Page 82 - OHS, October 2023

CONSTRUCTION Unpacking the Impact of Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Construction Industry Musculoskeletal disorders might be severe, but employers in the construction industry can put precautions in place to minimize their impact on workers. BY ELIS ENANO Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common work- Some common musculoskeletal disorders include: related ailments that are associated with a disorder or ■ ligament sprain injury affecting the body’s musculoskeletal system. ■ muscle/tendon strain They disrupt muscle movement, tendons, nerves, ■ carpal tunnel syndrome blood vessels and ligaments. If the condition is not treated early, ■ tendonitis it can root itself into severe health issues, potentially leading to ■ epicondylitis immobility. ■ rotator cuff tendonitis ■ penalties and costs Lost hours, absenteeism, compensation of workers and dis- Surveys and Findings In 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health ruption in the workflow are some of the downsides that employ- ers have to witness due to poor work practices. (NIOSH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a review of a study based on a detailed survey. The manufacturing and construction industries together ac- It concluded that the poor work conditions that led to causing counted for more than half of all MSD cases reported in 2001.1 MSDs included regular lifting of heavy objects, overhead work, Moreover, there are more than 70 million cases2 reported in phy- daily exposure to whole-body vibration, neck-work in chronic sicians’ offices in the U.S. per year. About a decade ago, the work- flexion position, or repetitive performing of labor-intensive work. er’s compensation for musculoskeletal disorders was between $45 MSDs do not include injuries or body reactions caused by slips, billion and $54 billion annually. To prevent diseases, accidents trips, falls or any similar work-related incident. and fatalities, all construction workers must acknowledge the Friends Stock/Shutterstock.com 82 Occupational Health & Safety | OCTOBER 2023 www.ohsonline.com