The UK population is rapidly ageing, resulting in an older workforce. In construction, older work... more The UK population is rapidly ageing, resulting in an older workforce. In construction, older workers face particular challenges due to the harsh conditions of the workplace and the heavy manual nature of tasks. Although perceptions of older workers include them being slow and averse to health and safety training, the construction industry needs to consider the ways in which healthy ageing can be encouraged in the workplace. This is an important issue for both managers and the workers themselves. Focus groups were held with construction stakeholders in three companies to investigate their views on older workers, healthy ageing and opportunities and barriers. This paper presents the preliminary findings from these focus groups.
This presentation describes a pilot study carried out at Loughborough University to provide evide... more This presentation describes a pilot study carried out at Loughborough University to provide evidence of the nature of the forces applied to the body of a worker during concrete breaking and the postures they took up to maintain control during this task. The anthropometric measurements of a male subject who was an experienced construction worker were taken, together with measures such as grip and pinch strength, finger fiction and finger compliance. A motion capture system (CODA, mpx30) was used to record the postures taken back the subject during the task performance. Forces taken through the handle of the powered breaker were recorded using a universal grip dynamometer that was attached between the handle and the hammer body. Vibration travelling through the handle was monitored using an accelerometer located between the handle and the subject's hands. Recommendations for the reduction of vibration absorption and exposure of joints to repeated vibration and force loading are suggested in the form of design specifications for the power hammer.
ABSTRACT By 2020 it is predicted that there will be nearly five million people aged 50 and over i... more ABSTRACT By 2020 it is predicted that there will be nearly five million people aged 50 and over in the UK. People’s ability to stay in work is affected by their health, and ageing can contribute to increased physical illness. With the need for a longer working life, it is essential to understand what effect work environments and equipment design will have in relation to healthy ageing. Through this, it is possible to establish good design practice and ergonomics to promote healthy working through life. For this investigation, a questionnaire survey was conducted with workers from a cement manufacturer in the UK. It focused on how work environments and equipment design affect peoples work ability. Furthermore, individual worker experiences around working later into life were captured. Particular attention was given to the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, and worker perceptions with regard to their physical and mental wellbeing at work. Musculoskeletal symptoms peaked in the lower back for the workers at the cement manufacturers and it is likely that work activity; sitting, standing and lifting, as well as equipment including; PPE, computers and tools, has an impact on work ability. Also, it was shown through a set of age related statements, that there may be a link between work ability and age in relation to peoples physical and mental abilities to perform job tasks. The results of the questionnaire survey will be presented and discussed with reference to age and job activity description.
The UK population is rapidly ageing, resulting in an older workforce. In construction, older work... more The UK population is rapidly ageing, resulting in an older workforce. In construction, older workers face particular challenges due to the harsh conditions of the workplace and the heavy manual nature of tasks. Although perceptions of older workers include them being slow and averse to health and safety training, the construction industry needs to consider the ways in which healthy ageing can be encouraged in the workplace. This is an important issue for both managers and the workers themselves. Focus groups were held with construction stakeholders in three companies to investigate their views on older workers, healthy ageing and opportunities and barriers. This paper presents the preliminary findings from these focus groups.
This presentation describes a pilot study carried out at Loughborough University to provide evide... more This presentation describes a pilot study carried out at Loughborough University to provide evidence of the nature of the forces applied to the body of a worker during concrete breaking and the postures they took up to maintain control during this task. The anthropometric measurements of a male subject who was an experienced construction worker were taken, together with measures such as grip and pinch strength, finger fiction and finger compliance. A motion capture system (CODA, mpx30) was used to record the postures taken back the subject during the task performance. Forces taken through the handle of the powered breaker were recorded using a universal grip dynamometer that was attached between the handle and the hammer body. Vibration travelling through the handle was monitored using an accelerometer located between the handle and the subject's hands. Recommendations for the reduction of vibration absorption and exposure of joints to repeated vibration and force loading are suggested in the form of design specifications for the power hammer.
ABSTRACT By 2020 it is predicted that there will be nearly five million people aged 50 and over i... more ABSTRACT By 2020 it is predicted that there will be nearly five million people aged 50 and over in the UK. People’s ability to stay in work is affected by their health, and ageing can contribute to increased physical illness. With the need for a longer working life, it is essential to understand what effect work environments and equipment design will have in relation to healthy ageing. Through this, it is possible to establish good design practice and ergonomics to promote healthy working through life. For this investigation, a questionnaire survey was conducted with workers from a cement manufacturer in the UK. It focused on how work environments and equipment design affect peoples work ability. Furthermore, individual worker experiences around working later into life were captured. Particular attention was given to the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, and worker perceptions with regard to their physical and mental wellbeing at work. Musculoskeletal symptoms peaked in the lower back for the workers at the cement manufacturers and it is likely that work activity; sitting, standing and lifting, as well as equipment including; PPE, computers and tools, has an impact on work ability. Also, it was shown through a set of age related statements, that there may be a link between work ability and age in relation to peoples physical and mental abilities to perform job tasks. The results of the questionnaire survey will be presented and discussed with reference to age and job activity description.
Uploads