Use of Ergonomic Measures Related to Musculoskeletal Complaints among Construction Workers: A 2-year Follow-up Study
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 la...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2015-06-01
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| Series: | Safety and Health at Work |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2093791115000037 |
| _version_ | 1797725354767417344 |
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| author | Julitta S. Boschman Monique H.W. Frings-Dresen Henk F. van der Molen |
| author_facet | Julitta S. Boschman Monique H.W. Frings-Dresen Henk F. van der Molen |
| author_sort | Julitta S. Boschman |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | 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. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-12T10:29:59Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-b0a332baa7f04f70960f7ef3ccdb9715 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2093-7911 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-12T10:29:59Z |
| publishDate | 2015-06-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Safety and Health at Work |
| spelling | doaj.art-b0a332baa7f04f70960f7ef3ccdb97152023-09-02T09:20:11ZengElsevierSafety and Health at Work2093-79112015-06-0162909610.1016/j.shaw.2014.12.003Use of Ergonomic Measures Related to Musculoskeletal Complaints among Construction Workers: A 2-year Follow-up StudyJulitta S. Boschman0Monique H.W. Frings-Dresen1Henk F. van der Molen2Academic Medical Center, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The NetherlandsAcademic Medical Center, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The NetherlandsAcademic Medical Center, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The NetherlandsBackground: 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.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2093791115000037construction industryergonomicslongitudinal studymusculoskeletal pain |
| spellingShingle | Julitta S. Boschman Monique H.W. Frings-Dresen Henk F. van der Molen Use of Ergonomic Measures Related to Musculoskeletal Complaints among Construction Workers: A 2-year Follow-up Study Safety and Health at Work construction industry ergonomics longitudinal study musculoskeletal pain |
| title | Use of Ergonomic Measures Related to Musculoskeletal Complaints among Construction Workers: A 2-year Follow-up Study |
| title_full | Use of Ergonomic Measures Related to Musculoskeletal Complaints among Construction Workers: A 2-year Follow-up Study |
| title_fullStr | Use of Ergonomic Measures Related to Musculoskeletal Complaints among Construction Workers: A 2-year Follow-up Study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Use of Ergonomic Measures Related to Musculoskeletal Complaints among Construction Workers: A 2-year Follow-up Study |
| title_short | Use of Ergonomic Measures Related to Musculoskeletal Complaints among Construction Workers: A 2-year Follow-up Study |
| title_sort | use of ergonomic measures related to musculoskeletal complaints among construction workers a 2 year follow up study |
| topic | construction industry ergonomics longitudinal study musculoskeletal pain |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2093791115000037 |
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