Bricklaying: a step by step approach to better work

Abstract

This study concerns a development towards a feasible improvement in the working conditions of bricklayers. An occupational health survey showed that studies on the magnitude of workload were needed. These studies showed that the energetic workload was 35% for young bricklayers (25-35 years) and 41% for older bricklayers (45-55 years). The most effective improvement is diminishing this workload during the main task, which consumed 58% of the total worktime. An increase or decrease of the work pace had minor effects, but a heightened level of set out pile of bricks and barrel with mortar decreases the energetic workload significantly for the higher brick rows. The experienced workload and biomechanical back stress was also lowest for the higher rows and heightened set out bricks and mortar. Height-adjustable scaffoldings, which enable the bricklayer to put the bricks in the wall in an upright position, should be promoted. However, these cannot be used on a large scale and new equipment is now being developed for normal building sites. The implementation of the new working method will be thoroughly prepared in order to optimize its introduction on building sites.

Keywords:

• Bricklaying
• Energetic workload
• Implementation
• Workplace improvement.