Is the use of ergonomic measures associated with behavioural change phases?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the absolute number of completed behavioural change phases (ABP) and the sequentially ordered number of completed behavioural change phases (SBP) are positively associated with the use of ergonomic measures by two groups of stakeholders in bricklaying companies (employers/planners, foremen/bricklayers). The measures, consisting of trestles, bricklaying scaffolds, mast-climbing work platforms and cranes, reduce the physical work demands made upon bricklayers and bricklayers' assistants. Structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders of 27 companies. Ordinal regression of behavioural change phases on the use of ergonomic measures showed a significant increase in both ABP and SBP in relation to increased use of three of the four ergonomic measures (i.e. trestles, bricklaying scaffolds, mast-climbing work platforms) by employers/planners and increased use of one ergonomic measure (i.e. trestles) by foremen/bricklayers. In conclusion, the positive and significant associations between the completed behavioural change phases (ABP and SBP) and use of ergonomic measures differ for the stakeholder groups and between the ergonomic measures. The data suggest that there is a higher chance of increasing the use of ergonomic measures by means of a higher ABP than a higher SBP. It is recommended for activities to be carried out—primarily by employers/planners—to facilitate as many behavioural change phases as possible in order to stimulate actual use of ergonomic measures at worksites.