An Analysis of Ergonomic Stressors Experienced by Company XYZ Employees During Pipe Installation Tasks

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze Company XYZ’s underground pipe installation activities for the presence of ergonomic risk factors. This was accomplished through field observations of a pipe installation crew using The Great American Insurance Company Ergonomic Task Analysis Worksheet, an administered symptom survey based on the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and loss analysis data collected from recent work-related musculoskeletal injuries. Task analysis observations were performed on the pipe rigging and connection processes for an individual heavy highway construction crew. Significant ergonomic stressors were discovered during the observed processes, including forward spine/hip flexion and extension, lateral flexion of the cervical spine, elbow extension, and the manual manipulation of a power tool, which required moderate muscular exertion that caused static muscular loadingrelated fatigue. Employee symptom surveys revealed troublesome ergonomic issues in the bodily areas of the neck, shoulders, wrists as well as hands, which was exacerbated by work an environment that necessitated extended working hours. Furthermore, the loss analysis discovered work-related musculoskeletal injuries consistent with the observed motions and reported symptom survey results. Recommendations presented in this study include the acquisition of powered pipe lifting and supporting device options that would minimize the extent of manual rigging process during underground pipe installation activities.