An examination of the occurance of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDS) and symptoms among small scale construction workers in Windhoek, Namibia

Abstract

Even though the topic has been the focus of numerous global researches, few studies have examined the incidence of WMSDs symptoms among small-scale construction workers in developing countries of Africa. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of WMSDs among small-scale construction workers in Namibia's capital city of Windhoek, located in Southern Africa. A cross-sectional survey in Windhoek, Namibia, involved 117 workers from four small-scale construction companies. Self-administered questionnaires and in-depth interviewing procedures were employed in the research to compile data on the occurrence of WMSDs associated with among workers in small-scale construction. Both descriptive and inferential statistical data analysis were conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed the symptoms and prevalence of WMSDs in several body parts among the small-scale construction employees surveyed. The research findings further showed that 28 % of respondents lacked safety knowledge for the intention to work safely, whereas 72 % of respondents who planned to work safely indicated greater levels of safety knowledge. Age, brick size and repetitive work were the job risk factors that positively correlated with WMSDs. The results suggest for instance that as the worker ages, so do the chances to contract WMSDs. Overall, the study demonstrated that mechanical, individual, and psychosocial factors all influence the frequency of WMSDs among workers in small-scale construction. However, further research is needed to provide solutions on occupational health of small scale construction workers and on training and awareness of ergonomic risk factors in relation to WMSDs.