Abstract

The most essential asset in every construction work is the workers. In this regard, sustainability in construction must include and be centred on this vital resource. However, research indicates that civil engineers and construction workers often advocate for sustainability in infrastructural developments. This critical asset in construction often needs more consideration when people are engaged in construction work despite the many ergonomics challenges widely reported in the industry. This leads to workers in this industry being grossly afflicted by injuries such as musculoskeletal disorders, particularly of the foot. In addition, changes in global temperatures, attributed to global warming, situate civil engineers and construction workers, as they often work in open and challenging terrains, at risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat hyperpyrexia and heat exhaustion, which may also aggravate these musculoskeletal disorders conditions. However, it is pretty disturbing to notice that such illnesses are less investigated, particularly musculoskeletal disorders of the feet, which may be exasperated by the dire heat conditions noticeable in Botswana. This is because there is often a need for more knowledge and understanding of the risks associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Furthermore, expertise in ergonomics is limited to assisting in the design of work as well as its conditions. This bequeaths both civil engineers and construction workers to operate under very challenging conditions despite pursuance of sustainability. Therefore, this case study investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders of the feet in the construction industry in Botswana with the purpose of designing a safety boot that matches the anthropometric measurements of the construction workers' feet. The research culminates in the design of a safety boot that is based on the workers' anthropometric measurements to prevent the occurrence of MSDs. The results of the study indicate that workers in this industry suffer from toe bunions, cons, toe deformities, smelly feet, etc. The study additionally indicates foot size differences across Botswana’s tribes. These differences may have severe implications for the use of safety boots and the development of ergonomics illnesses, mainly since the current safety boots used are imported from elsewhere with no modification to address the anthropometric feet measurements of Batswana. It is anticipated that the research will provide the necessary awareness that can help civil engineers explore sustainability not only from the context of infrastructural development (objects) but also from the perspective of workers (humans). This underscores the need for further research and action in this critical area.