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Construction Ergonomics: Observations

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Advances in Physical, Social & Occupational Ergonomics (AHFE 2020)

Part of the book series: Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing ((AISC,volume 1215))

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Abstract

Construction entails exposure to a range of ergonomics hazards and risks. The study entailed observations of activities on several construction sites. Findings include that most construction activities entail exposure to a range of ergonomics hazards and risks, and that aspects/interventions can contribute to an improvement of construction ergonomics. Conclusions include: construction is physically demanding; construction activities are hazardous in terms of ergonomics; HIRAs, if conducted, are not effective, and there is a need to implement ergonomics interventions. Recommendations include: the level of awareness relative to construction ergonomics must be raised; designers must deliberate their general design, details, and specification within the context of construction ergonomics; HIRAs must be conducted prior to the commencement of all activities; the construction process and its activities must be reengineered, and employer and professional associations, and statutory councils should develop and or promote construction ergonomics-related continuing professional development (CPD) courses.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Construction Management, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa

    John Smallwood

Authors
  1. John Smallwood
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Correspondence to John Smallwood .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Industrial Engineering and Management System, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA

    Waldemar Karwowski

  2. Department IELM, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong

    Ravindra S. Goonetilleke

  3. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea (Republic of)

    Shuping Xiong

  4. Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands

    Richard H. M. Goossens

  5. Okayama University, Okayama, Japan

    Atsuo Murata

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© 2020 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

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Smallwood, J. (2020). Construction Ergonomics: Observations. In: Karwowski, W., Goonetilleke, R., Xiong, S., Goossens, R., Murata, A. (eds) Advances in Physical, Social & Occupational Ergonomics. AHFE 2020. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 1215. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-51549-2_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-51549-2_10

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-51548-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-51549-2

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

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