Ergonomics in Construction Flashcards

Which of the following is the MOST common ergonomic risk factor contributing to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in construction workers?

Answer: Repetitive motion, heavy manual lifting, and sustained awkward postures

Construction workers routinely perform heavy lifting, repetitive tasks, and work in awkward postures — the primary ergonomic risk factors for MSDs such as sprains, strains, and cumulative trauma disorders. MSDs are among the leading causes of lost workdays in the construction industry.

A carpenter reports tingling, numbness, and intermittent whitening of the fingers after months of extended use of vibrating power tools. This is MOST consistent with:

Answer: Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

Prolonged exposure to hand-transmitted vibration from power tools can cause Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), also called vibration white finger. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, and blanching of the fingers, and the condition can be permanent if exposure is not reduced.

Workers are repeatedly lifting 60-pound bags of concrete mix by hand. Which control BEST reduces ergonomic risk, according to the hierarchy of controls?

Answer: Using a mechanical lift assist, hand truck, or conveyor

The hierarchy of controls prioritizes engineering controls (mechanical lifts, conveyors, or dollies) over administrative controls (technique training, breaks) or PPE (lifting belts). Eliminating or reducing the manual lift is always more effective than managing worker behavior.

A supervisor observes drywall finishers consistently holding their arms above shoulder height for extended periods. What is the PRIMARY ergonomic concern?

Answer: Elevated risk of shoulder impingement and neck musculoskeletal injury

Sustained overhead work is a significant ergonomic stressor that increases the risk of shoulder impingement syndrome, rotator cuff injuries, and neck strain. Supervisors should evaluate adjustable scaffolding, work platforms, or extended tools to reduce the need for overhead postures.

Under OSHA's General Duty Clause, what must a construction supervisor do when a recognized ergonomic hazard exists on site, even though no specific OSHA ergonomics standard for construction has been issued?

Answer: Take feasible steps to reduce or eliminate the recognized hazard

Section 5(a)(1) — the General Duty Clause — requires employers to address recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm, even in the absence of a specific OSHA standard. Ergonomic hazards that cause MSDs fall within this obligation.

Which administrative control is MOST effective for managing ergonomic risk during sustained repetitive concrete block laying?

Answer: Rotating workers between tasks with different physical demands

Job rotation between tasks that use different muscle groups reduces the cumulative exposure time for any single body part, lowering the risk of repetitive strain and cumulative trauma disorders. Toolbox talks and PPE increase awareness or protect against contact hazards but do not reduce ergonomic exposure.