Developing Ergonomic Controls in the Construction Industry for Regulatory Compliance

Abstract

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries enacted an Ergonomics Rule in May, 2000. The rule requires that companies evaluate “caution zone” jobs and reduce specific risk factor levels found to be above a “hazard” level. At least half of the highest risk industries for musculoskeletal injuries are in construction. This has led to the development of cooperative ergonomics projects with roofing, drywalling, mason, mechanical and general contractors. The results of these projects provide a foundation describing what compliance with the Washington rule will look like in these industries. Construction environments present many challenges but this work has demonstrated that feasible and low-cost solutions are available to reduce risk factors below the regulatory level requiring intervention. Examples of “hazard-level tasks” and risk factor reduction in roofing, mechanical contracting and drywalling are presented.