Green building and construction worker ergonomics: a pilot investigation

Abstract

The literature indicates that ‘green’ building is so focused on ensuring a sustainable design to create an environment for the final occupants that meets environmentally, healthy standards, that construction workers' health is being overlooked.

Two descriptive surveys were conducted among general contractor members of the East Cape Masters Builders Association (ECMBA) and members of the Eastern Cape Institute of Architects (ECIA) using self-administered questionnaires.

The salient findings are: contractors and architects identified there is a major need for ‘green’ building to address construction worker health and safety (H&S); workers become ill due to being exposed to health hazards; contractors indicate job security and unrealistic time for activities are the main factors contributing to workers experiencing stress; unsatisfactory working conditions, long working hours and demanding construction activities / tasks also contribute to workers becoming stressed; workers experience work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) due to strenuous work tasks, psychosocial factors, and hand arm vibration syndrome.

Conclusions include: construction workers are exposed to many ergonomic and H&S hazards which can cause them to become ill, experience stress, experience WMSDs, experience injuries and in some cases death, and also be absent from work; construction worker H&S is still not viewed as ‘a value’ in terms of ‘green’ building, and there is a need for focus on ‘designing for construction ergonomics and H&S’.

Keywords: Construction, ergonomics, green building