Upper Management Actions for Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Construction Industry

Effective musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) prevention strategies can significantly mitigate increased musculoskeletal injury rates, higher absenteeism, and long-term health issues for workers. However, there is a lack of studies on identifying and prioritizing the specific actions upper management should take to prevent MSD in construction. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and prioritize desirable actions for implementing MSD preventive programs in the Indian construction industry. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study employed the Delphi method with 17 industry experts and 9 ergonomists from academia in India. The Delphi process consists of three rounds: the first round identified 12 key actions. In contrast, the second round focused on retaining the identified actions, and the third round weighed the significance of each action. The degree of group consensus and convergence in outputs was assessed using statistical measures, such as standard deviation, interrater agreement, and the 50% rule. The consensus among experts was moderate to strong, and the findings indicated that the most crucial action upper management can take is to demonstrate a commitment to employee health and safety, particularly in preventing MSDs. The study also emphasizes the importance of establishing clear health and safety policies, prioritizing the prevention of MSDs, and ensuring adequate funding for training, ergonomic tools, and safety equipment. Overall, the study highlights the pivotal actions upper management should take to prevent MSD in the Indian construction industry.