Title
A new bricklayers' method for use in the construction industry
Author
TNO Kwaliteit van Leven
Luijsterburg, P.A.J.
Bongers, P.M.
de Vroome, E.M.M.
Publication year
2005
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of raised bricklaying on physical workload, reported musculoskeletal disorders, sickness absence, and job satisfaction. Methods: A controlled intervention study with a follow-up period of 10 months was performed among 202 bricklayers from 25 construction companies. Results: The introduction of devices for raised bricklaying decreased the physical load on the lower back and, to a less extent, on the shoulders and upper extremities. Although raised bricklaying had no effect on the number of lifts, decreases in trunk bending lowered the biomechanical moment. The results showed no decrease in reported musculoskeletal symptoms as a result of the adoption of raised bricklaying. Irrespective of the reason(s), the percentage of bricklayers in the intervention group reporting sickness absence was significantly lower than the same percentage in the control group. The results also showed that, in general, the bricklayers in this study were very satisfied with the use of devices for raised bricklaying. Conclusions: Controlled intervention studies on ergonomic improvements are rare. This study shows that the introduction of an ergonomic improvement in the construction industry may reduce physical load and the incidence of sickness absence. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Subject
Veilig en Gezond Werken
Rugklachten
Hernia
Metselwerk
Fysieke arbeidsbelasting
Ergonomie
Ziekteverzuim
Sociaal verzuim
Back pain
Ergonomics
Intervention
Physical load
Raised bricklaying
Sickness absence
Civil engineering
Absenteeism
Arm
Back
Biomechanics
Bilding industry
Construction work
Controlled study
Device
Ergonomics
incidence
Major clinical study
Musculoskeletal disease
Occupational health
Priority journal
Shoulder
Symptomatology
Trunk
Weight lifting
Humans
Industry
Job Satisfaction
Musculoskeletal Diseases
Occupational Diseases
Occupational Health
Sick Leave
Treatment Outcome
Upper Extremity
Workload
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:2d9c1d14-ac14-48dd-a275-f50b39412271
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.923
TNO identifier
238729
ISSN
0355-3140
Source
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, 31 (31), 394-400
Document type
article