Page 79 - Safety Memo

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sliding or uplift of the framed wall bottom plate. Anchor 7. Lack of recovery time to affected body parts
bolts alone shall not be used for blocking or bracing when
raising framed walls 15 ft. or more in height. 1716.2(c) Note: Repeated localized fatigue or soreness after
completion of the same task or day’s work often indicates
4. When installing windows wall openings shall be guarded as that the worker is being exposed to conditions that can
required by 1632, however, the guardrail may be removed lead to RMIs.
for actual window installation if necessary. 1716.2(h)
B. Knowledge of ergonomic principles can be used to
5. Scaffolds used as an edge protection platform must be produce simple changes in the workplace and work activities
fully planked, not more than 2 ft. below the top plate, and which in turn can avoid injury, improve productivity, and make
located no more than 16 in. from the structure. 1716.2(i)(3) jobs easier. The requirements that employers must follow
include: 5110
6. Employees exposed to fall hazards must be trained to
recognize and minimize the fall hazard. 1716.2(j) 1. Employers must establish and implement a program
designed to minimize RMIs if more than one person is
7. Employees performing framing activities who are exposed
to fall heights of 15 ft. or greater must be protected by diagnosed with RMIs as follows:
guardrails, personal fall protection systems, or other a. The RMIs are work related.
effective means. 1716.2(e)
b. The employees incurred the RMIs while performing a job
process or operation of identical work activity.
Ergonomics in Construction c. The RMIs were reported in the past 12 months.
Ergonomics is the study of improving the fit between the worker d. A licensed physician objectively identified and
and the physical demands of the workplace. Ergonomics can diagnosed the RMIs. 5110(a)
be used to reduce injuries, improve productivity, and reduce the 2. The program must include the following:
costs of doing business.
a. A work site evaluation
The construction industry suffers from debilitating and costly
occupational injuries primarily to workers’ backs, necks, b. Control of exposures that caused the RMIs
shoulders, hands, and arms. These types of injuries or traumas c. Training of employees. 5110(b)
are commonly called repetitive motion injuries (RMIs) and C. Some ways to eliminate or reduce RMIs:
are caused by activities that are repeated on a regular basis.
Symptoms of RMIs may include chronic pain, numbness, 1. Proper lifting and material handling
tingling, weakness, and limited range of motion. RMI symptoms 2. Use of equipment to reduce load and strain
may not be noticeable for months or even years after exposures
or may appear to be acute after a sudden and severe onset. 3. Employee rotation for repetitive tasks
A. Factors that can contribute to RMIs: 4. Use of ergonomically designed tools
1. Awkward postures 5. Use of personal protective equipment
2. Forceful exertion, including heavy lifting 6. Appropriately timed rest periods
3. Repetitive work D. Employer should regularly scrutinize the 300 Log to see
whether multiple cases of RMI’s are being reported. Failure to
4. Vibration from tools and equipment monitor for such patterns of illness, as reported on the Log,
5. Pinching (contact stress) during tool use and material might mean that the employer will fail to identify that two or
handling more RMI cases have occurred in the past year, triggering a
requirement for a more careful assessment of ergonomic risks.
6. Temperature extremes

46 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2015 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2015 47