Preventing Ergonomic Injuries on the Construction Site

Electrical contractors are well aware of the "fatal four" hazards on construction sites, which include electrocutions, falls, struck-by, and caught-in/between incidents. While the industry focuses on these risks, ergonomic injuries are often overlooked. Unlike immediate injuries, ergonomic injuries develop over time and can affect joints, tendons, nerves, and muscles. These injuries can occur anywhere, not just in desk jobs. Ergonomic injuries are a leading cause of safety issues and can be costly for employers. Nearly 33 percent of "days-away-from-work" cases are due to ergonomics-related injuries, costing U.S. employers over $20 billion annually. Electrical contractors need to manage worker capabilities with job demands to reduce the risk of ergonomic injuries. There are five primary ergonomic risk factors to address on a job site: high force, awkward postures, repetition, contact stress, and hand-arm vibration.