Masonry Magazine January 2009 Page. 37
DANGER ZONE
retch
Rotator
Cuff
Compress
Upper
Arm
SCAFFOLD PLANK
LAMINATED OR SOLID SAWN
Figure 1.
Body part graphics from NIOSH Publication 2007-122
The construction industry has the highest injury incident rate of all industry sectors, with the masonry sub-sector exceeding industry averages. Chronic, cumulative injuries take a toll on the productivity and work life of block masons. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) affect muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage and spinal discs. MSDs represent 40 percent of reported lost-time injuries. Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD) result from chronic or gradual degeneration due to continual exposure to body stresses and strains. Additionally, unreported injuries cost masonry companies lost productivity, absenteeism and loss of trained personnel.
Masons are one of the highest "risk groups" for non-traumatic MSDs of the back, shoulders, arms and legs. They perform four basic movements that expose them to MSDs:
* Bending/stretching
* Handling heavy weights
* Twisting/working in awkward positions
* Exerting gripping/pinching hand force.
A significant majority of masonry injuries result from this lifting cycle (See Figure 1). Back and shoulder/upper arm injuries account for almost 50 percent of lost-time injuries. Lifting a heavy block with elbows above the shoulder or hands above the head, bending to lift and holding a block at arm's length to lower it over rebar contribute to back/shoulder/upper arm injuries. Lifting more than 5 tons per day throughout one's masonry career builds MSDs into CTDs, which affect masons far into "retirement," becoming insurance and Medicare health issues.
When handling rebar, workers are exposed to further musculoskeletal injuries. Tying rebar requires gripping, stooping/bending, and rapid hand/wrist motion. The wrists, hands and fingers account for 13 percent of reported masonry lost-time injuries. Gloves help protect the hands, but exacerbate squeezing and finger/thumb pressure issues (See Figure 2). Severe injuries from impalement on rebar also escalate injury costs.
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January 2009
Masonry 35