Postural Assessment of Indian Floor Tilers' Using OWAS, REBA, ERIN and WERA Methods

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMSD) is a common health problem amongst construction workers due to working in awkward postures and other related ergonomic risks. Flooring or tilling is one of the major works incorporated in construction where tilers' work in squatting, stooping and kneeling posture for prolong time. The main objective of the current investigation is to study different task carried out during the tilling process, identify the most vulnerable task posture and find the level of ergonomic risk amongst the tilers in India using different ergonomic tools. A total of 30 tilers were observed, interviewed and video recorded for analysis. The tilling work was classified into six tasks and most exposed postures were identified for analysis. OWAS, REBA, ERIN and WERA methods were used to find the level of risk. The tilers have severe pain or discomfort in the lower back (76.67%), knees (76.67%), legs (calf) (60%), arms/hand (43.33%) and ankle/toe (20%). The results of the OWAS, REBA, ERIN and WERA also revealed that the claims of the tilers are true and tilers are working at high to very high ergonomic risk. The finding of the study leads to the conclusion that tilers in India have undoubtedly high rates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) and are highly affected due to prolong working in squatting, stooping and kneeling posture.