Roadway Safety: Strains and Sprains
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Laborers' Health and Safety Fund of North America
This document is one in a program produced under an OSHA grant by a consortium of the Laborers' Health and Safety Fund N.A, the International Union of Operating Engineers, the American Road and Transportation Builders Assn, and the National Asphalt Pavement Assn. All of the documents from this set that are on eLCOSH can be found by clicking on Job Site, Heavy construction, and scrolling to the Street & highway heading. Or to download a complete version of the computerized program, go to http://wzsafety.tamu.edu. |
Injuries can happen once or can accumulate.
Common sprain/strain injuries in road work
Hand/Wrist Problems |
Back Injuries |
Sprains, Strains, Overexertion |
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43% of lost work day injuries in roadway construction are sprains/strains
Think of the most difficult parts of your job.
These injuries may be caused by
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Working in awkward postures
such as raking asphalt
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Handling heavy materials
like in concrete formwork
- Repetitive work like rebar tying and operating a joystick
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Using vibrating tools
like a pavement breaker
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Whole body vibration
for operators
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Think of ways to do the job differently.
Work can be made easier
- Minimize manual materials handling with dollies, hoists, other equipment
- Better job planning (deliver
materials where they're used)
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Store materials for easy access
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Use tools that are comfortable, easy to handle
PPE and breaks can help
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Wear PPE like kneepads and shoulder pads
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Take breaks when possible, rotate difficult and easier tasks
Do at least some of these measures.
To prevent injuries-
Plan and maintain a clear, level
walking path
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Don't lift too much by yourself, get help
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Use proper lifting technique, lift with
your legs not your back when possible
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Avoid working in awkward postures
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Do stretching exercises before work
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Keep fit
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