Ergonomics and Highway Construction

Scott Schneider, MS, CIHDirector of Occupational Safety and HealthLaborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North America

Moving Heavy Objects

Plywood Carrying Handle

Handy Hook

Shoulderguard for Carrying

Rebar Tying

Automatic Rebar Tier

Glimscan Swedish Rebar Tier

Rebar Storage and Handling

Balans Seat for Kneeling

Snickers Kneepad Pants

Ergonomic Design Pliers

Ergo Screw Driver Handles

Ergonomic Design Wrench

Vibration-Dampened Jackhammer

Materials Handling in Construction

• Pre-planning is essential• What materials will be used• Which weigh over 50 pounds or are large

and awkward (>3ft wide)• Which materials can be moved

mechanically•Are the right carts/dollies readily

available and in good condition

Manual Handling

• Which have to be moved by hand•For manual handling, which require

more than one worker•Do they have handles or are there

carrying tools to make it easier

Materials Storage on Site

• Can they be ordered just-in-time to minimize storage

• Where will they be stored• How will they be stored• Can we store them off the ground, make

them easy to get• Who will make sure they are delivered to

right place

Moving Materials on Site

• How will they be transported to final use destination

• Are there clear and level pathways to do this so carts, etc can be used

• Will cranes or powered vehicles be used to move materials

• How can we make sure they are moved once and not again and again

Housekeeping

• Who is in charge of housekeeping and making sure it is done