Ergonomics

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common workplace injury in construction, costing the industry billions annually in lost work days and workers' compensation claims. While OSHA has no specific ergonomics standard for construction, the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)) applies when employers know of recognized MSD hazards. This elective covers risk factor identification (force, repetition, awkward posture, vibration, contact stress), task analysis, engineering and administrative controls, tool selection, and the supervisor's role in designing work methods that reduce cumulative strain.