Abstract

The present study evaluated the ergonomic hazards that are associated with scaffold building/erecting for one of the local construction companies and proposed recommendations for solution/control measures to mitigate those hazards. Ergonomic hazards were identified based on field observation and conversation with workers, superintendents/foremen, and managers. REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) was used to estimate the risks of entire-body injuries and disorders. Building/erecting scaffolds requires lifting/carrying heavy and bulky materials, awkward postures (e.g., reaching and holding overhead, and kneeling on the scaffolds), and repetitive motions (e.g., hammering the cuplocks). Exposure to these hazards lead to a high risk of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders, especially to the back and shoulder, for scaffold builders. Discussion among the researcher and the pertinent personnel of the company was made during presentation of the research findings, so recommendations for control measures could be better communicated. The recommendations include, but are not limited to: installing scaffold hoist pulley system or other hoist assistance systems, training provided to all field personnel on ergonomics of scaffold building/erecting, proper work-rest scheduling, and workplace stretching program.

Introduction

According to ILO [1], scaffold building/erecting is to provide work platforms on building, industrial and other sites, for temporary structures such as stages and catwalks, and for the purpose of painting, repairing, seating, disguising building facades, etc. Scaffold builders check the construction requirements from drawings and written instructions, select materials and set ground levels; fit together steel pipes, support braces and clamps to form bases for scaffolds; lift and position sections of scaffolding and bolt pipes together to build up scaffolding; place planks over horizontal bars to create platforms; check levels in scaffolding structures; use prefabricated scaffolding when available; and dismantle scaffolding at the completion of a job [1].