Sengupta Dasgupta, P (2013) Interventions to reduce ergonomic exposures during drywall installation. ScD thesis, University of Massachusetts Lowell, USA.
Abstract
The efficacy of a ceiling drywall panel support tool in reducing the ergonomic exposures during drywall installation was evaluated. The ceiling drywall panel support tool, based on the concept of 'deadman', was introduced at a commercial-residential site in Boston, USA. The installers used the tool while carrying out ceiling installation. It was hypothesized that the physical ergonomic exposures of the ceiling drywall installation task would be reduced after the implementation of the proposed tool. The quantitative efficacy of the tool in reducing the ceiling installation exposures was established by the PATH (work-sampling observation) and the 3DSSPP method. PATH data between the baseline and intervention were compared to measure any changes in the percentage of time for observation while making awkward trunk postures (bent, flexed, twisted, extended, flexed trunk postures), overhead arm postures, lifting and holding heavy weight. 3DSSPP program was used to calculate the changes in shoulder moments and low back compressive force at both the phases while lifting and installing the heavy panels. In order to assess the qualitative efficacy of the proposed tool, a questionnaire with both open- and closed-ended questions was distributed among the same installers who employed the tool during the intervention phase. A total of 20 hours and 27 hours of PATH data were collected respectively for the baseline and intervention phase, during their daily work hours on ceiling installation. Analysis of PATH data explored reductions for both overhead arm posture and awkward trunk postures while working on ladders. Reduction in heavy handling while ceiling installation was observed while the installers were working on ladder. 3DSSPP analysis showed significant reduction of low back compressive force and shoulder moments at the intervention phase while lifting and attaching the panels to the ceiling. Installers' perception of the tool on its usability, stability, drywall panel supporting strength and production speed were positive. The idea of using this prototype tool was developed by a pilot study which was conducted to find out innovative solutions to reduce the physical ergonomic exposures (awkward body postures, heavy load handling of >50 lb)) of ceiling drywall panel installation task. 'Deadman', which is a narrow piece of drywall panel was introduced as an innovative intervention at a construction site in greater Boston area. The success of this intervention in reducing the exposures of ceiling installation did open a door to transform this scrap item into a permanent usable tool that previously did not exist for the ceiling installers. This dissertation has brought the advantages of using a ceiling drywall assistive tool into the limelight. Moreover, workers' suggestions on further modification of the tool gave an insight to its future evolution. Hence this study is an important addition in the long run research on future possibilities on marketing stronger and more stable version of the prototype.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Buchholz, B |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction site; marketing; residential |
| Index terms: | exposure, lifting, questionnaire, evolution, program, usability, prototype, construction site, stability, implementation, dissertation, installer, marketing, sampling |
| Subjects: | public and environmental health, software systems, occupational health and safety management, data collection methods, user-centered design, business, modelling and simulation, work location, structural engineering, research dissemination and communication, practitioner, contractual arrangements, environmental science |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Health and Safety, Procurement, Sustainability, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Roles and Professions, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Site Management |
| 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