supervisors with knee complaints also report that climbing ladders and scaffolds can cause or aggravate their MSDs. A similar reasoning applies for complaints of the back: in both occupations, preventive actions at the workplace should be primarily directed at reducing the amount of working with a bent back and carrying and lifting. For supervisors, the tasks of ‘standing’ and ‘driving vehicles’ should also be considered as a desired point of action. In summary, workers with MSDs may experience problems or the aggravation of their complaints due to their job-specific occupational activities, depending on the body region involved.
Further research
The present study provides occupational healthcare professionals with knowledge that is applicable for evidence-based decision making regarding the necessity and importance of ergonomic adjustments in constructionrelated occupations. However, this report represents only one step toward effective prevention of MSDs. It is important to integrate this knowledge into policies related to occupational healthcare for construction workers, such as periodic surveillance of workers’ health [7]. Thereafter, it is necessary to verify whether such workers’ health surveillance leads to behavioural changes and preventive actions at the workplace [40] and ultimately to a reduction of MSDs and improved work functioning.