Vol. 1, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Background: Construction and industrial sectors continue to experience disproportionate rates of traumatic injury and work-related musculoskeletal disorders, driven by falls, struck-by events, caught-in/between incidents and high biomechanical loads. Although the hierarchy of controls emphasizes engineering and ergonomic solutions, there is limited guidance on how to translate task-level risk assessments into integrated packages of environmental modifications and adaptive equipment.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted across six large worksites (three intervention, three control) involving 240 workers engaged in high-risk tasks. Baseline and 6-month assessments included structured hazard mapping, task-based ergonomic risk scoring, and self-reported musculoskeletal pain. At intervention sites, a multidisciplinary panel used these data to develop a recommendation matrix linking specific hazard-task profiles to tailored combinations of environmental modifications (e. g., edge protection, segregated walkways, layout optimization, improved access and housekeeping) and adaptive equipment (ergonomic tools, mechanical lifting aids, industrial exoskeletons). Control sites continued usual practice. Changes in composite risk scores and musculoskeletal pain outcomes were analysed using paired and independent t-tests, generalized estimating equations and mixed-effects models.

Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Over 6 months, mean composite risk scores declined from 7. 1 ± 1. 2 to 4. 1 ± 1. 3 in the intervention group versus 7. 0 ± 1. 3 to 6. 5 ± 1. 4 in controls, yielding a significantly larger reduction in intervention sites (mean Δ −3. 0 vs −0. 5; p < 0. 001). The prevalence of moderate-severe musculoskeletal pain fell from 62% to 38% in the intervention group but remained essentially unchanged in controls, and mean pain scores decreased substantially only in intervention workers. Uptake of mechanical lifting aids, ergonomic tools and exoskeletons increased markedly in intervention sites, accompanied by high ratings of feasibility and perceived usefulness.

Conclusion: A structured recommendation matrix that integrates environmental modifications with adaptive equipment can substantially reduce task-related risk scores and musculoskeletal symptoms in construction and industrial workspaces. Prioritizing engineering controls, systematically procuring ergonomic and assistive technologies, and embedding these within routine safety management systems represent practical, effective strategies to enhance worker safety and health.