Work compatibility and musculoskeletal disorders among construction workers

Injury rates in construction are among the highest with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) constituting more than half of the total injuries and illnesses. In recent years the role of psychosocial factors in musculoskeletal injuries has been investigated in several systematic reviews but none focused on those specific to the construction industry. This research is presented in three parts, the goal of Part one was to review and critically appraise the current epidemiologic literature linking psychosocial work factors to musculoskeletal disorders among construction workers. Eight cross-sectional and two cohort studies were included in this review. High job stress was the most commonly investigated factor followed by job satisfaction, job control, and high quantitative job demands. In Part two the prevalence of MSD among construction workers was assessed and the psychosocial and physical work demands associated with their occurrence were identified using the Demand-Energizer Instrument (DEI). One hundred and forty seven construction workers (representing 3 trades) participated in the study. The one-year prevalence of MSD was high with 61. 2% reporting severe/frequent symptoms and 39. 7% having some functional impairment due to MSD. Lower back and knee were the most prevalent symptoms among the different trades. Physical task demands were the most important factor associated with MSD. After controlling for the physical demands and personal characteristics of subjects, psychosocial demands remained significantly associated with MSD; however some inconsistencies were noted (demands acted both as risk and protective factors). The goal of Part three was to integrate both the demands and energizers of work variables to produce the work compatibility variable, and to examine their association with musculoskeletal/stress symptoms. There was a significant correlation between the demand and energizer aspects of the different work-related variables. The highest compatibility was achieved in individual growth, economic, and social variables. The results of a factor analysis indicated that four work compatibility variables (work environment, physical task, performance, and job satisfaction) were significantly associated with musculoskeletal/stress symptoms. In the complex web of human-at-work system the work compatibility model significantly identified those work-related variables that were associated with musculoskeletal/stress symptoms. Both physical and psychosocial factors play a significant role in the health and safety of construction workers.