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850 Health Hazards in Construction
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Posture

Posture is the position of the body while performing work activities. Awkward posture is a deviation from the ideal working posture of arms at the side of the torso, elbows bent, with the wrists straight.

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Awkward postures cause an increased risk for injury.

Awkward postures typically include reaching behind, twisting, working overhead, kneeling, forward or backward bending, and squatting. If the posture is awkward during work, there is an increased risk for injury. The more the joint departs from the neutral position, the greater the likelihood of injury.

Listed below are some specific postures that may be associated with increased risk of injury:

  • Wrist flexion or extension that occurs regularly is associated with a greater risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Ulnar deviation of the wrist of greater than 20 degrees increases the risk of pain and other disease.
  • Shoulder abduction or flexion of greater than 60 degrees for more than one hour a day increases the risk of acute neck and shoulder pain.
  • Hands working at or above shoulder level can result in increased risk of tendinitis and various shoulder diseases.
  • The greater the angle of flexion of the neck, the more quickly potentially severe neck and shoulder pain results.
  • Bending at the lower back while working increases the likelihood of low back disorders.

Check out this short audio clip by Dan Clark of the theSafetyBrief.com that gives 6 tips for good posture on worksites.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

4-8. When is there a greater likelihood of joint injury?