A Strategic Framework for Mitigating Ergonomic Hazards on Construction Sites in South East Nigeria

Construction activities in South East Nigeria involve substantial manual handling and physically demanding tasks, creating ergonomic concerns for site workers. This study aimed to develop a strategic framework for managing ergonomic hazards on building construction sites in Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia and Ebonyi States. A pragmatist mixed-methods approach was used. The target population comprised 114,330 construction stakeholders, and multistage sampling yielded a sample size of 692 participants, including 308 management professionals and 384 operational workers. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Questionnaire responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and Relative Importance Index rankings, while interview material was examined thematically. Across the strategies reported in Table 1, respondents expressed strong support for ergonomic improvements. Training, Education and Awareness Programmes had the highest reported group mean (4.48), followed by Engineering and Ergonomic Design Interventions (4.45). Proposed measures included mechanical lifting devices, ergonomically designed tools, structured manual handling training, improved work scheduling and supervisory involvement. Drawing on socio-technical systems thinking and Human–Task–Environment Fit, the proposed Construction Ergonomics Framework connects hazard identification, intervention selection, implementation responsibilities, monitoring and continuous improvement. The framework provides a context-specific approach for organising ergonomic prevention on building sites. Its effectiveness in reducing injuries or improving project outcomes requires further implementation and evaluation.