Building site safety
Workers in the construction sector face some of the highest risks of work-related injuries, including musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The physical demands of their role can often lead to employees taking early retirement as well as deterring younger workers from entering the industry.
To help improve conditions, researchers set out to create a quantitative method to examine the physical risk faced by workers. The method had to be able to capture data on construction sites, which often cover large areas and aren’t suitable for cameras. It also had to be compatible with any personal protective equipment worn by workers and not restrict or influence their movements.
To overcome these challenges, they used a series of wearable inertial sensors which could collect data about trunk and upper arm postures. One small sensor was placed on each upper arm and the other was worn around the body at the first lumbar vertebrae. The sensors were used by 15 full-time construction workers in Sardinia, Italy, and information was gathered about how much time they spent in a range of different postures.
The study, published in the journal Ergonomics, said: “Many prior studies have focused on controlled laboratory settings or small, non-representative samples. By collecting data from workers in real-world environments, our research helps bridge the gap between theoretical models and practical applications in ergonomics, with multiple advantages for different stakeholders involved in the protection of construction workers’ health.”
A better understanding of human factors can help protect construction workers and reduce health and safety risks. The CIEHF’s Construction Learning Pathway is designed to equip professionals in the sector with the skills and knowledge to tackle some of the unique challenges in construction. It builds over three levels of flexible learning, covering topics including communication, task analysis, job design and safety management.