A physiological exploration on operational stance and occupational musculoskeletal problem manifestations amongst construction labourers of West Bengal, India

BACKGROUND: A huge number of labourers work in the construction industry in India both in organized and unorganized sectors. The construction labourers most often work for an extended period of time and they are compelled to uphold altered static and dynamic operational stance in awkward positions during the complete period of work which raises the demand on the musculoskeletal system and may lead to work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). OBJECTIVE: This study is intended to explore the operational stance and occupation related musculoskeletal manifestations amongst the construction labourers. One hundred sixty four male labourers from different construction sites in West Bengal were randomly taken for this study. METHODS: A modified Nordic questionnaire on MSD and the 12 item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12) were administered on the construction labourers. Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Ovako Work Analysis System (OWAS) methods were applied to analyze the operational stance. Finally, discomfort levels of the specific operational stance were calculated by the use of risk level and BPD scale. RESULTS: The study revealed that most of the construction labourers habitually worked in awkward operational stance and were affected by altering musculoskeletal manifestations like pain in low back, neck, and wrist. We also found that there is a significant (p < 0.05) association between the intensity of pain feeling, age, year of working experience and risk level of the individual working postures of the labourers. CONCLUSION: Appropriate work-rest schedule, amendments of some working techniques and use of some ergonomically designed equipment may lessen the WRMSDs and improve the health eminence of construction labourers in unorganized sectors.