Safety

The High Frequency of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Construction Workers

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are among the most prevailing occupational health conditions. The construction industry accounts for a disproportionally high number of injuries in the workplace.
By Neil Flynn
December 15, 2021
Topics
Safety

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are among the most prevailing occupational health conditions, accounting for 33% of all job-related injury and illness cases. Perhaps nowhere is this on-the-job ailment more prevalent than in the construction industry. Consistently ranking among the most hazardous occupations, the construction industry accounts for a disproportionally high number of injuries in the workplace.

While the majority of studies on work-related musculoskeletal symptoms focused on the office, service or manufacturing industries, it’s those in the construction sector that are especially hard hit with MSD. One German study showed work-related musculoskeletal symptoms are the most common cause of occupational disability among construction workers, while a study from India reported that four in five construction workers had symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders.

What are Musculoskeletal Disorders?

Musculoskeletal disorders are injuries and disorders that affect the human body’s movement or musculoskeletal system. MSDs involve the tendons, nerves, muscles, joints, cartilage and supporting structures of the arms, legs, neck and lower back. These disorders are often caused or aggravated by prolonged exposure to intense and repetitive movements. The majority of MSDs progress over time and are frequently the result of multiple risk factors.

Prevalence of Work-related MSDs in Construction Industry

Because construction tasks regularly involve forceful exertions that are excessive or prolonged, it’s no wonder that these types of MSD injuries are commonplace for those working in the field. Physical actions such as heavy lifting, persistent grasping, awkward body postures for extended periods, and/or forceful vibrations from powerful machinery can all lead to debilitating MSDs that can take a significant toll on a construction worker’s physical and mental health.

For construction workers, health issues range from slight aches and pains to more serious injuries that call for immediate and/or ongoing medical attention. Areas of the body most affected include the shoulders, neck, back and any damage or disorder of the joints or other tissues. In the United States, a survey reported that construction workers are among the highest risk group for work-related, low-back pain.

Some of the more common musculoskeletal disorders include:

  • Tension Neck Syndrome
  • Digital Neuritis
  • Tendonitis
  • Ligament Sprain
  • Muscle Strain
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Epicondylitis
  • Trigger Finger
  • Ruptured or Herniated Disc
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Thoracic Outlet Compression
  • Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
  • Radial Tunnel Syndrome
  • Mechanical Back Syndrome

When it comes to the types of work performed at a construction site, there are a myriad of different skills and tasks put on display. Some jobs call for employees to perform duties at great heights while others require working close to the ground. Some must work in tight and confined spaces while others must cover greater distance. No matter the task or the setting, the nature of physical work and characteristics of the specific job sites can leave workers vulnerable to various ergonomic dangers that could result in different work-related injuries and musculoskeletal disorders.

A Costly Problem

Musculoskeletal disorders affect millions of construction workers throughout the world and cost companies billions of dollars, and they continue to be a costly problem for both individuals and businesses. According to Laborers' Health & Safety Fund of North America, 40% of construction workers surveyed said working while hurt not only decreases productivity but also results in more severe injuries down the road. When it comes to revenue lost, the numbers are staggering.

MSDs across all industries:

  • MSDs are the single largest category of workplace injuries and are responsible for almost 30% of all worker’s compensation costs. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • Indirect costs can be up to five times the direct costs of MSDs. (OSHA)
  • The average MSD comes with a direct cost of almost $15,000. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

To reduce the high labor costs that result from MSDs, those in the construction industry are seeking cost-effective solutions and new strategies that do not slow the work or lessen productivity.

Safeguarding workers at construction sites from ergonomic hazards that contribute to work-related MSDs is a mounting concern, and one that must be addressed to reverse the tide of injuries and illness in the field. In 2008 the Construction Agenda was established with the Strategic Goal to "reduce the incidence and severity of work-related MSDs among construction workers in the United States." These efforts combined with stronger industry regulations will ultimately create a less hazardous path for construction workers fulfilling all types of physical tasks.

by Neil Flynn

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