|
|
|
|
|
Martin S. Forde, ScD, Department of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, St. George's University, 1 East Main Street, Bay Shore, NY 11706, (473) 444-4175, mforde@sgu.edu
There is a growing body of evidence that occupational injuries are major problems in the construction industry. In this study, the prevalences of non-fatal injuries and musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptoms were estimated among unionized construction ironworkers by telephone-administered questionnaire. Of 1,996 ironworkers eligible, 1,366 were contacted and 981 (72%) interviewed. Self-reported injuries were high for the low back (26%), knees (12%), ankle/feet (11%), and the wrist/hand/fingers (10%). In age-adjusted logistic regression analyses, the effect of prior injury on MSD outcomes was consistently high (Upper Extremities, OR 4.6; Lower Extremities OR 5.1; Lower Back, OR 6.0). Compared to ornamental ironwork, among those without prior injuries, MSD symptoms were more frequent for the lower back in structural ironwork (OR 1.7, 95%CI 1.1-2.6) and for the upper extremity in concrete reinforcement work (OR 1.9, 95%CI 1.2-2.9). These findings suggest that intervention efforts to reduce these high injury rates, especially low back injuries, is warranted. Further research is needed to elucidate which ergonomic interventions may help ameliorate these high injury rates among construction ironworkers.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this paper's presentation, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to
Keywords: Construction Injuries, Challenges and Opportunities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.