Safety and Health at Work

Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (산업안전보건연구원)
권호 표지
DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

Use of Ergonomic Measures Related to Musculoskeletal Complaints among Construction Workers: A 2-year Follow-up Study

  • Boschman, Julitta S. (Academic Medical Center, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, University of Amsterdam) ;
  • Frings-Dresen, Monique H.W. (Academic Medical Center, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, University of Amsterdam) ;
  • van der Molen, Henk F. (Academic Medical Center, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, University of Amsterdam)
  • Received : 2014.05.13
  • Accepted : 2014.12.29
  • Published : 2015.06.30
Download PDF
⟨ Previous Next ⟩

Abstract

Background: The physical work demands of construction work can be reduced using ergonomic measures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of ergonomic measures related to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among construction workers. Methods: A questionnaire was sent at baseline and 2 years later to 1,130 construction workers. We established (1) the proportion of workers reporting an increase in their use of ergonomic measures, (2) the proportion of workers reporting a decrease in MSDs, (3) the relative risk for an increase in the use of ergonomic measures and a decrease in MSDs, and (4) workers' knowledge and opinions about the use of ergonomic measures. Results: At follow-up, response rate was 63% (713/1,130). The proportion of workers using ergonomic measures for vertical transport increased (34%, 144/419, p < 0.01); for measures regarding horizontal transport and the positioning of materials, no change was reported. The proportion of workers reporting shoulder complaints decreased (28%, 176/638, p = 0.02). A relationship between the use of ergonomic measures and MSDs was not found; 83% (581/704) of the workers indicated having sufficient knowledge about ergonomic measures. Lightening the physical load was reported to be the main reason for using them. Conclusion: Only the use of ergonomic measures for vertical transport increased over a 2-year period. No relationship between the use of ergonomic measures and MSDs was found. Strategies aimed at improving the availability of ergonomic equipment complemented with individualized advice and training in using them might be the required next steps to increase the use of ergonomic measures.

Keywords

Cited by

  1. Strategies of employees in the construction industry to increase their sustainable employability vol.59, pp.2, 2015, https://doi.org/10.3233/wor-172679
  2. A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of a Total Worker Health ® Intervention on Commercial Construction Sites vol.15, pp.11, 2015, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15112354
  3. Effects of exoskeleton use on movement kinematics during performance of common work tasks: A case study vol.61, pp.4, 2019, https://doi.org/10.3233/wor-162827
  4. Assessing the ergonomic exposure for construction workers during construction of residential buildings vol.62, pp.3, 2015, https://doi.org/10.3233/wor-192876
  5. Determination of Permissible Load in Selected Parts of the Human Musculoskeletal System While Feeding Cows with Maize Silage vol.10, pp.20, 2015, https://doi.org/10.3390/app10207125
  6. The prevalence of occupational exposure to ergonomic risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis from the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates of the Work-related Burden of Disease and Injury vol.146, pp.None, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.106157
  7. A Study on Factors Affecting the Manual Material Handling Capacity of Indian Male Construction Workers vol.102, pp.2, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40030-021-00519-y
  8. Associations of musculoskeletal disorders with occupational stress and mental health among coal miners in Xinjiang, China: a cross-sectional study vol.21, pp.1, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11379-3