TY - JOUR
T1 - Evaluation of Three Ergonomic Measures on Productivity, Physical Work Demands, and Workload in Gypsum Bricklayers
AU - van der Molen, Henk F.
AU - Kuijer, P. Paul F. M.
AU - Formanoy, Margriet
AU - Bron, Lennart
AU - Hoozemans, Marco J. M.
AU - Visser, Bart
AU - Frings-Dresen, Monique H. W.
PY - 2010
Y1 - 2010
N2 - Background This study evalvated 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 clay 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. Conclusion The limited impact of the ergonomic measures argues for additional measures to reduce the risk of low back complaints. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:608-614,2010. (C) 2010 Wilev-Liss, Inc
AB - Background This study evalvated 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 clay 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. Conclusion The limited impact of the ergonomic measures argues for additional measures to reduce the risk of low back complaints. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:608-614,2010. (C) 2010 Wilev-Liss, Inc
U2 - https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.20793
DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.20793
M3 - Article
C2 - 20112255
SN - 0271-3586
VL - 53
SP - 608
EP - 614
JO - American journal of industrial medicine
JF - American journal of industrial medicine
IS - 6
ER -
