Musculoskeletal Disorders in Concrete Formwork Construction

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for more than half of all the injuries and illnesses in the construction industry. Concrete formwork construction is recognized as one of the work tasks in which workers have a high risk of developing MSDs. Previous research has focused extensively on the use of conventional job-built formwork. Given the fact that prefabricated/modular formwork has been increasingly adopted, this paper presents a study designed to investigate the differences in work tasks and activities associated with different types of formwork systems, and determine the prevalence and nature of MSDs by surveying formwork workers. The responses to the survey reveal that the work tasks and activities for conventional job-built and prefabricated formwork are similar, except that prefabricated formwork requires less work or effort during specific tasks, such as sawing/cutting materials and nailing/screwing/drilling formwork components or other materials. Regarding MSD-related symptoms, the majority of the surveyed formwork workers have experienced aches, pains, or discomfort in their bodies during the past 12 months, mostly in their lower back, upper back, neck, right shoulder, right wrist, and hip/buttocks. Repetition, awkward working postures, and force were rated as the three physical factors that contribute the most to the development of MSD-related symptoms. The results of the study provide an improved understanding of formwork activities, as well as the prevalence of work-related MSD symptoms in workers for formwork operations, which could be used by formwork designers and constructors to improve worker health and safety.