ERGONOMICS IN

CONSTRUCTION
KOH CHEO POH
791217-13-5525
SSS 513
What is Ergonomics (er'gõnom'iks)?

 The word ergonomics comes from two Greek words

“ ergon”, meaning work and “nomos” meaning laws.
 It is the study of work in relation to the environment in
which it is performed (the workplace) and those who
perform it ( workers)
 To make the job fit the worker, instead of forcing the
worker to conform to the job.
Objectives of Ergonomics

 To increase levels of works efficiency and effectiveness

or any related activity undertaken such as through
reduction of mistakes, increase of productivity and
simplification of tasks.
 To increase positive human values such as increased
safety, reduced fatigue and stress, increased work
comfortability and increased quality of work and life in
general.
Ergonomics Risk Factors

1. Doing repetitive work

2. Use of excessive force
3. Improper of static or awkward body posture
4. Work for long durations
5. Vibration due to use of hand tools
6. Contact stress on veins, muscles and tendons due to
hand tools/equipments
Ergonomics Injuries@ Musculoskeletal
Disorders (MSDS)
 MSDS is a situation arising from the overuse of muscles, tendons,
joints and surrounding tissues.
 It will causing extensive wear and tear on the body part, may
result in incapable of use for certain duration of time.
 There are 3 level of MSDS signs;
 Warning Level ( Uncomfortable, Bodily Aches & Minor Pains)
 Affecting Level ( Swelling, Pains, Clear Symptoms, Disease &
Injury)
 Disability Level ( Incapacity)
Job Analysis for Ergonomics In Construction

1. Determination of measurement criteria and work target

2. Compilation of history of targeted job task
3. Identification of ergonomics risk factors
4. Discovery of preventive measures
5. Selection of preventive measures
6. Implementation of prevention measures
7. Monitoring of preventive measures
Tool Box Briefing
 Discuss about the ergonomic Injuries; Strains & Sprains :-
 Injury to connective tissue caused by single forceful
event: Lifting heavy objects in awkward position, Vibration &
etc.
 Common to large body segment ( back, legs and shoulders)
 Risk of injury increases with the presence of multiple risk
factors

 Getting a chance to ask workers whether they experienced any

pain or discomfort associated with their works.
.
Tool Box Briefing
 Provide demonstration of correct way of lighting objects
 Encourage workers to report on ergonomic issues.
 Provide the stretching basics to workers.
Summary
 To understand and pay attention to our body and know
our physical limitations
 To minimize ergonomics risk factors in workplace
 To educate workers about the importance of stretching
body before and after performing a construction
activities.
 Tool Box as a platform to understand worker’s
ergonomics issues.
 It is the employer and every self employed person’s
duty and responsibility to ensure, so far as practicable,
the safety, health and welfare of his employees.
Thank you