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Improving ergonomics is easy 4 Control panel Height adjustment of the control panel is a good way for the driver to change their working position between sit and stand for a less straining, and more comfortable working environment
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Focus on ergonomics within construction - and why neglecting it can cost you There is no other industry where employees suffer more from ergonomics- related injuries and pains than within construction. According to the British ‘Health and Safety Executive’ (HSE), more than 8.9 million working days are lost every year in the United Kingdom, due to ‘musculoskeletal disorders’ (MSD). As many as 80,000 (1 in 40) British construction workers report a work-related illness every year. 65% of them are related to MSD. In many cases, poor ergonomics is the root cause. The culprits seem to be vibration, bending, twisting or poor work postures while operating a machine or a vehicle or when entering/exiting a large vehicle. Demographic trends drive numbers up Researchers at Construction Research and Training (CPWR), USA, concludes that aging is one of the global trends playing a negative influence on the MSD statistics too. People generally postpone retirement and stay longer at work. If that include sitting inside a construction vehicle for years, you have the recipe for ailments like pains, strains, and fatigue in the neck or in the back. Meet the challenges with simple adjustments Solutions, however, do exist to meet these negative effects. Various electric adjustment options can minimise physical stress of prolonged sitting, and will help personalise settings, for instance reposition control panels or lower pedals. This also allows any driver to change posture from time to time. Drivers of construction vehicles deserve a good working environment too. 5 obvious benefits of ergonomics: • Reduces costs • Improves productivity • Improves quality • Improves employee engagement • Creates a better safety culture 5 ergonomics trends: • Being proactive • Integrating the process • Engaging others • Moving upstream • Addressing the office 5
