TY - CONF TI - Implementing Ergonomics in Construction to Improve Work Performance C1 - Boston, Massachusetts, USA C3 - 24th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction PY - 2016 AU - Damaj, Omar AU - Fakhreddine, Mohamad AU - Lahoud, Makram AU - Hamzeh, Farook AD - Civil Engineering Student, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, American University of Beirut, Lebanon, +9613662187, omd05@mail.aub.edu AD - Civil Engineering Student, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, American University of Beirut, Lebanon, +9613903734, mhf13@mail.aub.edu AD - Civil Engineering Student, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, American University of Beirut, Lebanon, +96170146175, mfl03@mail.aub.edu AD - Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, American University of Beirut, Lebanon, fh35@aub.edu.lb AB - Traditional construction projects suffer from several productivity-related problems that result in delays and cost overruns; consequently, projects often fall short of owner set goals. The need for investigations into the causes of these inefficiencies is crucial as poor work conditions reduce the quality and efficiency of work processes. Ergonomics, defined as the study and optimization of workers’ efficiency in their work environment, brings about safety and productivity improvements through an enhancement of work conditions. However, Ergonomics has not been applied in the Middle East and specifically in Lebanon. Moreover, very little research has been performed on ergonomics planning in this region with a booming construction industry despite the pressing need to modify tools and tasks to fit workers’ needs. Data from field surveys and site visits from several construction sites were analyzed to assess the use of ergonomics. Despite the positive impacts that ergonomics planning can provide, contractors are reluctant to change and are held back by cultural and social barriers. The study highlights numerous difficulties faced on construction sites, analyzes the barriers that are preventing ergonomics from being implemented in Lebanon, and discusses potential solutions. This study can be used as basis for possible future implementation plans and further studies focusing on ergonomics in Lebanon and the Middle East. KW - Lean construction KW - Safety KW - Visual Management KW - Ergonomics KW - Lebanon PB - T2 - 24th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction DA - 2016/07/20 CY - Boston, Massachusetts, USA L1 - http://iglc.net/Papers/Details/1301/pdf L2 - http://iglc.net/Papers/Details/1301 N1 - Export Date: 20 April 2024 DB - IGLC.net DP - IGLC LA - English ER -