ASSESSMENT OF ERGONOMIC ADAPTABILITY PRACTICES AMONG SELECTED CONSTRUCTION CRAFTSMEN

ASSESSMENT OF ERGONOMIC ADAPTABILITY PRACTICES AMONG SELECTED CONSTRUCTION CRAFTSMEN

Abstract

Health and safety is the prevention of worker harm caused by working conditions. Ergonomics is one way to eliminate health hazards and risks in the construction industry. The purpose of this study is to assess the applicability of ergonomic practices among selected construction workers in Abuja to improve site health and safety practices. This research raises awareness of ergonomics among builders. The study also assesses ergonomics challenges and drivers for builders. 125 interviews were conducted with bricklayers, electricians, carpenters, tilers and locksmiths. Site observations were used to complete a checklist to assess the adaptability of ergonomic practices at construction sites in Abuja. Data were analyzed using percentages. The survey found that the craftsman’s awareness of ergonomics was as low as 4% of him. It also found that 66% of his craftsmen suffered work-related musculoskeletal injuries. The study concludes that ergonomic practices are low among artisans. Lack of knowledge and understanding of ergonomics, cost of purchasing ergonomic equipment, employee reluctance to use safe tools and equipment, lack of laws enforcing ergonomic practices, and temporary labor , was a factor against the adoption of ergonomics. The study recommends increasing ergonomics awareness through education and training. The introduction of ergonomics into the curriculum of university construction-related courses, the continuing professional development of professional associations, and the apprenticeship training of craftsmen.

chapter One
Foreword
1.1 Research background
Construction workers have a high injury rate and construction work is inherently difficult. This may be because the work is shoulder to knee and the construction material is heavy. In Abdulahi (2012) he Mcintos (2001) states that working in the construction industry has been identified as a risk factor for chronic disability. Every year, many construction site workers die or are injured as a result of their work. Others suffer from health problems such as musculoskeletal disorders (Health and Safety Executives, 2006).

According to Muhammed (2014), occupational safety and health in construction is about taking appropriate precautions to prevent people from getting injured or sick on the job and creating a satisfactory working environment. Health and safety is the identification of risks and the elimination or control of factors to prevent accidents and occupational diseases (European Commission, 2011). Health and safety are unavoidable aspects of construction, as employees only perform their duties when they are guaranteed a healthy and safe working environment. A reasonable worker or employee will diligently perform his or her duties in the event of an injury or accident, knowing that it will be taken care of. One of his efforts to avoid occupational hazards in construction is ergonomics. Al-Swaity and Enshassi (2012) argue that ergonomics is one of the processes to eliminate hazards and risks in the construction industry.
Ergonomics creates and integrates knowledge from the human sciences to tailor workplaces, systems, products and environments to physical and mental capabilities and limitations.