Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
Construction workers are at a higher risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to tasks that are often repetitive and done in awkward positions. MSDs are a leading cause of missed work and have significant impact on workers’ day-to-day lives, including those with MSDs having higher opioid use compared to those without.
This interactive dashboard examines MSDs in construction by year and major subsector. The dashboard-level filter, Year, updates the charts and the bolded and underlined key findings.
Following the interactive dashboard, you will find more information on the data source, definitions, chart notes, a downloadable data file, and recommended citation. This interactive data dashboard corresponds to a chapter in the upcoming PDF version of the Construction Chart Book-7th edition, which will be published this summer. Data will be updated annually as available. If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected].
About the Data
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021-2022 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. www.bls.gov/iif.
Definitions and Chart Notes
Definitions
- Days away from work (DAFW) – Nonfatal injury cases resulting in at least one day away from work beyond the day of injury or illness onset.
- Full-time equivalent (FTEs) – Determined by the hours worked per employee on a full-time basis, defined as working 2,000 hours (40 hours x 50 weeks) per year.
- Major subsector – 3-digit NAICS codes within construction, including Construction of Buildings (NAICS 236), Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction (NAICS 237), and Specialty Trade Contractors (NAICS 238).
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) – Injuries and/or pain that occur in joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, tendons and other areas of the limbs, neck, or back.
Chart Notes
- SOII data shows injuries among private wage-and-salary workers.
- Two-year estimates are used throughout due to SOII moving to biennial estimates for the latest reporting period.