Getting injured on the job has a costly ripple effect that hurts the worker and the employer's bottom
line. It means lost work time, workers' compensation expenses and other hefty bills.

Not all injuries can be prevented, of course. But there are some pretty easy ways to stop painful and serious injuries in the construction industry, which has more than its fair share of job-related injuries.

In a new guide, “Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Construction Workers,” The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) offers some pointers to prevent common occupational injuries.

It's organized according to physical demands and how they can pose risks for injuries and tips on specific work functions and equipment.

It won't cost much to implement either. The guide, Publication No. 2007-122, is available at for free online.