Wearable IMU-based real-time motion warning system for construction workers' musculoskeletal disorders prevention

Proceedings of the 32nd Annual ARCOM Conference, 5-7 September 2016, Manchester. UK, Association of Researchers in Construction Management

Wearable insole pressure system for automated detection and classification of awkward working postures in construction workers

Development of ergonomic posture recognition technique based on 2D ordinary camera for construction hazard prevention through view-invariant features in 2D skeleton motion

Sustainability seeks to provide economically viable products in an environmentally friendly way while respecting worker rights. Physical wellbeing forms part of these rights. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) diminish productivity, cause absence from work, impose costs on the public health system and can cast doubt on the sustainability of a company or a product. The objective of the present work is to review the literature on the application of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) on a worldwide level. In this work, the use of the NMQ has been classified by categories of knowledge, countries and years. The search was made using “Web of Science-Core Collection”. In total, 259 articles were chosen from scientific journals and conferences related, according to the title and or abstract, to the practical application of the questionnaire. In conclusion, the NMQ has been applied mainly in three sectors: “activities related to treating human health and social issues”, “manufacturing industries”, and “agriculture, livestock, fishing, and forestry”. The NMQ is an indirect method commonly used individually or complemented with other methods for evaluating the MSD and possible associated psychosocial and labour risks. The use of NMQ can help in the evaluation of the sustainability of a company.

Applications of the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire: A Review

Building healthy construction workers: their views on health, wellbeing and better workplace design

Facilitating Healthy Ageing in Construction: Stakeholder Views☆

Changing demographics and pension policies are reflected in the increasing age of workforces in the UK. Older workers are seen to be experienced, dedicated and reliable but also as being slower and tiring more easily. Staying fit and healthy for work is a key concern, particularly in the construction industry, where tasks are often challenging and adverse conditions prevail. Despite it being accepted that injury and ill health go hand in hand in the construction industry, older employees are still keen to work. The ageing workforce creates a demand for research which promotes productivity, workability and quality of life. Workplace design and ergonomics can have a substantial influence on working practices and an individual’s ability to undertake aspects of their work, and research has shown that workers can successfully contribute to this. This research is therefore investigating the role of older experienced workers in healthy design in the construction workplace. It is hypothesised that healthy behaviours can be facilitated by good design and also by utilizing the experiences of older workers. Participatory ergonomics is key in this research; previous findings have evidenced the advantages of including workers, as they are the experts in their field. Older workers in particular will be included as a result of their extensive experience within the construction industry. This paper will present the rationale and context for a PhD study investigating ageing workers within the construction industry funded by Age UK.

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Building healthy construction workers by better workplace design: understanding the context

Healthy ageing in the construction industry; background and preliminary findings

The UK population is rapidly ageing, resulting in an older workforce. In construction, older workers face particular challenges due to the harsh conditions of the workplace and the heavy manual nature of tasks. Although perceptions of older workers include them being slow and averse to health and safety training, the construction industry needs to consider the ways in which healthy ageing can be encouraged in the workplace. This is an important issue for both managers and the workers themselves. Focus groups were held with construction stakeholders in three companies to investigate their views on older workers, healthy ageing and opportunities and barriers. This paper presents the preliminary findings from these focus groups.

Stephanie Eaves

Papers

Building healthy construction workers: their views on health, wellbeing and better workplace design

Facilitating Healthy Ageing in Construction: Stakeholder Views☆

Building healthy construction workers by better workplace design: understanding the context

Healthy ageing in the construction industry; background and preliminary findings

Stakeholders’ views on the ageing construction workforce: Preliminary findings