Prevention of Work Related Musculoskeletal Injuries in Construction Trades in Palestine

Abstract

Workers in construction trades experience high rates of injuries and illnesses, including work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal disorders continue to be a major source of disability and lost work time. Understanding their causes that are work-related remains the key to primary prevention. The objective of this paper is to identify the nature of work-related disorders that are suffered by workers and their risk factors. Several construction projects in the Gaza Strip were investigated using a representative sample of 135 persons from the construction workforce. The survey instrument assessed the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and identified job factors that may contribute to those symptoms in construction field. In addition several interviews were held, and pre-site visit forms were filled to support the proposed study. The findings showed that back, shoulders, wrists/hands, and knees symptoms are the most prevalent problems among the workers. Awkward postures and working in the same position for long periods were identified as the leading causes of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms. The findings of this study can be used to formulate appropriate intervention strategies for the reduction of musculoskeletal symptoms for construction workers in the building trades. Strategies for preventing musculoskeletal disorders should be carried out to reduce the burden of high physical workload and repetitive work in construction projects and especially in masonry industry.