Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Floor Layers: Is Prevention Possible?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe possibilities for the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among floor layers and to analyze the factors that promote or constrain innovation in prevention. A questionnaire study included 102 floor layers and 180 apprentice floor layers. Questionnaires were used to register musculoskeletal complaints, psychosocial factors, and proposals for prevention. Interviews were carried out of key persons from the trade, selected from the floor layers, employers, and their trade association, with the purpose of getting more knowledge about the barriers to innovation. The results indicate that musculoskeletal disorders are still a great problem in skilled floor layers, and also in apprentices. Primary prevention of work-related knee disorders and accompanying stress requires a reduction in work tasks performed in kneeling positions. Tools that can be used in standing positions for floor laying work tasks are considered useful for prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. Throughout their training, young apprentice floor layers slowly become socialized into the group, and absorb the same identity, attitude to problem-solving, and use of tools and working methods as the adult floor layers. Deep-rooted habits are very resistant to change. The intensity of the work, time pressures, frequent changes of work locations, and the trade's pattern of working in small firms are also factors that make it difficult to introduce good practice innovations in the floor laying trade. Work-related strain can be decreased in the trade by combining changes in tools, materials, and working methods. It is necessary to include educational training of apprentices and skilled floor layers, and also foremen and employers. Breaking down the barriers to change demands education and instruction by people who know the trade well, who can communicate effectively with the floor layers, and who are accepted by the trade.

Barriers to Adoption of Ergonomic Innovations in the Construction Industry

“…They even said that the work was done faster with the tool than without it. The Danish study (Jensen & Kofoed, 2002) arrived at the same conclusion. But knee injuries are not an issue that worries company managers.…”

“…Since then, new and improved tools that make it possible to carry out an array of tasks have been introduced, such as gluing, welding, and cutting. In 2002 (Jensen & Kofoed, 2002), it was decided to try to make the telescoping pole the first choice of floor layers, and a massive educational project began. In Denmark, this project resulted in a much more positive attitude toward working while standing, but the project leaders were concerned about what would happen when and if strong support from the union was withdrawn.…”

Gonalgia entre trabalhadores e fatores ocupacionais associados: uma revisão sistemática

“…Os trabalhadores da construção 3,25,33,34 , os instaladores de piso 21,26,27,28 e os enfermeiros 29,36,38,40 21,22,27,30,34,38 . Menzel et al 36 somente coletaram informações sobre gonalgia nos últimos 7 dias.…”

“…Local As prevalências de gonalgia entre os instaladores de piso descritas em quatro diferentes estudos foram de 53,0, 56,0, 65,0 e 74,0% 21,26,27,28 . Dois desses estudos realizaram somente análise bruta para verificação de associação entre o desfecho e as variáveis preditoras 21,28 .…”

“…A maioria dos estudos incluiu indivíduos de ambos os sexos (62%), no entanto, sete contavam apenas com pessoas do sexo masculino 21,25,26,27,28,34,39 e três com pessoas do sexo feminino 29,38,40 . O estudo de Fassa et al 19 , com crianças trabalhadoras, foi o que apresentou a menor média de idade amostral (13,0 anos; dp = 2,3 anos), e o de Forde et al 33 , com trabalhadores da construção, a maior (49,6 anos; dp = 13,7 anos).Os trabalhadores da construção 3,25,33,34 , os instaladores de piso 21,26,27,28 e os enfermeiros 29,36,38,40 21,22,27,30,34,38 . Menzel et al 36 somente coletaram informações sobre gonalgia nos últimos 7 dias.…”