Ergonomic Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorders' Risk Factors in Construction Workers Using Cornell Questionnaire and WERA Method

Abstract

Introduction: With regard to high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the construction industry workers, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and their relevant risk factors in workers of a construction factory.

Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019. In this regard, 150 workers were selected from a construction factory located in Tehran City, Iran. The census sampling method was applied in the area under study. The data gathering tool were Cornell questionnaire and WERA ergonomic risk assessment method. The questionnaires were completed while the workers' postures were assessed in their work stations. Data were analyzed applying suitable descriptive and analytical tests in SPSS software version 22.

Results: The analysis of questionnaires showed that the workers' lower back had the highest average score of pain. The wrist, knee, and shoulder had the highest pain average scores, respectively. The result of ergonomic assessment by WERA method indicated that the lower back had the highest risk score. Similarly, WERA assessment score was significantly related to the type of job (p-value < 0.001). Among the understudy occupations, masonry, concrete testing, and welding had the highest risk scores, respectively.

Conclusion: The most ergonomic risk factors in activities of the extensive occupational groups are associated with multiple occupational tasks that endanger workers for serious risk factors in the lumbar and knee areas. Therefore, implementation of ergonomic interventions is necessary for improving the working conditions of construction occupations.