Obstacle clearance while performing manual material handling tasks in construction sites

Construction is widely known as having high rates of fall accidents. In spite of constant technological advances and increasing process automation, manual material handling still takes place in many construction tasks. These two factors yielded the following research question: “May manual material handling contribute to fall accidents?”. The aim of the research reported in this article is to evaluate the likelihood of same-level falls while performing tasks involving manual material handling during obstacle clearance in various handling positions. A laboratory-based study was performed through the simulation of manual material handling tasks using a 4 m long treadmill. Eight construction workers participated in this study. Participants were tested in three different load positions holding different load weights (10 kg, 18 kg, and 25 kg) while walking on the treadmill. The results demonstrated that the obstacle clearance pattern changes due to the load weight, however, no influence was observed on the load handling strategy. This variation of pattern increases the probability of tripping and falling. Recommendations were made in order to prevent falls in construction sites while performing manual material handling tasks.