Some common injuries in construction are the result of job demands that push the human body beyond its natural limits. Workers who must often lift, stoop, kneel, twist, grip, stretch, reach overhead or work in other awkward positions are at risk of developing back problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, rotator cuff tears, sprains and strains.
To aid in the prevention of these injuries, there are ways to make your tasks more comfortable and better suited to your body's needs.
- Move close to the task at hand
- Keep work area free of obstacles
- Communicate with your co-workers about their position
- Work with hands below head and close to body
Reaching out of a normal range increases the force on our joints due to basic physics. It also makes it harder to grip tools, especially when reaching with the wrist bent. When we reach with our elbows fully extended and hands away from our body, we are at risk for straining our shoulders and low back.