Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

Removing excess concrete and leveling concrete to grade – a.k.a. concrete screeding – can be accomplished using a number of different techniques. Five concrete screeding techniques were evaluated to characterize construction workers exposures to risk factors for developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). Workers were videotaped using manual, vibratory, roller, and laser screeding equipment on new construction sites. WMSD risk factors for the five screeding techniques were analyzed using the following ergonomic assessment methods: Posture, Activity, Tools, and Handling (PATH), ACGIH® Hand Activity Level TLV®, Strain Index, Washington State Ergonomic Rule, Liberty Mutual Manual Material Handling Tables and the NIOSH revised lifting equation. The most serious risks for developing musculoskeletal injuries of the upper extremity and back were observed during manual and roller screeding. Powered screeding techniques generally presented less risk than manual screeding, but these techniques can require brief periods of medium to high exertion for lifting tasks. Vibratory screed operators are exposed to hand-arm vibration, but vibration levels were not measured. Operating the walk-behind and the cab operated laser screeds presented the least risk. Suggestions are provided to limit the use of hand screeding, and to minimize potential exposure to risk factors related to operating and handling the powered screeding equipment.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Abdelhamid

T. S.

Everett

J. G.

, 2002. Physiological Demands during Construction Work. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 128 (5), 367–462.

ACGIH, 2001. Hand Activity Level. TLV/BEI Documentation. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Cincinnati, OH.

ACGIH, 2004. Hand-Arm Segmental Vibration, TLVs & BEIs. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Cincinnati, OH.

Bernard

T. E.

, 2002. Ergonomics analysis tools. [http://hsc.usf.edu/tbernard/].

BLS, 2001. Cement Masons, Concrete Finishers, Segmental Pavers, and Terrazzo Workers. Occupational Outlook [http://www.bls.gov/oco/ pp 442–444]. Accessed on 02/03/04.

BLS, 2004. Occupational Employment and Wages 2002, Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers. [http://www.bls.gov/oes/2002/oes472051.htm]. Accessed on 02/04/04.

Bucholz

Paquet

Punnett

Lee

Moir

, 1996. PATH: A work sampling-based approach to ergonomic job analysis for construction and other non-repetitive work. Applied Ergonomics 27 (3) 177–187.

Cook

T. M.

Rosecrance

J. C.

Zimmerman

C. L.

, 1996. The University of Iowa Construction Survey. Biomechanics and Ergonomics Facility, University of Iowa. Report No. E1-96. pp 20–23.

MBW, 2004. Concrete equipment. MBW Inc., Slinger, WI.[http://www.mbw.com/display/router.asp?DocIDequals;122] Accessed 04/29/04.

10.

Moore

J. S.

Garg

, 1995. The Strain Index: A Proposed Method to Analyze Jobs for Risk of Distal Upper Extremity Disorders. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal 55: 443–458.

11.

SHARP, 2000. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, back, and upper extremity in Washington State 1990-1998. Technical report No. 40-4a-2000. Safety and Health Assessment for Research and Prevention, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, WA.

12.

Snook

S. H.

Ciriello

V. M.

, 1991. The design of manual handling tasks: Revised tables of maximum acceptable weights and forces, Ergonomics, 34 (9) 197–213.

13.

Waters

T. R.

Putz-Anderson

Garg

[1991] Revised NIOSH equation for the design and evaluation of manual lifting tasks. Ergonomics 36 (7) 749–776.

14.

WISHA, 2000. Ergonomics (Repealed 12/4/2003). 296-62-05101-296-62-05176. [http://www.lni.wa.gov/ WISHA/] Accessed on 05/10/04.

Concrete Leveling Techniques – A Comparative Ergonomic Assessment

Abstract

Get full access to this article

References