4E     Applying Ergonomics in Highway Construction (Advanced)
Sang Choi, PhD – University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Occupational & Environmental Safety & Health Department

Techniques to assess ergonomic issues related to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in highway construction will be explained. The ergonomic assessment tools include BodyMap instru-ment for measuring potential ergonomic concerns, and handgrip dynamometer for measuring the maximum voluntary contraction and applied grip force of the rebar-tying tasks. The operations comprise excessive applied grip forces and extremely awkward body postures, and this can result in damage and fatigue in the upper extremities and back of the workers. The presenter will demonstrate how to miti-gate the risks of work related musculoskeletal disorders for different body regions for specific construction jobs/tasks. Methods for pre-venting work related musculoskeletal injuries in highway construc-tion will be discussed.