WORK VARIABLES AND PHYSIOLOGICAL INDICES IN MASONRY WORK

Abstract

This study investigated the physiological response functions of the masons during masonry work using three standard sizes of construction block weights at varying working heights. The assessment involved a repeated job handling design approach. The participants in this study were 12 masons who had at least one year of experience in working with sandcrete blocks and burnt bricks. Each participant constructed 20-block walls, 7 courses high using 9 inches and 6 inches sandcrete blocks and 20-block wall, 11 courses high using burnt bricks. The physiological response data measured were heart rate, body temperature and blood pressures (systolic and diastolic) at each wall height constructed. The ergonomic investigation principle of the work factors affecting masonry work was hinged on known physiological indices (oxygen consumption and energy expenditure rate) to evaluate the degree of the effects of the task on masons. The result obtained showed that the masons experienced different levels of stresses at ground level to knee height, knee height to chest height and neck height while working with the 6 and 9 inches sandcrete blocks. The building construction using burnt bricks recorded varied results, as there were no differences in body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure throughout the wall height. This study concluded that the construction block weights have effect on the physiological response functions of the masons at varying working heights.