Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal pain in masonry apprentices

The construction industry, specifically masonry, reports more work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) rates than the general industry. Masonry apprentices are assumed to be healthy, yet may have WMSDs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS),...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ergonomics 2020-09, Vol.63 (9), p.1194-1202
Main Authors: Anton, Dan, Bray, Matthew, Hess, Jennifer A., Weeks, Douglas L., Kincl, Laurel D., Vaughan, Amelia
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abbreviations
Adult
Apprenticeship
Building and construction ergonomics
Careers
Construction Industry
Construction materials
Demography
Disorders
Ergonomics
Federal regulation
Female
Health care
Humans
Inservice Training
intervention effectiveness
Male
Masonry
Masonry construction
Mental health
Musculoskeletal diseases
musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal Pain - epidemiology
Occupational Diseases - epidemiology
Pain
Prevalence
Safety
Signs and symptoms
Surveys and Questionnaires
training
United States - epidemiology
Young Adult
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Summary:The construction industry, specifically masonry, reports more work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) rates than the general industry. Masonry apprentices are assumed to be healthy, yet may have WMSDs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS), time loss, and healthcare use among apprentices. 183 brick and block masonry apprentices completed surveys on demographics, work history, MSS, and functional well-being. The prevalence of MSS was calculated by body region, time loss, and healthcare use. The relationship between MSS, and perceived global physical and mental health was assessed. Approximately 78% of apprentices reported MSS, most in several body regions. Low back and wrists/hands were most prevalent, although few missed work or sought healthcare. Lower functional health and well-being was reported. Apprentices reported MSS comparable to previous studies of journey-level masons. Apprenticeship programmes could integrate ergonomics education to help apprentices develop safety culture early in their careers. Practitioner Summary: New masonry workers (apprentices) are assumed to be healthy yet work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) may be common early in their career. The prevalence of MSS was assessed among apprentices. Approximately 78% of apprentices reported MSS, most in several body regions, comparable to journey-level masons. Abbreviations: WMSD: work-related musculoskeletal disorders; MSS: musculoskeletal symptoms; SAVE: SAfety voice for ergonomics; MNQ: modified nordic questionnaire; FTE: full-time equivalent; SF-12: short from-12v2
ISSN:0014-0139
1366-5847
DOI:10.1080/00140139.2020.1772380