Push an Pull Forces in the Building and Construction Industry

Abstract

Push and pull activities are increasing in the building and construction industry. These activities can be assumed as one of the risk factors for the development of low back and upper extremity complaints. For a risk evaluation, besides the frequency and the duration of the activities, information concerning push and pull forces are necessary. The aim of this study was to assess the external forces during common push and pull activities at construction sites. In total 115 male construction workers were involved. The force measurements were executed during the daily tasks and activities at the workplace with a digital force gauge. The exerted forces during a lot of activities were high. The magnitude of the forces gave reason to preventive interventions from a health point of view.