Cumulative Trauma Disorders

Poor ergonomics can cause cumulative trauma disorders or CTDs. These are sometimes called repetitive strain injuries or musculoskeletal disorders MSDs). These injuries result from repeated "micro-traumas" to muscles, joints, and tendons. If not allowed sufficient time to heal, these tiny breaks and tears can result in serious damage to the musculoskeletal system, affecting many parts of your body.

Because of the nature of the work, construction workers can suffer from CTDs that affect the upper extremities. Some examples of upper-extremity CTDs are:

• "Carpenter's elbow"
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Rotator cuff tendinitis
• Trigger finger
• Reynaud's syndrome
• Ganglion cyst
• Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)

Construction workers are also at risk for CTD injuries affecting the lower extremities. A well-known lower body CTD is "carpet-layer's knee," caused from repeated impacts of the knees upon a carpet stretcher. In addition, repeatedly overloading the body by carrying heavy objects can result in CTDs to the legs, knees, ankles, and feet.

To learn more about Construction Ergonomics visit our Construction Ergonomics Online Training web page.