Musculoskeletal Problems among Brick Packers: A Nigeria Perspective

Abstract

A field survey examined the problems caused by manual sorting and packing of bricks. 139 packers from 12 plans completed the Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire. Heart rates were recorded over a shift for 45 workers, and their postures were videoed. Rates of musculoskeletal trouble were found to be very high, particularly in the wrists/hands and low back and were higher in completely manual system (‘hand packing) than in semi-mechanized systems (‘monorails). Hand packing produced higher heart rates and required more bending and twisting. Where the task cannot be mechanized action should be taken on reduce the risks.

Keywords: musculoskeletal problem, brick packers, sorting, posture, risk.