Role of Masonry Work Procedures in Management of Musculoskeletal Disorders of Masonry Workers in Building Construction Workplaces, Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Globally masonry workers are often exposed to work-related risks resulting in the development of musculoskeletal disorders affecting their body's movements. Despite the gains made, existing engineering and administrative preventive and control methods have not adequately addressed this problem. This investigation was on the role of masonry work procedures in the management of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) of masonry workers in Building Construction Workplaces (BCW) in Nairobi County, Kenya. Cross-sectional survey research design was employed to undertake the inquiry. The study was guided by the General Systems Theory. Literature in the field of the study was reviewed and the knowledge gap was identified. The field data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides. The data was subjected to descriptive and inferential analysis for logical patterns, relationships, and levels of statistical significance. The Pearson correlation results (P<= 0.05) showed that the masonry work procedures were positively related to the development of musculoskeletal disorders of masonry workers in building construction workplaces. The key recommendations of the study were; to improve masonry workers’ teamwork spirit through regular education, skills training, and mentorship on workplace Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) management; review of existing Occupation, Safety and Health Act, (OSHA, 2007) legislations to including the participation of project sponsors and designers in OSH risk management in BCW and the BCW management to establish and effect medical surveillance, and treatment of masonry workers.