A cross-section survey of construction workers: an ergonomic approach

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders cause ill health and decreased work ability, thereby increasing the costs of absenteeism for companies and interfering in social security systems on a national scale. Our research aimed to identify ergonomic risks encountered by trades on sites of small and medium construction companies, to develop interventions to reduce those risks. Construction employees, from a twelve Lithuanian small and medium companies of construction industry, were randomly selected and invited to complete a survey on different discomfort of the body parts. The questionnaire included questions about stratification of the sample, appearance of troubles, i.e. symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders, in neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, the upper back, hips, thighs, knees and ankles/feet. The questionnaire was distributed to 35 % of the twelve companies’ population, for a total of 440 questionnaires. Of 276 questionnaires were completed for a 62.7 % response rate. Investigations shows that for all construction workers the most common location of pain and/or discomfort was the lower back which was different in all eight groups of seniority (range: 10.51 % – 27.0 %). The complaint is considered the main reason for an awkward work posture, and high use of physical force. Very often, workers work leaned in static posture, running from 5 to 10 min. Workers also suffer pain and/or discomfort in ankles/feet (range: 12 % – 22.99 %), in neck – (range: 6.25 % – 19.63 %), in shoulders – (range: 12–% – 16.61 %), and in knees – (range: 4.55 % – 14.63 %). The strategy in construction suggests that ergonomics be integrated into apprenticeship and vocational schools training programs. Training of workers is necessary but not sufficient to insure ergonomic change. Also require to be supported with other resources at the owner and contractor level.