Evaluating Individual Physical Work Ability: Examples from the Construction Industry

Abstract

Abstract:Background: Actively searching for musculoskeletal complaints and reduced physical work ability is a key element in a job-specific workers' health surveillance programme for construction workers. The aims of this multiple-case study were 1) to explore the added value of physical performance tests in such a programme among bricklayers and supervisors and 2) to assess if and how these tests facilitate the recommendation of job-specific preventive actions in addition to information gathered by questionnaires.Methods: Musculoskeletal complaints and reduced physical work ability were evaluated by means of a questionnaire and physical performance tests. These tests were designed in such a way that they closely resembled activities in the real working situation. Job-specific activities were performed and individual working posture and working technique were observed by an ergonomist.Results: The present multiple case study consists of a qualitative analysis of the information gathered during a job-specific workers' health surveillance. We included four participants: two bricklayers and two construction supervisors. We found that the information gathered during the tests supplemented the information from the questionnaire. Furthermore, the tests seemed of added value in the assessment of musculoskeletal complaints and reduced physical work ability and in observing working posture and working technique.Conclusions: Standardised physical performance tests, based on a simulation of relevant job activities, are of added value in evaluating and gathering knowledge about construction workers' individual physical work ability. These tests provide the opportunity to observe restrictions in task performance, working posture and technique and to recommend job-specific preventive interventions when necessary.

Improving fit to work assessments for rail safety workers by exploring work limitations

“…Supplementing self-perceived work limitations with information based on physical performance tests or observations during work would most likely increase the validity of the assessment of physical work limitations (Boschman et al 2013 ). It is likely that some restrictions in task performance might be unnoticed by the workers and tests or observations provide the opportunity to observe those restrictions.…”

“…The assessment of job-specific work performance and work limitations in order to improve the quality of workers’ health surveillance programs has been used, for example, for fire fighters (Plat et al 2010a , b ), hospital nurses (Gartner et al 2012 ) and construction workers (Boschman et al 2013 ). It is assumed that health complaints could result in impaired work functioning, even though the worker might not always be aware of the presence of health problems and their consequences.…”

Preventive Actions Taken by Workers After Workers' Health Surveillance

“…• Self-administered job-specific questions, including validated and reliable screening instruments 24 • Biometry measurements 24 • Physical performance tests under the guidance of an ergonomist 34 • A structured protocol for the OP to assess all results and prepare the workers' consultation • A 20-minute consultation in which the OP discussed the results and, if necessary, recommended preventive actions to the worker • A report for the worker with the OP's advice In the regular WHS, no job-specific instruments were included and workers' health was assessed by the following instruments:…”