1. Kramer, D. M., Bigelow, P., Vi, P., Garritano, E., Carlan, N.,  Wells, R.. (2009). Spreading good ideas: A case study of the adoption of an innovation in the construction sector.  Applied Ergonomics, 40, 826–832.

Abstract

A health and safety association collaborated with two research centers to examine the dissemination of knowledge of an ergonomic intervention by opinion leaders in the construction sector. The intervention was a hydraulic ladder lift that aided with loading and unloading of ladders off van roofs. Thirteen companies, with five to 900 employees, were involved. The van operators informed workmates not employed by their companies but who worked on the same site as them about the intervention. The opinion leaders informed decision makers within their companies which led to commitments to purchase similar units. They also gave presentations at prearranged health and safety meetings, where attendees indicated that they thought the intervention sounded like a good idea. In this way, knowledge of the innovation reached at least 32 more companies and potentially several thousand other employees. The study showed the potential for workplace change to be exponential.

2. Desre M. Kramer, Philip L. Bigelow, Niki Carlan, Richard P. Wells, Enzo Garritano, Peter Vi, Marek Plawinski. Searching for a Needle in a Haystack: Identifying innovations to prevent MSDs in the construction sector. Applied Ergonomics. Accepted.

Abstract 

This study identified innovations that could potentially reduce the risk of MSDs in the construction sector. The action research approach was based on a collaborative model of researchers working with workplace representatives. We searched for innovations being used by construction companies. From a potential database of 125 innovations, the study focused on 22 innovations that varied in their penetration into worksites in the geographical area, represented a variety of trades, and were a cross-section of tools and work organizational processes. It examined the attributes of the innovations, and the barriers to their adoption. The analysis was based on observations of workers, surveys of workers and construction-safety consultants, and company interviews. Adopted innovations were selected for multiple advantages including productivity and quality, and not necessarily ability to reduce MSD risks, their non-complexity, and cost. The major barriers for adoption were the traditional culture of the construction sector rather than financial ones.

3. A third article has been submitted to WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment and Rehabilitation and is under review. Niki Carlan, Desre M. Kramer, Enzo Garritano, Philip L. Bigelow, Peter Vi, Richard P. Wells, Marek Plawinski. Marching to a different drummer: a profile of the networks that are part of the construction sector in Ontario. 

Abstract

The complexity of the construction sector is often not recognized. People within the sector believe they are characterized by outsiders as a very homogenous industry, yet this does not accurately reflect an industry more identifiable by its internal diversity and its differences from other sectors. This article tries to capture the complexity of the construction sector in Ontario to enhance our ability to disseminate new innovations to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders(MSDs).

Since understanding one’s audience is critical to the success of effectively diffusing knowledge, we needed to be confident that our knowledge of the sector, its structure and functioning was accurate. The researchers have attempted to characterize the sector by doing multiple interviews of key informants in the different sub-sectors, trades and unions. Specifically, we identified the characteristics of innovative companies since by understanding these companies we should be able to focus the transfer of knowledge about innovations.  We also examined the multiple networks in the industry since they have the ability to influence change, and we wish to target them for knowledge transfer. This knowledge of innovative companies and their networks should focus our attention on those who can and are willing to facilitate change.

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Papers

Marching to a different drummer: knowledge dissemination in the construction sector in Ontario (ACE 2010)

Abstract
Objective: This six-year study explores the dissemination of ideas to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the construction sector. This paper reports on the organization of the construction sector, and maps potential pathways of communication, including social networks, to set the stage for future dissemination. Participants: The managers, health and safety specialists, union representatives, and 28 workers from small, medium and large construction companies participated. Methods: Over a three-year period 47 qualitative interviews were conducted. Workers were surveyed and innovations were ergonomically assessed, Findings: The construction sector is a complex and dynamic sector, with non-linear reporting relationships. Four networks were identified that can facilitate the dissemination of new knowledge: worksite-project networks; union networks; apprenticeship networks; and networks established by the Construction Safety Association. Conclusions: Flexible and multi-directional lines of communication must be used in this complex environment. This has implications for the future choice of knowledge transfer strategies.

Identifying innovations to prevent MSDs in the construction sector (ACE 2009)

Abstract
This study identified innovations that could potentially reduce the risk of MSDs in the construction sector. The action research approach was based on a collaborative model of researchers working with workplace representatives. We searched for innovations being used by construction companies. From a potential database of 125 innovations, the study focused on 22 innovations that varied in their penetration into worksites in the geographical area, represented a variety of trades, and were a cross-section of tools and work organizational processes. It examined the attributes of the innovations, and the barriers to their adoption. The analysis was based on observations of workers, surveys of workers and construction-safety consultants, and company interviews. Adopted innovations were selected for multiple advantages including productivity and quality, and not necessarily ability to reduce MSD risks, their non-complexity, and cost. The major barriers for adoption were the traditional culture of the construction sector rather than financial ones. 


Using a manual tasks risk assessment tool (ManTRA) to audit the potential benefits of innovative interventions in the construction industry (ACE 2009)

Abstract
The purpose of this research was to evaluate various innovations in the construction industry using a Manual Tasks Risk Assessment Tool (ManTRA) (Burgess-Limerick, 2003). Innovations were identified using multiple sources including a search of the trade publications, on-site observations, union advice, expert opinion by safety consultants, and links with distributors. The ManTRA was used for a quick assessment of the innovative tools, materials, or practices and their effect on MSD-related risk factors. A total of 18 innovations were assessed – with all but one indicating a decrease in risk. Due to the inherent definition of an innovation, however, there were only a limited number of users, resulting in a lack in statistical power. As a result, the ManTRA was primarily used as a source of analysis to help inform the qualitative research. Despite the benefits offered by the MANTRA as a quick-analysis tool, researchers were made aware of its limitations when studying workplace risk factors.


A Pilot Study Investigating Manual Material Handling Of Ladders From Construction Service Vans (ACE 2007)

Abstract
The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the low-back compression force and users feedback in loading ladders from vans using a hydraulic ladder rack and a tradition fixed ladder rack. Simulated ladder lifting task was used to evaluate the differences in peak compression force while workers load ladder from vans using the fixed ladder rack and the hydraulic ladder rack. Usability questionnaires were also distributed to workers who were invited to use the hydraulic ladder rack for three months to evaluate their preferences and perception of effort when working with the fixed and the hydraulic ladder rack. Significantly (p<0.1) higher peak compression force was found when participants used the fixed ladder racks. The upper arm angles for both of the left and right arms was also significantly (p<0.05) higher when workers worked with the fixed ladder rack. The majority of responses in the usability questionnaires significantly (p<0.05) favored working with the hydraulic ladder rack.


The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work has produced a guideline on The prevention of work-related neck and upper limb disorders (WRULDs) in construction

Summary
Work-related neck and upper limb disorders (WRULDs) are impairments of bodily structures such as tendons, ligaments, nerves, muscles and the blood circulation system, caused by work and the effects of the working environment. Some have well-defined signs and symptoms in the neck, shoulders and upper limbs, while others are less well-defined, involving only pain, discomfort, numbness and tingling. Episodes of pain or impairment may arise from one single overload. WRULDs are, however, more likely to occur from many repeated moderate loads. There are two important risk factors: the magnitude of the loading (the amount of physical effort applied, the weights that are handled and forces to be resisted), and the duration and frequency of the activity.

WRULDs are widespread in the construction sector, especially in certain trades - figures show that one third of construction workers have suffered from them. Risk factors include work that is repetitive, that involves great force, work in awkward postures, static work, sharp edges or hard surfaces causing local compression of parts of the body, vibration, cold, psychosocial factors, for example relating to the management and organisation of work, factors relating to individual workers, and various factors working in combination.

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Posters

The following posters and handouts were on display at the ACE 2009 conference in Quebec City:

Using a Manual Tasks Risk Assessment Tool (ManTRA) to Audit the Potential Benefits of Innovative Interventions in the Construction Industry

Identifying Innovations to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in the Construction Sector

ACE Innovations Handout

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