An Ergonomics Training Intervention with Construction Workers: Effects on Behavior and Perceptions

Abstract

A two-hour ergonomics and body conditioning training module was presented to construction workers on a large building site as part of a program to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Topics covered included spine physiology and common work-related MSDs, potential benefits of prework stretching and body conditioning, body mechanics, ergonomic risk factors in construction, modifications that could reduce ergonomic risk factors, and overcoming obstacles to implementing such changes. Participatory methods and video from the site was used in the training. As an adjunct to the training an ergonomist worked with foremen and crews on the site to identify specific ergonomic risks and develop control measures. Training effects were assessed using questionnaires administered immediately following training and at a subsequent point in the project, and observation of ergonomic modifications by an ergonomist… 407 construction workers completed the questionnaire immediately after training (82% response) and 183 (71%) completed a follow-up instrument five months after training commenced. Respondents reported high incidence of ergonomic risk factors (87%) and musculoskeletal symptoms (78%) related to work. Workers applied more of the stretching and lifting practices information than the ergonomic information, but almost two-thirds of the trained workers named specific ergonomic changes they had made. Several crew-initiated task interventions emerged following the training. The paper discusses implications for construction worker training and ergonomic changes at multiple levels of the construction industry.