The impact of training on construction ergonomics knowledge and awareness

Abstract

The construction industry entails a wide range of activities, which expose workers to unfavourable ergonomic challenges. There is a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), which are associated with the following actions: frequent bending; bending and twisting of the body; working above shoulder height; working below knee level; lifting; manual handling of heavy and irregular-sized loads, and adopting awkward work postures. The exploratory phase of a Doctoral study included a questionnaire survey that investigated the perceptions of architectural technologists regarding various design, procurement, and construction management issues relative to construction ergonomics. Furthermore, a training intervention afforded the researchers the opportunity to investigate the impact thereof through the conducting of a pre-seminar and post-seminar survey. The findings provide documentary evidence of the need for and the value of improving knowledge and the raising of awareness relative to construction ergonomics among architectural technologists. Furthermore, the findings highlight the value of training.

Keywords: work-related musculoskeletal disorders, construction, ergonomics