Implementation of ergonomics interventions in the construction industry of Lithuania

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of certain changes amongst bricklayers, concrete reinforcement workers, plasterers, block layers, cobblestone pavers and assistants of these five jobs. The study focused on changes in the use ten ergonomic measures and changes in the prevalence of WMSD’s. A questionnaire was sent to a cohort of 357 employees who had working experience in construction industry from 5 years to20 years The median value were 13.5 year. The usage of nine of the ten ergonomic measures was found to have increased significantly. The study has showed that both large and medium-sized businesses are applying ergonomic measures on a wider scale to boost the performance and maintain the working capacity of workers. In this respect, the period in question is important in terms of study of changes in the application of ergonomic measures in modifying the underlying operations of work being performed, i.e. more actions that involve pulling and pushing rather than carrying (group No. 3) and a wider range of ergonomic technical and mechanical measures (group No. 10) being applied. The greatest differences of application of ergonomic measures by construction workers between period (1991–1995) and (2001–2005) involved aids to use significantly more ergonomic technical and mechanical measures especially for lifting tasks. The results of this study suggest that there must be a significant increase in the use of effective ergonomic measures in the workplaces to achieve reductions in local musculoskeletal complaints.