Information on this page is drawn from "Participative ergonomics in civil construction handbook" published by Queensland Government
Awkward or Static Postures
The term awkward postures refers to any posture where the body parts are away from their comfortable, neutral position (e.g. a bent back, a bent wrist or arms raised above the head). Awkward postures result in stretching or shortening of the connective and nervous tissues. As a result, the functional capacity of muscles can be reduced and the tissues are at greater risk of injury. Awkward postures are not always harmful. It is only when they are repeated frequently or performed for a long time.
The term fixed or static postures refers to postures where part of or the whole body is kept in the same position for a long period of time (e.g. standing in one position with no movement). Static postures quickly fatigue muscles because blood flow is more restricted due to the lack of muscle movement. This can lead to blood pooling and a lack of blood supply to some areas of the body and increase the risk of injury.
Example of Injury Mechanisms
The following example illustrates how injury occurs when the load applied to the musculoskeletal tissues is greater than the capacity of the tissues to withstand the force. In this picture, awkward postures, particularly if sustained over long periods of time, can lead to changes to the mechanical properties of the tissues. As a result the capacity of the tissues is decreased and injury can occur.
Awkward or Static Postures can be Caused by:
- the work area design (e.g. working at ground level or overhead)
- handling bulky, heavy or large loads
- using poorly designed hand tools
- pushing, pulling, or carrying loads which block the worker's view
- performing tasks which require loads or body parts to be supported or held for some time.
Examples of Tasks Involving Awkward or Static Postures
Preparing Foundations
Concrete Screeding
Steel Fixing
Laying Reinforcing Steel
