Jobs across several verticals in the construction sector are physically demanding, involving a significant amount of static postures, repetitive motions, and vibration exposure. This makes it uniquely risky in terms of ergonomics.

All construction professionals exposed to, or in charge of managing those who are exposed to, ergonomic hazards therefore need to understand all industry-relevant ergonomics regulations. However, with only general federal input, standards may be set at state level, which adds some nuance to the matter.

In this article, we explore ergonomics regulations related to construction in the US, providing clear instruction on protecting yourself and your workforce – as well as attaining compliance.

Federal ergonomics regulations and the construction sector: The General Duty Clause

At the federal level, ergonomics in construction is governed less by specific rules and more by a broad requirement under the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act. Employers are legally obligated to provide a workplace “free from recognized serious hazards,” and ergonomic risks fall under this general duty when they are known and preventable.

In practice, this means that if construction workers are regularly lifting heavy materials, performing repetitive tasks, or working in awkward postures, employers could be cited by OSHA if there are feasible ways to reduce those risks. However, there is no mandatory federal ergonomics standard that applies directly to construction sites.

This approach recognizes the unique challenges of construction, such as changing work environments, temporary setups, and multiple contractors on a single site, which make a one-size-fits-all standard impractical. Instead, compliance is largely about identifying recognized hazards and implementing reasonable measures to mitigate them.

Are there general ergonomics recommendations that apply across the construction sector?

Most construction and ergonomics experts, including Cardinus, recommend following guidance from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

NIOSH is one of the most widely recognized resources for construction ergonomics. Their publication, Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Construction Workers, outlines common risk factors, such as heavy lifting, stooping, kneeling, overhead work, and repetitive motion, and provides practical methods for reducing injuries. Recommendations include:

• Using mechanical aids for lifting and moving materials
  
• Redesigning tasks to minimize awkward postures
  
• Rotating workers through different tasks to reduce repetitive strain
  
• Training workers on proper lifting techniques and safe work practices

While this guidance is not legally binding, it is widely considered best practice in the construction industry. Adopting these strategies not only helps protect workers from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) but also demonstrates a commitment to industrial ergonomics that regulators recognize.

Related – Injury prevention and wellness for the construction industry

State-level ergonomics guidance and regulations – for the construction sector

Because the federal government does not have a comprehensive ergonomics standard for construction, rules at the state level can be especially important. 

Some states operate their own OSHA-approved safety programs, known as “State Plans,” which must be at least as effective as federal OSHA standards but can include additional protections or requirements. 

In these states, ergonomic hazards may be addressed through state-specific enforcement or program requirements, even without a federal standard.

States with recognized ergonomics regulations or requirements

While most states rely on the federal “general duty” approach, requiring employers to recognize and mitigate hazards, a few have developed more specific guidance:

• California: Cal/OSHA has one of the most developed ergonomics regimes in the U.S., including requirements for employers to establish ergonomics programs and address hazards when certain injury criteria are met. While not construction-specific, these rules can apply to construction tasks involving repetitive or strenuous manual work.
  
• Washington: Washington’s state program enacted legislation (as of 2023) allowing the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) to adopt specific, industry-targeted ergonomics rules for industries or risk classes with high rates of musculoskeletal injuries (MSDs). While initial rules have targeted other high-risk sectors, construction is a high-priority industry, and employers must stay informed as new, mandatory rules may be phased in over the coming years.
  
• Michigan and Minnesota: Both states have ergonomic guidelines or integrated requirements embedded in their workplace safety codes. These are generally not standalone, program-mandating standards like California’s, but they allow state OSHA to enforce ergonomic principles, particularly under the General Duty Clause. Oregon also falls into this category, with comprehensive guidelines that often lead to enforcement actions.
  
• Other state-plan states: States such as Oregon, Kentucky, Maryland, South Carolina, and Utah operate state plans with statutory safety language that can allow for addressing ergonomic hazards even without standalone ergonomics standards.

Most states follow the federal baseline

For the majority of U.S. states, ergonomics in construction is still governed primarily by the general duty obligation. This includes states like Colorado, Virginia, and North Carolina, where no specific ergonomics requirements exist beyond the duty to provide a safe workplace. 

In practice, this means employers should follow a consistent approach to hazard identification and mitigation nationwide, but enforcement emphasis and available state resources may vary.

Practical advice for employers in the construction sector

• Check whether your work is in a state that operates its own OSHA-approved plan and review any ergonomics-related requirements.
  
• Pay particular attention to California and Washington, where state rules may require more formal ergonomics programs.
  
• In most other states, rely on the general duty obligation and industry best practices to identify and control ergonomic hazards.

Even without binding state-specific standards in many areas, a proactive approach to ergonomics helps protect workers, reduce injuries, and demonstrate compliance diligence.

Healthy Working Pro – Proactive ergonomics for safer construction sites

While federal and state regulations set the baseline for ergonomics in construction, the most effective way to protect workers is through a proactive, structured approach. Identifying hazards, implementing controls, and continuously monitoring tasks are essential steps in reducing injuries, improving safety, and maintaining productivity across worksites.

For construction managers and safety teams looking to achieve this in an efficient and sustainable way, Healthy Working Pro offers an end-to-end industrial solution. This cloud-based software streamlines the assessment and management of ergonomic risks, replacing time-consuming manual processes with fast, automated data collection and analysis. 

Using AI-powered motion capture, real-time risk assessments, and 18 pre-built tools (with the option for custom assessments), Healthy Working Pro helps organizations identify unsafe movements, mitigate high-risk tasks, and keep workers safe, all while supporting consistent productivity. Inquire about Healthy Working Pro.