Evaluating Individual Physical Work Ability: Examples from the Construction Industry

Background: Actively searching for musculoskeletal complaints and reduced physical work ability is a key element in a job-specific workers' health surveillance programme for construction workers. The aims of this multiple-case study were 1) to explore the added value of physical performance tests in such a programme among bricklayers and su- pervisors and 2) to assess if and how these tests facilitate the recommendation of job-specific preventive actions in addi- tion to information gathered by questionnaires. Methods: Musculoskeletal complaints and reduced physical work ability were evaluated by means of a questionnaire and physical performance tests. These tests were designed in such a way that they closely resembled activities in the real working situation. Job-specific activities were performed and individual working posture and working technique were ob- served by an ergonomist. Results: The present multiple case study consists of a qualitative analysis of the information gathered during a job-specific workers' health surveillance. We included four participants: two bricklayers and two construction supervisors. We found that the information gathered during the tests supplemented the information from the questionnaire. Furthermore, the tests seemed of added value in the assessment of musculoskeletal complaints and reduced physical work ability and in observ- ing working posture and working technique. Conclusions: Standardised physical performance tests, based on a simulation of relevant job activities, are of added value in evaluating and gathering knowledge about construction workers' individual physical work ability. These tests provide the opportunity to observe restrictions in task performance, working posture and technique and to recommend job-specific preventive interventions when necessary.