Decreasing the physical workload of construction work with the use of four auxiliary handling devices

Abstract

Four auxiliary handling devices for construction work (carpet wheels, a lifting strap for drain pipes, a portable cutting bench for moulding and a portable storage rack and a portable cutting bench for reinforcement rods) were examined. From 9 to 10 healthy men per device participated in the experiment. They moved rolls of carpeting, mounted drain pipes, cut pieces of moulding and drew the reinforcement rods to the cutter and cut them, some as in the past and some with the new system. Video recordings and electromyographic measurements were carried out to evaluate the effect of the four auxiliary handling devices on the work postures and muscle load of the subjects. The individual differences were significant. However, although the auxiliary handling devices clearly helped decrease the muscular load of some subjects, other subjects experienced an increased load. The individual differences were caused by differences in the anthropometrics, work mode and work experience of the workers. The results of this study indicate that all of the auxiliary devices aid the work being done but they also need additional development. Relevance to industry Back, leg and shoulder injuries from overexertion are common in the construction industry due to the lifting of objects, stooped postures, and the use of hands above shoulder level. Many types of equipment to lighten the workload of construction workers are already on the market and new ones could be developed. This study shows that it is possible to decrease the physical load of a construction worker with the use of auxiliary handling devices if attention is paid to the differences in the anthropometrics, work mode and work experience of the workers.