Construction workers are critical members of our workforce. The time and effort they devote to making our Central Florida structures and roads safe and sound is paramount to our local economy. However, the toil in the construction field that a worker can experience— temporary or permanent— can cause wear and tear on the body that might be felt years down the road.
Many Polk County construction workers push their bodies to lift higher, work faster, and move in awkward ways, getting a work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD), as stated from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NOISH), located with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.
The remedy to prevent these issues from arising in these temp jobs or temp-to-perm construction positions is to practice easy ergonomic movements that are approved by NOISH. These tips can help relieve, or even prevent, common injuries to the neck, shoulders, back, hips, knees, and more.
If you are using tools, a worker could use extensions, lifts and mechanical hoists to move heavy equipment or products around without having to use one’s strength. Lifting items does still happen on the job site, so the worker should be mindful to not lift with one’s back, not to twist one’s body with the material in-hand, and to make sure that a solid two-handed grip is used with materials.
If a worker finds that he/she has injured his/herself, the best decision is to stop with the work and report the injury to a supervisor, who can assist in getting the worker ice, a chair, or medical help. Training from a construction company on ways to lift items efficiently and healthily would also encourage workers to see the seriousness of the injuries and utilize the training.
Knowing practical ergonomics can help you be safe and ready for the new job that awaits you on the employment opportunities section of our website. You can apply immediately with our online application page for all jobs, whether temporary to temp-to-perm, or you can visit us in Winter Haven weekdays from 9-11 am or 2-4 pm.
