Decreasing work load among construction workers with the use of four equipment

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine whether four pieces of equipment for cutting moulding, cutting reinforcement rods, carrying carpet rolls and fitting drain pipes can lighten the work load of construction work. Work methods were: cutting moulding by squatting (old) and standing (new), cutting reinforcement rods in a forward bent posture (old) and standing with straight back (new), the lifting and carrying carpet rolls with bent back and lifting with hands (old) no bent back postures and no lifting with hands (new), fitting drain pipes with bent back (old) and standing straight and lifting with the strap (new). The measurements were: work phase videotaping, OWAS analyses, heart rate monitoring and a questionnaire.

The results indicate that the effect of using the new ergonomically designed equipment proved to be useful. Cutter for reinforcement rods (bent back postures decreased 11%), tool for the carrying of carpet rolls (less loading on the extremities) and the tool in fitting drain pipes (less loading on the lower extremities and in the neck and shoulder region). The conclusion was that work load can be decreased with well-planned equipment, but more attention should be given to personal work methods and habits.