The evaluation of smaller plasterboards on productivity, work demands and workload in construction workers

Molen, Henk F. van der; Mol, Eric; Kuijer, Paul; Frings‐Dresen, Monique H. W.

doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2006.06.007

Cited by 11 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…Previous studies investigating masons, bricklayers and plasterboard work (carpenter task) during a full workday have found mean RHR ranging from 21 to as high as 39% RHR, with factors as brick and plasterboard sizes as important load varying factors [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. From our data the three professions found to have the highest cardiovascular demands (carpenter, bricklayer and henchman) exhibited HRs in the lower part of this range.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The validity and reliability of these exposure measurements are questionable [ 14 ]. Van der Molen and co-workers did measure cardiovascular demands objectively by HR and oxygen consumption in groups of construction workers during several work tasks [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. These studies had a limited number of participants ( N = 8, 10, and 15, respectively) and measured demands during one single period.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Heavy Physical Work: Cardiovascular Load in Male Construction Workers

Lunde

Koch

Veiersted

et al. 2016

IJERPH

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This study aimed to elucidate cardiovascular loads (CVL) in construction workers during work and leisure by relative heart rate (RHR) over several days. Furthermore, we sought to evaluate the level of CVL in relation to individual factors, work ability, musculoskeletal pain and subjective general health. From a group of 255 construction workers responding to the baseline questionnaire, the CVL during work and leisure time was determined by recording RHR in 42 workers over 3–4 days. Almost 60% of the workday was spent below 20% RHR. The mean RHR during work for all participants was 16% RHR, with large differences between professions. On average, the 42 workers spent 14% of the workday at a RHR above 33%, and four subjects (10%) had a mean RHR above 33% during work. Eight (19%) of the participants had a mean length of their workday exceeding calculated maximal acceptable work time. Seven persons (17%) experienced on average one or more episode(s) of 5 min or more continuously above 33% RHR. The cardiovascular load at work was significantly associated with age and trueV˙O2max, but not with work ability, musculoskeletal pain or subjective general health.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Heavy Physical Work: Cardiovascular Load in Male Construction Workers

Lunde

Koch

Veiersted

et al. 2016

IJERPH

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“…Environmental heat exposure is especially relevant for construction work such as site preparation, construction or demolition of buildings and infrastructure, and building decoration and finishing (Rowlinson and Jia, 2015). These types of activities are classified as physically demanding (Arndt et al , 2005; van der Molen et al , 2007; Chang et al , 2009; Tak et al , 2011) and their execution in a safe and productive manner is affected by many factors including weather conditions (Benjamin and Greenwald, 1973; Moselhi et al , 1997; Li et al , 2016; Liu et al , 2018). Performing these activities under conditions of excessive heat can increase the risk of heat stress (Rowlinson et al , 2014), which is a combination of heat gained from the surrounding work environment, the metabolic cost of the work (workload), and clothing (Krake, 2018).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Heat Stress Exposure among Construction Workers in the Hot Desert Climate of Saudi Arabia

Al-Bouwarthan

Quinn

Kriebel

et al. 2019

Annals of Work Exposures and Health

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Objectives Excessive heat exposure poses significant risks to workers in hot climates. This study assessed the intensity and duration of heat stress exposure among workers performing residential construction in southeastern Saudi Arabia (SA) during the summer, June–September 2016. Objectives were to: identify work factors related to heat stress exposure; measure environmental heat exposure at the construction sites; assess the heat stress risk among workers using the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index; and determine if temperature-humidity indices can be appropriate alternatives to WBGT for managing heat stress risk at the construction sites. Methods Worksite walkthrough surveys and environmental monitoring were performed, indoors and outdoors, at 10 construction sites in Al-Ahsa Province. A heat stress exposure assessment was conducted according to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) guidelines, which uses the WBGT index. WBGT measurements from two instruments were compared. Alternative heat stress indices were compared to the WBGT: the heat index (HI) and humidex (HD) index. Results Construction workers were exposed to excessive heat stress, indoors and outdoors over a large part of the work day. Complying with a midday outdoor work ban (12–3 p.m.) was not effective in reducing heat stress risk. The highest intensity of exposure was outdoors from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; a period identified with the highest hourly mean WBGT values (31–33°C) and the least allowable working time according to ACGIH® guidelines. Comparison of the alternative indices showed that the HI is more reliable than the HD as a surrogate for the WBGT index in the climate studied. Conclusion The extreme heat exposure represents a serious risk. The severity of heat stress and its impact are projected to increase due to climate change, emphasizing the need for immediate improvement of the current required protective measures and the development of occupational heat stress exposure guidelines in SA.

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“…These narrower sheets have been described as preferred by workers who perceive less physical strain and enhanced visibility during carrying. Findings suggest no difference in productivity when using narrower boards compared to conventional boards (approximately 4 feet wide) [Kuijer et al, ; van der Molen et al, ]. These studies, however, highlight the physical work demands of drywall installation are high, regardless of whether the narrow board is used.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The use of narrower boards (approximately 3 feet wide) on productivity and work demands has been evaluated in Sweden and the Netherlands [Lappalainen et al, ; Kuijer et al, ; van der Molen et al, ] and encouraged in the United Kingdom [as described in Cowley and Leggett, ]. These narrower sheets have been described as preferred by workers who perceive less physical strain and enhanced visibility during carrying.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%