Health Risks and Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Workers in the Construction Sector
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: The increase in the number of MSD cases in the construction industry is due to repetitive bending of the back, lifting and pushing/pulling with the arms, with lifting often being from a height lower than the knee to a height higher than the shoulders. Materials and methods. This study involved 524 construction workers and the collected data were using a structured sociological questionnaire designed to assess the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and analytical statistical methods. Results. The majority of workers report significant physical strain at work, with 97.71% experiencing heavy exertion. Most also suffer from occasional musculoskeletal issues, such as neck and shoulder pain (91.6%), lower back pain (80.34%), and joint pain (80.34%). Constant discomfort is less common but still present. Numbness and tingling in limbs are reported by 64.27% of participants occasionally, with 3.63% experiencing it constantly. Standing in the same position for long periods is common, with roughly equal proportions working under 2 hours (42.37%) or frequently changing positions (42.2%). Only 15.46% stay in one position for over 2 hours. Frequent heavy lifting affects 93.13% of workers, while 85.69% report permanent muscle or joint injuries. Conclusion. In order to reduce these risks associated with construction workers, it is necessary to implement adequate organizational and technical measures aimed at limiting both the frequency and duration of physical exertion.
Institution: Medical University of Sofia
Language: English
Subfield: Occupational Therapy
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $161
OpenAlex ID: W7150909972
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