Did You Know: Construction Workers and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 5,330 construction workers suffered from a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD), averaging 16 days of lost work time in 2010. More than 50 percent of all MSD cases were back injuries.

Implementing ergonomics—the study of keeping people safe and healthy while they're working—in job processes can significantly reduce MSD injuries. Decrease injuries and workers compensation costs by conducting prework stretching exercises and investing in equipment that will assist employees who must do repetitive movements, handle heavy equipment or work in awkward positions.