Musculoskeletal Health Effects of Manual Sandcrete Block Handling Among Construction Artisans: Implications for Industry Practice and Training

Kofi Owusu Adjei, Murendeni Liphadzi, Francis Kwesi Bondinuba, Cecilia Modupe Mewomo and Haruna Domanamwin Abudu ()
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Kofi Owusu Adjei: Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Ackland Park 2006, South Africa
Murendeni Liphadzi: Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Ackland Park 2006, South Africa
Francis Kwesi Bondinuba: Department of Construction Technology and Quantity Surveying, Faculty of Built and Natural Environment, Kumasi Technical University, P.O. Box 854, Kumasi 00233, Ghana
Cecilia Modupe Mewomo: Department of Engineering Technology, Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX 76402, USA
Haruna Domanamwin Abudu: Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 11, 1-21

Abstract: This study examines the occupational health challenges faced by artisans in Ghana’s Ashanti Region. The study employed a purposive sampling technique to select 425 masons through questionnaires. The data collected included workers’ mass, block weights, and health problems. The analysis identified fourteen health problems, with headaches, muscle pain, lower back pain, chronic pain, and bruises being most prevalent. Artisan weight negatively correlated with weights of 125 mm blocks (r = −0.202, p < 0.01) and 150 mm blocks (r = −0.248, p < 0.01). Additionally, artisan weight showed a negative correlation with working hours (coefficient = −0.133, p < 0.05), as did body weight with resting hours (coefficient = −0.217, p < 0.05). Higher educational qualifications correlated positively with lifting-related health issues (coefficient = 0.259, p = 0.000) and negatively with weather-related issues (coefficient = −0.154, p = 0.002). Moreover, the number of working days per week was positively correlated with lifting problems (coefficient = 0.270, p < 0.05). The study recommends redesigning block sizes to reduce physical strain. Additionally, policy measures such as reducing machinery import taxes are suggested to encourage mechanisation. The study further emphasises the need for training institutions to incorporate occupational health education into artisan training programs.

Keywords: artisans; health and well-being; health and safety; manual work; musculoskeletal; sandcrete block (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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