To read this content please select one of the options below:

Musculoskeletal disorders within the carpentry trade: analysis of timber flooring subtasks

Abiola Akanmu (Myers Lawson School of Construction, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA)
Johnson Olayiwola (Myers Lawson School of Construction, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA)
Oluwole Alfred Olatunji (Department of Construction Management, Curtin University, Perth, Australia)

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

ISSN: 0969-9988

Article publication date: 2 May 2020

Issue publication date: 8 October 2020

464

Abstract

Purpose

Carpenters are constantly vulnerable to musculoskeletal disorders. Their work consists of subtasks that promote nonfatal injuries and pains that affect different body segments. The purpose of this study is to examine ergonomic exposures of carpentry subtasks involved in floor framing, how they lead to musculoskeletal injuries, and how preventive and protective interventions around them can be effective.

Design/methodology/approach

Using wearable sensors, this study characterizes ergonomic exposures of carpenters by measuring and analyzing body movement data relating to major subtasks in carpentry flooring work. The exposures are assessed using Postural Ergonomic Risk Assessment classification, which is based on tasks involving repetitive subtasks and nonstatic postures.

Findings

The findings of this paper suggest severe risk impositions on the trunk, shoulder and elbow as a result of the measuring and marking and cutting out vent locations, as well as in placing and nailing boards into place.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the type and size of wearable sensor used, only results of risk exposures of four body-parts are presented.

Practical implications

This study draws insights on how to benchmark trade-specific measurement of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Safety efforts can be targeted toward these risk areas and subtasks. Specifically, results from these will assist designers and innovators in designing effective and adaptable protective interventions and safety trainings.

Originality/value

Extant studies have failed to provide adequate evidence regarding the relationships between subtasks and musculoskeletal disorders; they have only mimicked construction tasks through laboratory experimental scenarios. This study adds value to the existing literature, in particular by providing insights into hazards associated with floor carpentry subtasks.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This work was partly funded by 2018 Kevin P. Granata Pilot Research Program. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH.

Citation

Akanmu, A., Olayiwola, J. and Olatunji, O.A. (2020), "Musculoskeletal disorders within the carpentry trade: analysis of timber flooring subtasks", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 27 No. 9, pp. 2577-2590. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-08-2019-0402

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

Related articles