Alternatives to lifting concrete masonry blocks onto rebar: biomechanical and perceptual evaluations

Details

• Personal Author:
  Anton D ; Hess JA ; Kincl, Laurel ; Mizner RL
• Description:
  This study examined the use of and barriers to H-block and high lift grouting, two alternatives to lifting concrete masonry blocks onto vertical rebar. Peak and cumulative shoulder motions were evaluated, as well as adoption barriers: H-block cost and stakeholder perceptions. Results indicated that using the alternatives significantly decreased peak shoulder flexion (p < 0.001). A case study indicated that building cost was higher with H-block, but the difference was less than 2% of the total cost. Contractors and specifiers reported important differences in perceptions, work norms, and material use and practices. For example, 48% of specifiers reported that use of high lift grouting was the contractor's choice, while 28% of contractors thought it must be specified. Use of H-block or high-lift grouting should be considered as methods to reduce awkward upper extremity postures. Cost and stakeholders' other perceptions present barriers that are important considerations when developing diffusion strategies for these alternatives. PRACTITIONER SUMMARY: This study provides information from several perspectives about ergonomic controls for a high risk bricklaying task, which will benefit occupational safety experts, health professionals and ergonomists. It adds to the understanding of shoulder stresses, material cost and stakeholder perceptions that will contribute to developing effective diffusion strategies. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Aging Biomechanical Phenomena Epidemiology Ergonomics Men Musculoskeletal Diseases Musculoskeletal System Occupational Health Safety
• Keywords:
  Age-groups Analytical-processes Author Keywords: Ergonomics Biomechanics Bricklaying Diffusion-analysis Diffusion Of Innovation Etiology Humans Masons Muscle-function Muscle-stress Muscle-tension Muscles Musculoskeletal-system Musculoskeletal-system-disorders Physiological-effects Physiological-factors Physiological-function Physiology Posture Shoulder Injury Stakeholder Perceptions Statistical-analysis

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• ISSN:
  0014-0139
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Cooperative Agreement
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Maryland ; Montana ; Oregon ; OSHA Region 10 ; OSHA Region 3 ; OSHA Region 8 ; Washington
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Volume:
  55
• Issue:
  10
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20042307
• Citation:
  Ergonomics 2012 Oct; 55(10):1229-1242
• Email:
  jhess@uoregion.edu
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2013
• NORA Priority Area:
  Construction
• Performing Organization:
  CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training, Silver Spring, Maryland
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  20040801
• Source Full Name:
  Ergonomics
• End Date:
  20090630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:7e8a42db20e6176e0f4a86274dbb76ec66c147414db14e269151bebb25044d07a26e8a8a6e512bd45e1141b15cfa3aac00eee000cd014e7452cf877d73324d70
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/194572/cdc_194572_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 657.91 KB ]