Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare ranking orders of scaffolders' tasks resulting from data obtained using four different measurement strategies. Tasks were ranked according to their physical load during lifting. The strategies were: 1) thorough application of the NIOSH lifting equation (NIOSH strategy), 2) thorough application of the lifting guideline for the Dutch construction industry (Arbouw strategy), 3) ‘quick and dirty’ application of the NIOSH lifting equation (practitioners' strategy), and 4) systematic observation. All strategies based on the NIOSH lifting equation (NIOSH, Arbouw and practitioners' strategy) resulted in about the same ranking order: transport-constructing-taking down. However, with respect to the task transport the results obtained by systematic observations were completely opposite from those obtained using the other strategies. The main underlying cause was that in the observations relative durations of tasks and lifting within the tasks played an important role in the ranking. The three other strategies were less sensitive to exposure duration.
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