Physical risk factors and controls for musculoskeletal disorders in construction trades

Adoption of the Washington State Ergonomics Rule in 2000 initiated seven different demonstration projects in nine high-risk construction trades. The Ergonomics Rule was repealed in 2003, however valuable cooperative field research was conducted in construction prior to rule dissolution. This paper presents summaries and results of each project with the aim of providing the results to construction professionals and researchers seeking to identify and reduce injury risks and building costs. The projects were organized independently but each with the specific aims of conducting work in conjunction with industry, identifying "hazard zone" risk factors as defined by the rule, and identifying feasible solutions in agreement with company partners to mitigate these risk factors. Musculoskeletal injury risk factors were evaluated by ergonomist field observation and working group analysis. Solutions were developed through field work and consensus agreement with industry and labor representatives. Identified injury risk factors and technically feasible interventions are presented for the following trades: Roofing, residential framing, residential carpet and floor installation, commercial carpentry, commercial laborers, commercial concrete reinforcement, commercial concrete finishing, drywalling, and masonry.