Assessing Occupational Hazards in the Construction Industry: Risk of Orofacial Trauma, Musculoskeletal Injuries and Ergonomic Challenges with Implications for Safety and Prevention

Introduction: The construction industry is among the most hazardous sectors, with high rates of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and orofacial trauma due to physically demanding tasks, awkward postures and poor ergonomics. These injuries contribute to long-term disability risks and productivity loss. This study evaluates the prevalence of MSDs, ergonomic risks and orofacial trauma among construction workers in Chennai, India, while proposing preventive strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 297 male construction workers in Chennai using a pre-validated questionnaire based on the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Data were collected through in-person camps and Google Forms. The analysis was performed using SPSS (Version 20), with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Subgroup analyses were conducted to identify injury patterns by age, job role and experience level, enhancing the study's insights into risk factors. Results: Workers aged 25-34 reported the highest prevalence of MSDs, particularly in the neck (28.5%) and back (22.5%) within the past 7 days, resulting in significant activity restrictions. The study also identified repetitive tasks, prolonged standing and awkward postures as major contributors to MSDs. Additionally, cases of orofacial trauma were noted, highlighting the need for enhanced protective equipment use. The findings underscore the role of environmental and organizational factors in injury prevalence. Conclusion: The significant prevalence of MSDs, ergonomic risks and orofacial trauma underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions. Recommendations include comprehensive ergonomic training, improved use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and enhanced workplace design. Introducing education campaigns, implementing injury prevention strategies and adopting emerging technologies such as wearable devices can further mitigate risks. Future research should explore gender disparities, rural construction settings and long-term intervention outcomes to enhance worker safety and productivity.