Education and the Prevention of Low Back Pain in Heavy and Highway Workers (2001 to present)
Margareta Nordin (PI), David Goldsheyder, Shira Schecter-Weiner, Manny Halpern
During the last decade musculoskeletal injuries and job-related characteristics of workers in certain construction trades have been studied quite extensively. However, no similar data are available on Heavy and Highway construction laborers. The job of these laborers primarily involves building and repairing highways, bridges, and other large structures. Laborers perform many different tasks including frequent manual lifting of heavy materials, repetitive pushing, pulling and moving of steel, equipment and tools, raking and shoveling, work with pneumatic drills and jack hammers. The job also involves prolonged awkward postures, high pace and exposure to extreme environmental conditions. Due to the nature of the job, Heavy and Highway construction laborers are at increased risk for musculoskeletal injuries and disorders particularly in the lower back, which increases the opportunity for work-related disability.

The overall goal of this project is to reduce morbidity associated with occupational musculoskeletal disorders among Heavy and Highway construction laborers. The proposed project is a primary prevention educational program. The project entails a collaborative effort focused on the reduction of musculoskeletal disability and will be completed in three phases:

The collaborators on this project include the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), the Arthritis Foundation New York Chapter, the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH), and the Occupational and Industrial Orthopaedic Center (OIOC). Outside experts in the area of construction ergonomics will be invited to participate in the Advisory Board to share their knowledge and expertise on the subject matter.