

2 The final exam will consist of questions developed from the course content and module quizzes. We hope you enjoy the course and if you have any questions, feel free to email or call: OSHA cademy 15220 NW Greenbrier Parkway, Suite 230 Beaverton, Oregon 97006 +1 (888) 668-9079 Disclaimer This document does not constitute legal advice. Consult with your own company counsel for advice on compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations. Neither Geigle Safety Group, Inc., nor any of its employees, subcontractors, consultants, committees, or other assignees make any warranty or representation, either express or implied, with respect to the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained herein, or assume any liability or responsibility for any use, or the results of such use, of any information or process disclosed in this publication.

3 GEIGLE SAFETY GROUP, INC., DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR IMPLIED INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Taking actions suggested in this document does not guarantee that an employer, employee, operator or contractor will be in compliance with applicable regulations. Ultimately every company is responsible for determining the applicability of the information in this document to its own operations. Each employer s safety management system will be different. Mapping safety and environmental management policies, procedures, or operations using this document does not guarantee compliance regulatory requirements. Revised: May 5, 2021 This page intentionally blankCourse 152 Contents Contents .. 5 Modules and Learning Objectives .. 1 Module 1: Ergonomic Risk Factors .. 1 Module 2: Solutions to Ergonomic Hazards .

4 1 Course Introduction .. 2 The High Cost of MSDs .. 2 Module 1: History and Mission .. 3 What is Ergonomics?.. 3 Quiz Instructions .. 4 Risk Factors Inherent in the Worker .. 4 Risk Factors Inherent in the Task .. 5 Risk Factors Inherent in the Environment .. 8 Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) .. 8 Lower Back .. 9 Knee .. 10 Shoulder .. 10 Neck .. 10 Arms, Hands, and Wrists .. 10 Tendinitis .. 11 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome .. 11 Epicondylitis .. 11 Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) .. 12 Module 2: Worker Rights .. 13 Course 152 Solutions to Ergonomic Hazards .. 13 Engineering Controls .. 14 Engineering Control Improvement Options .. 15 Workstations .. 15 Material Handling .. 15 Storage and Retrieval of Materials .. 16 Tools and Equipment Selection .. 16 Vibration Hazards .. 18 Administrative Controls .. 18 Safe Lifting Techniques .. 20 Personal Protective Equipment.

5 21 Prioritize Your Work .. 22 Additional Resources .. 24 Course 152 Copyright 2021 Geigle Safety Group, Inc. Page 1 of 24 Modules and Learning Objectives Module 1: Ergonomic Risk Factors Learning objectives in this module include: Define ergonomics and the risks inherent in the worker, task and environment. Discuss risk factors in the worker including: age, gender, physical activity, strength and anthropometry (scientific study of the measurements & proportions of the human body). Discuss risk factors in the task including: force, vibration, repetition, recovery time, duration twisting, and posture. Discuss risk factors in the environment including: illumination, sound, temperature, and psychosocial. Define and give examples of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MDSs).

6 Module 2: Solutions to Ergonomic Hazards Learning objectives in this module include: Describe the "Hierarchy of Controls" and how it relates to ergonomics improvement. Define and give examples of ergonomics "engineering controls." Define and give examples of ergonomics "administrative controls." Define and give examples of ergonomics "personal protective equipment." Describe safe lifting techniques. Describe the steps in prioritizing making Ergonomic improvements. Course 152 Copyright 2021 Geigle Safety Group, Inc. Page 2 of 24 Course Introduction Back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, rotator cuff syndrome, sprains, and strains are types of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Don't let this term scare you! Illnesses and injuries affect one or more parts of the musculoskeletal system.

7 They include sprains, strains, inflammation, degeneration, tears, pinched nerves or blood vessels, bone splintering and stress fractures. Symptoms are discomfort, pain, fatigue, swelling, stiffness, or numbness and tingling. The High Cost of MSDs MSDs account for 34 percent of all lost-workday injuries and illnesses. Employers report nearly 600,000 MSDs requiring time away from work every year. MSDs account for $1 of every $3 spent for workers compensation. MSDs each year account for more than $15 billion to $20 billion in workers' compensation costs. Total direct costs add up to as much as $50 billion annually. On average, it takes workers 28 days to recover from carpal tunnel syndrome, longer than the time needed to recover from amputation or fractures. Workers with severe injuries can face permanent disability that prevents them from returning to their jobs or handling simple, everyday tasks.

8 In this course, we'll look at practical ideas to help reduce the risk of repetitive stress injury in common Construction tasks. While some solutions may need the involvement of the building owner or general contractor, there are also many ideas individual workers and supervisors can adopt. Course 152 Copyright 2021 Geigle Safety Group, Inc. Page 3 of 24 Module 1: History and Mission What is Ergonomics? Ergonomics means finding ways to work easier and just as productive. The goal of the science of ergonomics is to find a best fit between the worker and job conditions. Ergonomics tries to come up with solutions to make sure workers stay safe, comfortable and productive. Ergonomics also means working smarter, not harder. It looks at the following risk factor categories to see how the job can best fit the worker: Risk factors inherent in the worker.

9 Physical, psychological and non-work-related activities may present unique risk factors. Risk factors inherent in the task. Work procedures, equipment, workstation design may introduce risk factors Risk factors inherent in the environment. Physical and psychosocial "climate" may introduce risk factors. Ergonomic Hazards can cause painful and disabling injuries to joints and muscles on a Construction site. Per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Ergonomic Hazards are the most frequently occurring health Hazards in Construction and the cause of most injuries. In a recent survey, 40 percent of Construction workers said "working hurt" is a major problem. Working hurt reduces productivity, but continuing to work hurt can result in disabling injuries that end a career. Many laborers retire by age 55 because they just can't do the work anymore.

10 Many can't enjoy their retirement because of their disabilities. Course 152 Copyright 2021 Geigle Safety Group, Inc. Page 4 of 24 Quiz Instructions Read the material in each section to discover the correct answer to questions. Circle the correct answers. When you re finished with the course and all quiz questions, go online to take the final exam. The exam is open book, so you can use the study guide while taking the exam. 1. Which of the following is NOT one of the general risk factor categories? a. Factors inherent in the worker b. Factors inherent in regulations c. Factors inherent in the task d. Factors inherent in the environment Risk Factors Inherent in the Worker Each worker's ability to respond to external demands of a task is different and unique.