Working posture analysis of construction workers using ergonomics.

Abstract

Ergonomics integrates knowledge from the human sciences to match jobs, systems, products, and environments to the physical and mental abilities and limitations of people. Most of the injuries, stresses and strains in construction industry occur due to over-exertion and repetitive work actions. Postural analysis can be a powerful technique for assessing work activities. Use of ergonomic principles reduces fatigue experienced by the human body in various tasks. Ergonomics deals with the study of internal and external stresses acting on the human body. The aim of this study is to assess the level of ergonomics in various tasks in the construction industry .The study also aims to find the level of musculoskeletal disorders in workers and suggest corrective measures for every task having high risk factor. The study is conducted by using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) tool of Ergofellow software, to assess the posture of workers in various construction tasks. Fatigue analysis is doneby this method, which provides a scoring system for muscle activity caused by static, dynamic, rapid changing or unstable postures.