Musculoskeletal Disorders among Young Apprentices and Journey-Level Construction Workers in Hungary

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among young apprentices entering the construction trade. One hundred ninety-one young apprentices from plumbing and sheet metal trade schools in Hungary participated in the study. Additionally, pilot data from 65 journey-level workers in Hungary was obtained for comparison. Data collection consisted of an administered symptom survey. The participation rate was 98% among apprentices. The average age of the apprentices was 17 years (range 15 to 21). The 12-month period prevalence of self-reported work-related MSD symptoms for apprentices was highest in the low back, wrist/hands, and shoulders. Nearly 40% of the apprentices that indicated the presence of back pain missed work as a result of the symptoms at least one day in the previous 12 months. Although MSD symptoms are more prevalent among experienced construction workers, this study indicates that MSDs begin early in a construction worker's career. Additional studies involving larger populations of construction workers of all ages are needed to determine the magnitude of MSDs in Hungary and other Central European countries. A multinational comparison of the prevalence of work-related MSDs and the job factors contributing to MSDs would assist in the identification of best work practices and tools that help prevent MSDs for workers in the construction industry.