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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
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Factors influencing ergonomic intervention in construction: trunkman case study
Scott Fulmer1, Lenore S Azaroff, Susan Moir
1Department of Work Environment, University of Massachusetts Lowell, MA 01854, USA.
Summary
Implementing ergonomic equipment to prevent lower back strain in construction laborers faces significant workplace barriers. Organizational factors, including management priorities and safety officer influence, impede the adoption of effective safety controls.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Construction Management
- Ergonomics
Background:
- Lower back strain is a prevalent injury among construction laborers, particularly those involved in concrete pouring.
- Existing ergonomic equipment aims to mitigate this risk, but adoption rates can be low.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify organizational factors influencing the use of equipment designed to prevent lower back strain in concrete pouring laborers.
- To understand barriers to implementing effective safety controls on highway construction sites.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative organizational analysis was employed.
- Data collection involved interviews and participant observation.
Main Results:
- Key obstacles included low management priority for ergonomics and limited power of safety officers.
- Resistance to change was rationalized rather than addressed, and knowledge sharing forums were absent.
- The investigators' actions were crucial for the control's implementation.
Conclusions:
- Organizational factors significantly impede the adoption of technically effective, low-cost safety controls.
- Existing site safety programs may be insufficient to implement feasible interventions.
- Addressing managerial attitudes and organizational structures is vital for improving occupational safety.
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