Ergonomic risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders at a building construction site (Four Lion’s Builders) in Zimbabwe
- Author
- Humure, Faith
- Title
- Ergonomic risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders at a building construction site (Four Lion’s Builders) in Zimbabwe
- Abstract
- Construction workers face significant risks of developing musculoskeletal disorders, largely due to different risk factors which include physically demanding nature of work, and lack of proper ergonomic designs. The study aimed to: determine musculoskeletal disorders that are related to workers and to determine ergonomic risk factors among workers at Four Lions Builders. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken with 60 Four Lions Builders workers in Bindura, Zimbabwe using Nordic questionnaires. The participants were chosen using stratified random sampling from different departments. RULA model was used to assess ergonomic risks for MSDs and postural loading focusing on the neck, trunks and upper limbs. Data was analysed using SPSS version 27, as frequencies and percentages and Microsoft Excel for data presentation. The study found that most common pains were lower back pains with 78.3% followed by shoulder pains (73.3%), wrist pains (58.3%) and lastly upper back pains (50%). The risk factors were (age, gender, weight, and awkward postures) and were measured using RULA showing 63% of them had high prevalence of these risk factors and mostly females were affected with 55.6%. However, working hours were not associated with contributing as a risk factor. In conclusion, the study recommends all stakeholders take part in ways to reduce ergonomic factors that lead to musculoskeletal pains.
- Date
- May 2024
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Ergonomic risk factors
- Determine musculoskeletal disorders
- Supervisor
- Mr. Chiboyiwa,
- Item sets
- Department of Environmental Science
- Media
-
FAITH HUMURE - ES.pdf