4065.0: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - Board 3

Abstract #13157

Outcomes and ergonomics interventions learned from a heavy highway construction project

Bryan Buchholz, PhD, Work Environment Deparment, U-Mass Lowell, 1 University Ave, Lowell, MA 01854, 978-934-3241, bryan_buchholz@uml.edu

Both qualitative and quantitative job ergonomic assessments of various trades and tasks have been studied during heavy highway construction operations: bricklayers, laborers, operating engineers, carpenters, tunnelers, ironworkers, pile drivers, plumbers, and electricians. Detailed analyses reveal which tasks expose workers to risk factors for injury associated with posture, activities, tools, and materials handling. These results ha-ve been shared with affected construction workers. Participative techniques have been used to help workers propose and implement interventions notable from a public health perspective. For example, the building of concrete forms normally requires frequent and severe loading on the lower back. A joint committee of workers and researchers determined an alternative way of organizing the staging area that allowed more fluid movement with less exposure to trunk flexion. Ergonomic principles in preplanning of the construction staging area can be generalized to effect prevention in any construction site. Other examples that can be implemented at the staging area include truck unloading, gang form assembly, building bulkheads, putting in ties, installing bracing, and placing gang forms. Data will be presented that describe the risk factors observed and how they were reduced.

Learning Objectives: Recognize at least three ergonomic solutions to risk factors identified in Boston's CA/T project that can be implemented in construction environments in general

Keywords: Ergonomics, Interventions

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA