Adoption of Construction Ergonomic Interventions on Building Construction Sites in Nigeria

Abstract

The construction industry is physical in nature and the incidence of work related musculoskeletal disorders is increasing, especially in a developing country such as Nigeria. Ergonomic hazards reduce the effectiveness of thousands of construction workers in the Nigerian construction industry. Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) effectively marginalise construction productivity, which is a challenge in general in the industry. Furthermore, the industry is also affected by a shortage of skilled craftsmen. Then, observations and anecdotal evidence indicate that Nigerian construction workers have not adopted ergonomics principles. The research examines the level of adoption of ergonomics principles in preventing WMSDs on construction sites in Nigeria. It assesses the practice of ergonomics based on stretching and exercises, use of personal protective equipment, working methods, and material storage and movement. Site observations were used to assess ergonomic practices among one hundred and twenty workers on construction sites in Nigeria.