Laura Welch, MD CPWR
Ph: 301-578-8500 ext.8505
Email: lwelch@cpwr.com
Abstract:
The overall goal of this proposal is to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the construction industry. The study consists of four major aims:
In Aim 1, we measure the prevalence and incidence of musculoskeletal disorders among construction workers through analysis of health insurance claims and workers’ compensation data.
In Aim 2, we identify trade-specific work tasks with high-risk physical exposures, and measure workers’ physical exposures in tasks selected for intervention with observational and direct measurement methods.
In Aim 3, we implement a participatory ergonomics intervention to reduce worker physical exposures. We will form participatory ergonomics groups within 8 to10 employers representing small, medium, and large contractors in the three trades, and take baseline measures for all employees of the participating contractors before delivering training. We will facilitate the subsequent group processes that will prioritize high-risk tasks for intervention, identify solutions, and implement these ergonomic solutions to reduce exposure, primarily through the identification and deployment of previously developed technologies or techniques. We will perform a variety of process measures within the studied contractors in order to understand barriers to adoption and diffusion of existing and new solutions.
In Aim 4, we will measure the effectiveness of the ergonomics intervention on work exposures, symptoms, productivity, and return on investment (ROI). We hypothesize that the intervention will decrease physical exposures associated with targeted high risk tasks, will decrease symptoms of musculoskeletal discomfort among workers, and will result in improvements in perceived safety culture and willingness to change work tools and procedures. We also hypothesize estimates of return on investment (ROI) will show an economic benefit.
