Ergonomic Series – Awkward Postures
Date Posted: 02/14/2024
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that ergonomic injuries account for 33% of all workplace worker injury and illness cases, with direct costs to the industry of over $20 billion annually and estimated total costs of $45-54 billion annually. Compared to the lost workdays of the average injury or illness, ergonomic injuries result in 38% more lost time days. Awkward postures are a significant ergonomic risk that leads to these types of injuries.
What are Awkward Postures?
Awkward posture refers to positions of the body that deviate significantly from the neutral position while performing work activities. When you are in an awkward posture, muscles operate less efficiently, and you expend more force to complete the task. Awkward postures or positioning can make work tasks more physically demanding by increasing the exertion required from smaller muscle groups and preventing the more robust, larger muscle groups from working at maximum efficiency. The increased effort from the weaker, smaller muscle groups impairs blood flow and increases the rate of fatigue. Awkward postures include, but are not limited to:
Repeated or prolonged reaching
Twisting
Bending
Working overhead
Kneeling, squatting
Holding prolonged fixed positions
Pinch grips
Awkward positioning can affect various body areas, such as the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, back, and knees. The effects of awkward postures are increased if work tasks involve repetitive motions or forceful exertions. Therefore, the worker should evaluate the work area for awkward positioning and eliminate or minimize these positions where possible by using job rotation among crew members.
Stooping, Bending, and Kneeling – Ground-Level Work
Construction work often involves stooping, bending, kneeling, and squatting for extended periods. Workers tasked with fastening or connecting construction materials are especially likely to spend much time in potentially awkward positions. A solution to this problem is to ensure workers are provided with the right tools to perform their work in the correct position, thus preventing awkward postures.
Work that consistently requires bending, stooping, kneeling, or squatting can cause pain in the lower back or knees, eventually leading to a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). The risk of MSD is higher if the task requires repetitive stooping or kneeling often or for long periods. The risk is also increased if the work requires twisting the body while working in these positions. These positions can also make it harder to do the job. When stooping or kneeling, the worker cannot lift, push, or pull as much weight without stressing the body. Ground-level work can only partially be eliminated from all tasks. Still, it is possible to change how the job is performed to minimize the exposure to hazardous positions by the following (but not limited to):
Change materials or work processes. Use less labor-intensive work methods so the task takes less time and the worker kneels or stoops for a shorter period.
Change tools or equipment. For example, use tools with extension handles that let the user stand up while doing ground-level tasks.
Overhead Work
Specific tasks on a construction site, such as drilling, driving fasteners, or finishing drywall, may require workers to raise their arms above their shoulders. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) suggests taking the following steps to reduce the risk of injury when performing overhead work:
Limit the amount of time spent working overhead.
Avoid lifting, holding, and positioning heavy or awkward objects with raised arms.
Consider using bit extensions for drills and screw guns.
Use mechanical lifts or hoists to position building materials.
Encourage the use of tools that bring employees closer to their assignment.
Monitor the number of tasks that require overhead work.
Resources
Ergonomics - Solutions to Control Hazards | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)
Simple Solutions Ergonomics for Construction Workers | NIOSH | CDC
Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders | NIOSH | CDC
Ergonomics - Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)
