Musculoskeletal Injuries in Construction: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

The first step in addressing any problem is recognition of the problem and a measure of its size and scope. There have been few reviews to date of the evidence of a musculoskeletal disorders problem in construction, particularly in the United States. Construction contractors in the United States have questioned the existence of a musculoskeletal disorders problem in construction, so a review of the evidence is warranted. The types of evidence reviewed include: 1) historical evidence, 2) injury data, 3) workers' compensation data, 4) medical exam data, 5) survey data, and 6) exposure data. Injury data generally represent injuries that the employers have identified as work-related and recorded or reported. Workers' compensation data are from cases that have been filed by workers for compensation and quite often represent only "closed" cases where compensation has been awarded. Medical exam data are from physical examinations of workers. Symptom survey data are the most inclusive and show the number of workers who self-report musculoskeletal problems. Exposure data include measurements made of exposure to musculoskeletal risk factors. The existing data show construction workers to be at significant risk of musculoskeletal injury, specifically related to the work they do. Their risk of musculoskeletal injury is much higher than that of other workers who have less heavy work, about 50 percent higher than all other workers. Several trades have been extensively studied, while others have been studied to a lesser extent. While the exact relationship between exposures and injuries is complex and often multifaceted, it would be difficult to deny the existence of the problem and the fact that these injuries are, to a great extent, related to the work that construction workers perform.

Musculoskeletal disorders among construction roofers—physical function and disability

“…The physically demanding nature of the work in construction, which includes manual materials handling, awkward and static postures, vibration, and a harsh outdoor environment, helps explain why strain and sprain are the most common types of work-related injury in construction, accounting for over 35% of all injuries resulting in days away from work (1,2) . Cross-sectional studies reveal a high prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal symptoms among construction workers (3)(4)(5)(6).…”

Analysis of Working Postures at a Construction Site Using the OWAS Method

“…These physical factors were reported to result in an elevated risk for musculoskeletal and occupational injuries [4,5,6,7].…”

Evidence‐based Prevention of Work‐related Musculoskeletal Injuries in Construction Industry

“…These injuries affect a wide variety of construction occupations and are not specific to any type of a job or work activity. Different construction trades are exposed to various kinds of physical workload, involving different parts of the body (Holmström et al 1995) and the incidence of WMSDs is considerably higher than in most other occupations (Schneider 2001;Kaminskas 2007). Risk factors that can cause or may have the association with WMSDs include repetitive, forceful or prolonged exertions of hands, frequent or heavy lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying heavy objects and prolonged awkward postures.…”