Evaluation of three ergonomic measures on productivity, physical work demands, and workload in gypsum bricklayers.
BACKGROUND
This study evaluated the effects of a combination of three ergonomic measures designed to reduce the risk of low back complaints among gypsum bricklayers. The measures focused on optimizing working height and reducing carrying distances.


METHODS
A within-subjects (N = 10) controlled field study was used to compare the effects of working with the ergonomic measures with those of working with conventional working methods at the worksite during the course of a full working day. Productivity, work demands, and workload were assessed.


RESULTS
No effects were found on productivity, total work time, duration of tasks, duration of carrying, or energetic or biomechanical workload. However, the duration and frequency of working between knee and hip height during a working day increased by 25% and 15%, respectively, due to the ergonomic measures. During the finishing task, the duration and frequency of working below knee level decreased significantly by 4 min and 71 times, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The limited impact of the ergonomic measures argues for additional measures to reduce the risk of low back complaints.
van der Molen
Henk F
HF
Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, the Netherlands. h.f.vandermolen@amc.nl <h.f.vandermolen@amc.nl>
Kuijer
P Paul F M
PP
Formanoy
Margriet
M
Bron
Lennart
L
Hoozemans
Marco J M
MJ
Visser
Bart
B
Frings-Dresen
Monique H W
MH
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002133:Calcium Sulfate; D003252:Construction Materials / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004526:Efficiency; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006266:Health Education; D006293:Health Promotion; D006621:Hip Joint; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D011187:Posture; D012306:Risk; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017751:Safety Management; D013997:Time Factors; D016526:Workload / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D002133:Calcium Sulfate