Work strain predictors in construction work
¹University of Latvia, Ergonomic Research centre, Jelgavas street 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
²Riga Stradiņš University, Faculty of European Studies, Dzirciema street 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
³Riga 1st Hospital, Latvia, Bruninienu 5, LV-1001 Riga, Latvia
⁴University of Latvia, Faculty of Business, Management and Economics, Aspazijas blvd. 5, LV-1050 Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: henrijs.kalkis@gmail.com
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to predict the work strain indicators for construction workers and to work out measures for prevention of strain at work. Subjective and objective research methods were utilized in the research, including survey, work intensity measurements (Borg Scale), work strain index, fatigue index and work ability index determination, objective blood pressure and pulse measurements. Statistical analysis with significance calculations was carried out. The limitation of this study is the small number of subjects involved in the research. Subjective evaluation of fatigue index and strain index resulted in moderate and somewhat hard work heaviness categories accordingly to Borg Scale. Measurements of heart rate, blood pressure approved work strain of employees of both professions does not exceed the admissible heart rate limit during physical load. The research proved that the strongest work strain predictors were connected with psycho-social risks rather than with physical ones.
Key words:
auxiliary workers, blood pressure, fatigue, heart-rate, road workers, work heaviness