Inyang, N I (2013) A framework for ergonomic assessment of residential construction tasks. PhD thesis, University of Alberta, Canada.
Abstract
Residential construction activities are predominantly physical in nature and are usually executed in uncomfortable environments at a fast pace. Workers in this industry require physical stamina as daily tasks often require prolonged standing, bending, stooping, material handling, working in crowded spaces and sometimes exposure to adverse weather conditions. This places varying amounts of stress on the musculoskeletal system (muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones) of the worker and increases the potential risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) which may in time deteriorate into permanent disability and, consequently, loss of ability to work. Applicable strategies are required to identify and control or eliminate the potential for development of WRMSDs by controlling or eliminating causal risk factors. The goal of this research is to develop a framework for ergonomic assessment of residential construction tasks. This goal is realized through the development of three ergonomic assessment models: (i) an observation-based assessment model ( ErgoCheck), (ii) a biomechanical assessment model (ErgoBioMCheck ), and (iii) a discrete event-simulation-based assessment model application (ErgoSymulate). A fatigue-productivity relationship model has also been developed as part of this study. Five (5) case studies are presented based on an assessment of factory-based residential construction wall and floor panel framing processes conducted in collaboration with an Alberta-based home builder. These case studies are used to assess the applicability and validity of the developed models. The results have shown acceptable correlation with existing models and compliance with evidence and theories found within ergonomics and construction literature. Further experimental and quantitative validation is recommended.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction activities; disability; residential; collaboration; compliance; fatigue; material handling; productivity; builder; ergonomics; experiment; weather; case studies; simulation |
| Index terms: | fatigue, compliance, framing, strategy, experiment, construction activity, material handling, validity, productivity, risk factor, residential construction, case study, ergonomics, exposure, weather, collaboration, validation, builder, disability, evidence |
| Subjects: | conceptual models, professional development, construction operations, management, health safety and environment, product delivery, health conditions and diseases, public and environmental health, occupational health and safety management, air quality, environmental hazards, data collection methods, construction integration, practitioner, evaluation and assessment methods |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Organizational Design, Site Management, Health and Safety, Information Management, Roles and Professions, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here