The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the absolute number of completed behavioural change phases (ABP) and the sequentially ordered number of completed behavioural change phases (SBP) are positively associated with the use of ergonomic measures by two groups of stakeholders in bricklaying companies (employers/planners, foremen/bricklayers). The measures, consisting of trestles, bricklaying scaffolds, mast-climbing work platforms and cranes, reduce the physical work demands made upon bricklayers and bricklayers' assistants. Structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders of 27 companies. Ordinal regression of behavioural change phases on the use of ergonomic measures showed a significant increase in both ABP and SBP in relation to increased use of three of the four ergonomic measures (i.e. trestles, bricklaying scaffolds, mast-climbing work platforms) by employers/planners and increased use of one ergonomic measure (i.e. trestles) by foremen/bricklayers. In conclusion, the positive and significant associations between the completed behavioural change phases (ABP and SBP) and use of ergonomic measures differ for the stakeholder groups and between the ergonomic measures. The data suggest that there is a higher chance of increasing the use of ergonomic measures by means of a higher ABP than a higher SBP. It is recommended for activities to be carried out-primarily by employers/planners-to facilitate as many behavioural change phases as possible in order to stimulate actual use of ergonomic measures at worksites.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00140130500307455 | DOI Listing |
Surg Endosc
January 2025
Colorectal Surgery Unit, Department of Digestive Surgery, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Uc-Christus Health Network, Santiago, Chile.
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December 2024
College of Material Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
Mattress firmness is a critical factor influencing sleep quality. This study investigates the effects of time, mattress firmness, and anthropometric parameters on surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity during supine rest. Eleven participants were analyzed, and the values for lower back sEMG on three mattresses were measured as 8.
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January 2025
Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy.
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View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci Rep
January 2025
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Phuttamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand.
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