Al-Khiami, M. I. and Lindhard, Sø M. (2026) On-site evaluation of back-support exoskeleton effectiveness in construction: A multiple case study of physical performance, ergonomic comfort, and user acceptance among masonry workers. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 152(10): 04026167, ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) remain a major concern in the construction industry, largely due to labor-intensive tasks characterized by repetitive lifting and awkward postures. Although various ergonomic interventions exist, high injury rates persist, underscoring a need for innovative solutions. Exoskeletons have emerged as a promising technology to reduce physical strain, yet empirical evidence of their effectiveness in real construction environments remains limited. This study employs an embedded multiple case study approach conducted over a period of four months across five construction sites with 15 masons to investigate the efficacy of two distinct back-support exoskeleton (BSE) designs. Through structured interviews, baseline and post exoskeleton data were collected over three days per mason, focusing on perceived exertion, fatigue, ergonomic comfort, and user acceptance. Results indicated substantial reduction in physical strain, including a 26.74% decrease in perceived exertion and a 42.11% reduction in fatigue. However, 93% of masons reported movement restrictions and all experienced strap-related discomfort, leading to a 57.41% decline in willingness to continue use despite proven physical benefits. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by demonstrating that exoskeleton implementation success in construction depends equally on biomechanical effectiveness and practical usability, revealing a critical gap between laboratory-proven benefits and field adoption that must be addressed through improved comfort design, realistic expectation management, and task-specific deployment strategies. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for manufacturers prioritizing design improvements and construction companies developing implementation strategies for exoskeleton technology in real work environments.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | acceptance; ergonomic; exertion; fatigue; field study; labor; work-related musculoskeletal disorders |
| Index terms: | construction site, construction industry, interview, usability, work environment, field study, mason, injury, movement, comfort, discomfort, evidence, body of knowledge, manufacturer, lifting, strategy, implementation, case study, construction company, fatigue, prioritizing, laboratory, effectiveness |
| Subjects: | research management, work location, health behaviours and lifestyles, knowledge management, contractual arrangements, management, research methods, industry analysis, user-centered design, performance management, data collection methods, health risk and incident analysis, organization, decision analysis, health conditions and diseases, evaluation and assessment methods, occupational health and safety management, practitioner |
| Topics: | Risk Management, Information Management, Quality Management, Site Management, Procurement, Research Practice, Organizational Design, Design Practice, Roles and Professions, Business Strategy, Health and Safety |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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