A prevention strategy for reducing gypsum bricklayers' physical workload and increasing productivity

The gypsum bricklayer builds interior walls in houses. The physiological, biomechanical and perceived workload of the gypsum bricklayer were measured and are very high. In two on-site situations the objective was to reduce the physical workload on gypsum bricklayers by means of mechanization, task e...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of industrial ergonomics 1998, Vol.21 (1), p.59-68
Main Authors: van der Molen, Henk F., Bulthuis, Brigitte M., van Duivenbooden, Jacob C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomechanics
Construction industry
Ergonomic solutions
Gypsum bricklayer
Implementation
Mechanization
Occupational risks
Physical workload
Prevention strategy
Task enlargement
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Summary:The gypsum bricklayer builds interior walls in houses. The physiological, biomechanical and perceived workload of the gypsum bricklayer were measured and are very high. In two on-site situations the objective was to reduce the physical workload on gypsum bricklayers by means of mechanization, task enlargement and working with lighter bricks. The solutions did reduce the physical workload, improved the organization of the work and lowered construction costs. Nowadays, these primary preventive measures are accepted on a small scale in the construction industry. Relevance to industry Testing ergonomic solutions in daily building practice is necessary for preventive strategies in specific professions. This project shows that all working activities should be studied intensively to identify ways of reducing the physical workload. Preventive measures will be enhanced by having some understanding of the financial implications.
ISSN:0169-8141
1872-8219
DOI:10.1016/S0169-8141(97)00025-5