Evaluation of Musculoskeletal pain, Health and Safety measures among workers at construction sites in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Keywords:
Musculoskeletal Pain, Health & Safety Measures, Construction Workers, Nigeria, Port HarcourtAbstract
Background: Musculoskeletal disorders constitute a major health challenge for construction workers and the general population. The study evaluated musculoskeletal pain, health and safety measures among workers at construction sites in the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, and two of the flyover bridges sites in the last quarter of 2021.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among workers at construction sites in the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and two flyover-bridges in Port Harcourt Nigeria. Questionnaire was used to obtain data that was analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0.
Results: A total of seventy-five (75) respondents were involved I n the study. More than half (50%) of respondents had pain at the neck, shoulder, waist, and wrist/fingers not allowing them to hold objects firmly. Twenty-nine (38.7%) respondents had undergone training for safety measures before start of work at the construction site. Sixty-three (84.0%) had worked in awkward positions at site. Forty-one (54.7%) respondents opined that PPEs were not provided, and 47 (62.7%) did not use PPEs at work. Complaints of injury was often taken seriously at some construction sites as declared by 32 (42.7%) respondents; however, 20 (26.7%) respondents had a contrary opinion.
Conclusion: Musculoskeletal pain is a common problem affecting most construction site workers following workplace tasks or injuries sustained. There was no uniformity in training and conduct on health and safety issues. There is need for a regulatory framework to ensure compliance with health and safety measures at construction sites.
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