Awareness and perceptions of ergonomic programs between workers and managers surveyed in the construction industry.

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal injuries and disorders (WMSDs) are among the most frequently reported causes of lost or restricted work time in the construction industry. Ergonomics is still a relatively new theme for the construction industry. Understanding of the workers' and managers' knowledge and perception of ergonomic issues in construction can play a critical role to develop and implement effective ergonomic programs and policies.

OBJECTIVE: To study the similarities and differences of the workers' and managers' knowledge and perceptions of ergonomics matters in the construction industry.

METHODS: A survey questionnaire was developed and distributed to both workers and management personnel employed by sixteen different construction contractors performing various types of construction work. The final questionnaire comprised of a total of forty questions and consisted of four major sections: background, safety and ergonomic programs, injuries and illnesses, and work conditions.

RESULTS: Eighty-eight workers and managers completed the survey questionnaire. Nearly all of their employer had a written safety program, while only one third had an ergonomics program. Ergonomics was perceived as relatively less important compared to the safety issues. Managers were more likely to think that management encourages feedback from site employees than were workers. Managers appeared to be more likely to know that their companies have an ergonomic training program or policy than were workers. Workers were more likely to consider to purchase or select the ergonomic hand tools than were managers. Workers and managers alike reported having slight regard for the potential occurrence of a work-related musculoskeletal disorder.

CONCLUSIONS: While the construction industry has done an admirable job developing safety programs, it has done far less to develop comprehensive ergonomic programs and policies that would help provide education and guidance to its workers and managers in the industry.