Work-Related musculoskeletal symptoms among building construction workers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

To investigate the work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among building construction workers. Total 389 apparently healthy, male volunteers were selected with mean age 34.56_8.33 years and a mean working duration in building construction as 5.76 +/- 2.68 years. Musculoskeletal complaints were recorded through a detailed clinical interview and comprehensive questionnaire. Substantial number of building construction workers developed musculoskeletal symptoms including neck pain 29 [7.5%], shoulder pain 41[10.5%], upper back pain 24[6.2%], lower back pain 64 [16.5%], legs pain 93 [23.9%], feet pain 52 [13.4%], head heaviness 44 [11.3%] and whole body fatigue 78 [20.1%]. These complaints were significantly associated with long-term duration-response in building construction industry. Furthermore, cigarette smokers had little higher percentage of musculoskeletal complaints compared to non-smoker companions. Building construction occupation is a prolific source of musculoskeletal ailments and complaints were significantly increased with long-term working duration in building construction industry