measures that are aimed at decreasing adverse physical exposures.
The goal of the campaign was to increase awareness and induce a
change regarding ergonomic working methods and the use of mechanical
ergonomic measures. The campaign was an opportunity for
evaluating the use of ergonomic measures related to musculoskeletal
complaints among construction workers over a 2-year period.
We assumed that the physical work demands related to physically
demanding construction trades would be reduced by ergonomic
measures and consequently MSDs would be reduced. Therefore, we
hypothesized that when the use of ergonomic measures would increase
by means of a national campaign, eventually MSDs would
decrease (Fig. 1). Furthermore, we wanted to gain more knowledge
on barriers and facilitators for using ergonomic measures.
Physical demands vary widely across different construction
occupations. Bricklayers and drywall installers, for example, spent
most of their working time in a bent and twisted position while
performing repetitive hand-arm movements, whereas tile workers
spent most of their working time in a kneeled, crouched, or stooped
position [3]. Nowadays, a wide variety of ergonomic solutions for a
range of occupations can reduce the time spent by the workers in
these adverse activities and improve working postures, thus
potentially reducing MSDs.
The following types of ergonomic measures were highlighted in
the campaign: measures for horizontal/vertical transport and for
the positioning or installing of materials. Measures for horizontal
transport aimed at decreasing pushing, pulling, and carrying.
Measures for vertical transport aimed at decreasing heavy lifting,
and measures for the positioning or installing of materials were
aimed at optimizing the working height and thereby decreasing
kneeling, working with a bent back, or with the arms above
shoulder height.
Evidence on the impact of the use of ergonomic measures by
means of a large-scale campaign like “Lighter Work(s)” is conflicting.
A longitudinal study among carpenters and pavers indicated
that the use of some specific ergonomic measures was associated
with a lower likelihood of lower back or shoulder complaints [9],
but most ergonomic measures for these occupations were not
associated with such a reduction in complaints [9,10].
This paper describes a 2-year follow-up study about the use of
ergonomic measures related to musculoskeletal complaints among
nine construction occupations. The research questions were as
follows: (1) What is the use of ergonomic measures over a 2-year
period and what are the facilitating factors and barriers for using
ergonomic measures?; (2) What is the change in MSDs over the
2-year period?; (3) Is there a relationship between an increase in
the use of ergonomic measures and a decrease in MSDs (in the most
affected body regions, i.e., the shoulders, lower back, and knees)?;
and (4) To what extent do the workers have sufficient knowledge
about the use of ergonomic measures and what activities are,
according to the workers, needed to facilitate the use?