Page 84 - OHS, October 2023

CONSTRUCTION According to Liberty Mutual, cases related to overexertion injuries... cost employers around $13.4 billion every year. Exposure to vibrations. Using tools like jackhammers, chain- saws, hammers and grinders causes vibrations, and if your body is exposed to it regularly, it can cause Raynaud’s Syndrome. This is a condition where the blood vessels get restricted and narrow down in size, which creates even more problems in the flow of blood. The attack can occur on the fingers and palm or around the ear and eye area of the worker. Contact stress. When you use the soft skin and muscles of your palm to press tools and materials, it damages the tissues. It can damage the blood vessels and disrupt the flow to the tissues. This contributes to muscle strains which, if left untreated, can cause disability or body restrictions to certain postures. Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Workplace The proper usage of tools is one of the most important solutions to preventing MSDs at work. However, there are many other ac- tions employers can take: Provide management support. When it comes to applying an ergonomic process, it’s imperative for management to show optimum support. They should be able to define clear objectives and goals and discuss techniques and regulations with workers. Management should assign different responsibilities to all work- ers and make sure to communicate every policy. Involve workers. Management has to involve each worker to identify and resolve the issue. They should define the problem together, evaluate the scenarios and possibilities and then work on ways to eliminate them. It’s important to know what the pos- sible hazards at the workplace are. Moreover, management should carry out ergonomics assessments. Provide training. A study was conducted among two con- struction occupations: supervisors and bricklayers to analyze the MSDs among office workers. The study revealed that the preva- lence of MSDs was higher among the bricklayers than among the supervisors. Around 267 bricklayers had an MSD. Back and elbow Complaints were common along with waist and leg re- straints. Even the supervisor reported the same issues. see us at NSC, booth #1419 Partner with industry-leading experts to address all your electrical safety service and training needs. SERVICES » Arc Flash Studies » Electrical Safety Programs » Audits » Thermal or Infrared (IR) Electrical System Scan TRAINING » Low Voltage Qualified *2024 UPDATE* » High Voltage Qualified *2024 UPDATE* » Arc Flash Safety for Utilities » Train the Trainer » Lockout/Tagout *NEW* » Electrical Safety Awareness for EV Technicians *NEW* (502) 716-7073 www.e-hazard.com 84eHazard.inOdcdcu1pational Health & Safety | OCTOBER 2023 www.o9h/1s2/o2n3lin3:e15.cPoMm