Self-Reported Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Mason Tenders and Perceived Job-Related Characteristics

Abstract

A musculoskeletal symptom survey was conducted among mason tenders in New York City. The return rate of the survey was 70.2%. The outcome revealed that 65% of the mason tenders experienced low back pain during the year prior to the survey, 35% of them were absent from work, and 45% visited a physician due to the symptoms. The job-related characteristics perceived by the mason tenders as the most problematic included bending or twisting the back, working in the same position for long periods of time, working overhead or away from the body, and working near or at physical limits. The study results were incorporated in the design and implementation of low back pain prevention program that trained the union trade instructors in ergonomic hazard recognition and problem solving, and targeted the mason tenders.