ERGONOMICS PRINCIPLES AND UTILIZING IT AS A REMEDY FOR PROBABLE WORK RELATED INJURIES IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Nowadays, the costs of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are considered as the main proportion of workers compensation related costs in construction industry. Lack of paying attention on reducing work related MSDs also known as Cumulative Trauma Disorders and establishing remedial program will lead to injury gradually to some significant parts of the human body such as nerves, tissues, tendons or joints. Ergonomics is known as a science of designing the job to fit the workers which makes the job easier, safer and more pleasant for them and also leads to save money. Development in establishing ergonomics program can be achieved by focusing on all essential principles of ergonomic science. For example the common ergonomics risk factors at site, the problems associated with them and the remedial programs needed to eliminate and/or mitigate them. All key elements of successful ergonomic program in a workplace will be met by executing an appropriate ergonomic design by providing all essential pillars of ergonomic design wisdom. The purpose of this paper is to investigate all significant factors which should be taken into account in an ergonomic program to develop the best remedial method against the costly, harmful and irreversible work related injuries. It also intends to motivate owners, contractors and workers to consider simple but essential solutions to adapt them to their own occupation and work site.