Abstract
Construction workers performing drywall installation are exposed to a variety of ergonomic hazards, including heavy material handling, repetitive motions and awkward postures. The rates of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders among drywall installers are very high, especially at the low back and shoulder. The unique characteristics of the work environment in the construction industry do not allow for applying objective ergonomic assessment instruments. Thus, biomechanical models and computer simulations were combined for a more comprehensive evaluation of ergonomic hazards. Utilizing Monte-Carlo simulation to generate the input for biomechanical models based on information from PATH (Posture, Activity, Tools, and Handling), a work-sampling based approach, the present study estimated the required muscle contraction forces and joint reaction forces at the low back and shoulder during a simulated 8-hour drywall installation workday. The results of this study also provided a database for future evaluations of ergonomic interventions on drywall installation work.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.