Did you know that over one-third of workday injuries and half of all compensation claims come from musculoskeletal injuries, such as injuries to the back, knee, shoulder and more? Even in a listed statistic from the Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund of North America website shows 40 percent of construction workers say “working hurt” is a common issue on the job.
Working hurt shouldn’t be something a construction worker or any temp worker on a jobsite should worry about, which means proper ergonomics are necessary to ensure the Central Florida workforce is operating safely and successfully.
The Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund of North America encourages construction foremen to first plan out their workdays to make sure workers have ample use of cranes and forklifts to avoid injury in picking up and/or moving heavy materials. This also includes even where materials should be placed, when delivered on the jobsite, to make them accessible to everyone.
Foremen and construction workers alike should make sure tools are in top condition and to maybe consider purchasing ergonomically-designed tools for workers to use. Paths for dollies and carts need to be free of debris for easy access, while workers should use handles on boxes or on materials to move them without injury.
On the personal side for workers, investing in kneepads, back braces and shoulder pads will help ease discomfort in moving heavy objects, especially when needing to move items at a moment’s notice. If material is too heavy for one person, it should be encouraged among workers to seek out the help of others and inspire cooperation among the team. Training and even group stretching exercises before beginning the workday will help construction workers also help in team-building and being more prepared to handle the stresses of the day.
Ready to start your day on the jobsite? Contact KB Staffing to find out who is hiring in temp and temp-to-hire positions in the construction field for Polk County. Apply online to get your application submitted for consideration right away, or come in person to our Winter Haven office, Mondays through Fridays from 9-11 am or 2-4 pm, to apply.
