{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,7,6]],"date-time":"2026-07-06T17:06:37Z","timestamp":1783357597361,"version":"3.54.6"},"reference-count":61,"publisher":"MDPI AG","issue":"11","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2025,11,7]],"date-time":"2025-11-07T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1762473600000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["IJERPH"],"abstract":"<jats:p>This study examines the occupational health challenges faced by artisans in Ghana\u2019s Ashanti Region. The study employed a purposive sampling technique to select 425 masons through questionnaires. The data collected included workers\u2019 mass, block weights, and health problems. The analysis identified fourteen health problems, with headaches, muscle pain, lower back pain, chronic pain, and bruises being most prevalent. Artisan weight negatively correlated with weights of 125 mm blocks (r = \u22120.202, p &lt; 0.01) and 150 mm blocks (r = \u22120.248, p &lt; 0.01). Additionally, artisan weight showed a negative correlation with working hours (coefficient = \u22120.133, p &lt; 0.05), as did body weight with resting hours (coefficient = \u22120.217, p &lt; 0.05). Higher educational qualifications correlated positively with lifting-related health issues (coefficient = 0.259, p = 0.000) and negatively with weather-related issues (coefficient = \u22120.154, p = 0.002). Moreover, the number of working days per week was positively correlated with lifting problems (coefficient = 0.270, p &lt; 0.05). The study recommends redesigning block sizes to reduce physical strain. Additionally, policy measures such as reducing machinery import taxes are suggested to encourage mechanisation. The study further emphasises the need for training institutions to incorporate occupational health education into artisan training programs.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3390\/ijerph22111689","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,11,7]],"date-time":"2025-11-07T11:41:47Z","timestamp":1762515707000},"page":"1689","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/mdpi_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":1,"title":["Musculoskeletal Health Effects of Manual Sandcrete Block Handling Among Construction Artisans: Implications for Industry Practice and Training"],"prefix":"10.3390","volume":"22","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-2681-4251","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Kofi Owusu","family":"Adjei","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa"},{"name":"Department of Construction Technology and Quantity Surveying, Faculty of Built and Natural Environment, Kumasi Technical University, P.O. Box 854, Kumasi 00233, Ghana"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-9563-5065","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Murendeni","family":"Liphadzi","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-6030-4784","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Francis Kwesi","family":"Bondinuba","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Construction Technology and Quantity Surveying, Faculty of Built and Natural Environment, Kumasi Technical University, P.O. Box 854, Kumasi 00233, Ghana"},{"name":"Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa"},{"name":"The Urban Institute, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 5AS, UK"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-8695-1197","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Cecilia Modupe","family":"Mewomo","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Engineering Technology, Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX 76402, USA"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0009-0008-7461-2698","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Haruna Domanamwin","family":"Abudu","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"1968","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,11,7]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref_1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"105537","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ssci.2021.105537","article-title":"Causal factors and risk assessment of fall accidents in the US construction industry: A comprehensive data analysis (2000\u20132020)","volume":"146","author":"Halabi","year":"2022","journal-title":"Saf. Sci."},{"key":"ref_2","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"50","DOI":"10.30880\/jtmb.2020.07.02.005","article-title":"Construction tradespeople\u2019s perception of the factors motivating labour productivity on construction projects","volume":"7","author":"Eze","year":"2020","journal-title":"J. Technol. Manag. Bus."},{"key":"ref_3","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Boadu, E.F., Wang, C.C., and Sunindijo, R.Y. (2020). Characteristics of the construction industry in developing countries and its implications for health and safety: An exploratory study in Ghana. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 17.","DOI":"10.3390\/ijerph17114110"},{"key":"ref_4","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1121","DOI":"10.1080\/10803548.2022.2112444","article-title":"Factors influencing health and safety performance at construction sites in Ghana: The perspective of building artisans","volume":"29","author":"Boakye","year":"2023","journal-title":"Int. J. Occup. Saf. Ergon."},{"key":"ref_5","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"103299","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jobe.2021.103299","article-title":"Artificial intelligence in the construction industry: A review of present status, opportunities and future challenges","volume":"44","author":"Abioye","year":"2021","journal-title":"J. Build. Eng."},{"key":"ref_6","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"109595","DOI":"10.1016\/j.buildenv.2022.109595","article-title":"Analysis of the impact of construction robots on workers\u2019 health","volume":"225","author":"Chen","year":"2022","journal-title":"Build. Environ."},{"key":"ref_7","unstructured":"Ifeanyi, A.C. (2017). Assessment of Occupational Health Safety Compliance in the Nigerian Construction Industry, University of Johannesburg."},{"key":"ref_8","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"106157","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ssci.2023.106157","article-title":"Determining susceptible body parts of construction workers due to occupational injuries using inclusive modelling","volume":"164","author":"Koc","year":"2023","journal-title":"Saf. Sci."},{"key":"ref_9","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"012083","DOI":"10.1088\/1755-1315\/655\/1\/012083","article-title":"Towards improving artisan and craftsmen productivity","volume":"655","author":"Amusan","year":"2021","journal-title":"IOP Conf. Ser. Earth Environ. Sci."},{"key":"ref_10","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"105836","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ssci.2022.105836","article-title":"We can regulate ourselves\u2019: Exploring the artisans\u2019 trade associations\u2019 contributions to occupational safety and health problem prevention","volume":"154","author":"Afolabi","year":"2022","journal-title":"Saf. Sci."},{"key":"ref_11","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"04022150","DOI":"10.1061\/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0002434","article-title":"Ergonomic characteristics of expert masons","volume":"149","author":"Ryu","year":"2023","journal-title":"J. Constr. Eng. Manag."},{"key":"ref_12","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"04023034","DOI":"10.1061\/JCEMD4.COENG-12821","article-title":"Ergonomic Risk Assessment of Construction Workers and Projects Based on Fuzzy Bayesian Network and DS Evidence Theory","volume":"149","author":"Tao","year":"2023","journal-title":"J. Constr. Eng. Manag."},{"key":"ref_13","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"61","DOI":"10.1007\/s10942-021-00399-y","article-title":"Reducing burnout among building construction and mechanical trade artisans: The role of rational emotive behaviour intervention","volume":"40","author":"Okereke","year":"2022","journal-title":"J. Ration. Emot. Cogn. Behav. Ther."},{"key":"ref_14","first-page":"26","article-title":"Assessing skill capability of artisans and craftsmen in Nsukka industrial market, Enugu State, Nigeria","volume":"3","author":"Lebechukwu","year":"2021","journal-title":"Ianna J. Interdiscip. Stud."},{"key":"ref_15","first-page":"163","article-title":"Entrepreneurship determinants of artisans\/craftsmen in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana","volume":"6","author":"Adusei","year":"2016","journal-title":"Am. J. Ind. Bus. Manag."},{"key":"ref_16","first-page":"155","article-title":"Understanding the compressive strength of commercially produced sandcrete blocks using the Ghana building code","volume":"7","author":"Andohful","year":"2021","journal-title":"Afr. J. Appl. Res."},{"key":"ref_17","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Abudu, H.D., Mewomo, C.M., Bondinuba, F.K., Liphadzi, M., and Adjei, K.O. (2025). PLS-SEM assessment of the effect of using standardized blocks on artisans\u2019 health in the construction industry. J. Asian Archit. Build. Eng., 1\u201317.","DOI":"10.1080\/13467581.2025.2499245"},{"key":"ref_18","first-page":"e00530","article-title":"Investigation of micronised laterite sandcrete block compressive strength","volume":"14","author":"Awolusi","year":"2021","journal-title":"Case Stud. Constr. Mater."},{"key":"ref_19","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Robert, U.W., Etuk, S.E., Agbasi, O.E., Okorie, U.S., and Lashin, A. Hygrothermal properties of sandcrete blocks produced with raw and hydrothermally-treated sawdust as partial substitution materials for sand. J. King Saud Univ. Eng. Sci., 2021.","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jksues.2021.10.005"},{"key":"ref_20","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1900","DOI":"10.1108\/TQM-12-2019-0302","article-title":"Understanding sustainability\u2013the case of building blocks in Tanzania and Uganda","volume":"36","author":"Isaksson","year":"2020","journal-title":"TQM J."},{"key":"ref_21","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"100124","DOI":"10.1016\/j.clema.2022.100124","article-title":"Effect of pressed palm oil fruit fibre on mechanical properties of sandcrete masonry blocks using Taguchi-grey relational analysis optimization technique","volume":"5","author":"Onyia","year":"2022","journal-title":"Clean. Mater."},{"key":"ref_22","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"422","DOI":"10.1016\/j.matpr.2023.08.066","article-title":"The influence of partially replacing pit sand with quarry dust on the compressive strength of sandcrete blocks","volume":"93","author":"Akorli","year":"2023","journal-title":"Mater. Today Proc."},{"key":"ref_23","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"332","DOI":"10.4314\/njt.v39i2.2","article-title":"Comparison of strength of sandcrete blocks produce with fine aggregate from different sources","volume":"39","author":"Alejo","year":"2020","journal-title":"Niger. J. Technol."},{"key":"ref_24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"376","DOI":"10.1504\/IJHFE.2015.073010","article-title":"Manual material handling and occupational low back disorders: A narrative literature review emphasising maximum acceptable weight of load","volume":"3","author":"Girish","year":"2015","journal-title":"Int. J. Hum. Fac. Ergon."},{"key":"ref_25","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"267","DOI":"10.1061\/(ASCE)0733-9364(2009)135:4(267)","article-title":"Psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal disorders in the construction industry","volume":"135","author":"Sobeih","year":"2009","journal-title":"J. Constr. Eng. Manag."},{"key":"ref_26","first-page":"147","article-title":"A literature review on MSDS using ergonomic body assessment tools: RULA and REBA","volume":"2","author":"Chaudhary","year":"2012","journal-title":"Int. J. Sci. Res."},{"key":"ref_27","first-page":"18","article-title":"Postural Modeling of Palletizing Workers via Simulation based on RULA, NMQ, and NIOSH","volume":"23","author":"Obeidat","year":"2024","journal-title":"Ind. Eng. Manag. Syst."},{"key":"ref_28","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"431","DOI":"10.1007\/s11044-009-9186-y","article-title":"Human lifting simulation using a multi-objective optimisation approach","volume":"23","author":"Xiang","year":"2010","journal-title":"Multibody Syst. Dyn."},{"key":"ref_29","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"111","DOI":"10.1080\/001401399185838","article-title":"The effects of lifting speed on the peak external forward bending, lateral bending, and twisting spine moments","volume":"42","author":"Lavender","year":"1999","journal-title":"Ergonomics"},{"key":"ref_30","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"355","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jelekin.2014.11.004","article-title":"Superficial shoulder muscle co-activations during lifting tasks: Influence of lifting height, weight and phase","volume":"25","author":"Blache","year":"2015","journal-title":"J. Electr. Kines."},{"key":"ref_31","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"88","DOI":"10.1080\/1463922X.2022.2044932","article-title":"Application of interpretive structural modelling (ISM) for developing ergonomic workstation improvement framework","volume":"24","author":"Joshi","year":"2023","journal-title":"Theor. Issues Ergon. Sci."},{"key":"ref_32","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"103549","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ergon.2024.103549","article-title":"Factors influencing the adoption of passive exoskeletons in the construction industry: Industry perspectives","volume":"100","author":"Gonsalves","year":"2024","journal-title":"Int. J. Ind. Ergon."},{"key":"ref_33","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"105077","DOI":"10.1016\/j.autcon.2023.105077","article-title":"Heart rate modelling and prediction of construction workers based on physical activity using deep learning","volume":"155","author":"Ghafoori","year":"2023","journal-title":"Autom. Constr."},{"key":"ref_34","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"105382","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ssci.2021.105382","article-title":"Assessment of a passive exoskeleton system on spinal biomechanics and subjective responses during manual repetitive handling tasks among construction workers","volume":"142","author":"Li","year":"2021","journal-title":"Saf. Sci."},{"key":"ref_35","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"e24023","DOI":"10.1016\/j.heliyon.2024.e24023","article-title":"Analysis of musculoskeletal pains and productivity impacts among Hispanic construction workers","volume":"10","author":"Kisi","year":"2024","journal-title":"Heliyon"},{"key":"ref_36","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"104042","DOI":"10.1016\/j.compind.2023.104042","article-title":"A human-centric system combining smartwatch and LiDAR data to assess the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and improve ergonomics of Industry 5.0 manufacturing workers","volume":"155","author":"Pistolesi","year":"2024","journal-title":"Comput. Ind."},{"key":"ref_37","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"103538","DOI":"10.1016\/j.autcon.2020.103538","article-title":"Posture-related data collection methods for construction workers: A review","volume":"124","author":"Yu","year":"2021","journal-title":"Autom. Constr."},{"key":"ref_38","first-page":"319","article-title":"Occupational hazards among health care workers in Nigeria","volume":"26","author":"Mary","year":"2023","journal-title":"Afr. J. Biomed. Res."},{"key":"ref_39","first-page":"697","article-title":"Occupational health problems of phulkari artisans","volume":"9","author":"Gupta","year":"2019","journal-title":"Int. J. Res. Soc. Sci."},{"key":"ref_40","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"106103","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ssci.2023.106103","article-title":"Investigating the impact of physical fatigue on construction workers\u2019 situational awareness","volume":"163","author":"Ibrahim","year":"2023","journal-title":"Saf. Sci."},{"key":"ref_41","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"457","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jsr.2023.04.014","article-title":"Impact of physical and mental fatigue on construction workers\u2019 unsafe behaviour based on physiological measurement","volume":"85","author":"Zhang","year":"2023","journal-title":"J. Saf. Res."},{"key":"ref_42","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Naoum, S.G. (2012). Dissertation Research and Writing for Construction Students, Routledge.","DOI":"10.4324\/9780080467047"},{"key":"ref_43","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Fobiri, G., Abaitey, B.A., Attimah, B., Ofori, G., and Nana-Addy, E. (2023, January 19\u201323). An investigation into the working conditions of informal construction artisans in the Ghanaian construction industry. Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Infrastructure Development in AfricaInt (ICIDA), Kumasi, Ghana.","DOI":"10.1007\/978-3-031-69606-0_23"},{"key":"ref_44","unstructured":"Pandey, P., and Pandey, M.M. (2021). Research Methodology Tools and Techniques, Bridge Center."},{"key":"ref_45","first-page":"1","article-title":"The NIOSH lifting equation for manual lifting and its applications","volume":"6","author":"Shahu","year":"2016","journal-title":"J. Ergon."},{"key":"ref_46","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"11","DOI":"10.1007\/s10926-012-9375-z","article-title":"Cumulative low back load at work as a risk factor of low back pain: A prospective cohort study","volume":"23","author":"Coenen","year":"2013","journal-title":"J. Occup. Rehabil."},{"key":"ref_47","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"415","DOI":"10.5327\/Z1679443520190360","article-title":"Preventive factors against work-related musculoskeletal disorders: Narrative review","volume":"17","author":"Soares","year":"2020","journal-title":"Rev. Bras. Med. Trab."},{"key":"ref_48","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Walker-Bone, K., and Thomsen, J.F. (2022). Musculoskeletal Disorders. Textbook of Occupational Medicine Practice, World Scientific Publishing.","DOI":"10.1142\/9789811245657_0006"},{"key":"ref_49","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"13","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jelekin.2003.09.015","article-title":"Work-related musculoskeletal disorders: The epidemiologic evidence and the debate","volume":"14","author":"Punnett","year":"2004","journal-title":"J. Electromyogr. Kinesiol."},{"key":"ref_50","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1866","DOI":"10.1080\/00140130050174518","article-title":"Prospective validation of a low-back disorder risk model and assessment of ergonomic interventions associated with manual materials handling tasks","volume":"43","author":"Marras","year":"2000","journal-title":"Ergonomics"},{"key":"ref_51","unstructured":"Kudlinski, D. (2024, January 18\u201321). Assessing safety programs and strategies to prevent heavy equipment struck-by incidents in construction. Proceedings of the IISE Annual Conference and Expo, Montreal, QC, Canada."},{"key":"ref_52","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"285","DOI":"10.1002\/ajim.20750","article-title":"Risk factors for work related musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review of recent longitudinal studies","volume":"53","author":"Vieira","year":"2010","journal-title":"Am. J. Ind. Med."},{"key":"ref_53","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"255","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ergon.2011.01.008","article-title":"Effects of different physical workload parameters on mental workload and performance","volume":"41","author":"DiDomenico","year":"2011","journal-title":"Int. J. Ind. Ergon."},{"key":"ref_54","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"95","DOI":"10.1080\/14639220600959237","article-title":"Effects of physical workload on cognitive task performance and situation awareness","volume":"9","author":"Perry","year":"2008","journal-title":"Theor. Issues Ergon. Sci."},{"key":"ref_55","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"102","DOI":"10.1080\/00050060310001707107","article-title":"The impact of job demands and workload on stress and fatigue","volume":"38","author":"MacDonald","year":"2003","journal-title":"Aust. Psychol."},{"key":"ref_56","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"685","DOI":"10.1080\/00140139.2020.1870162","article-title":"Effects of industrial back-support exoskeletons on body loading and user experience: An updated systematic review","volume":"64","author":"Kermavnar","year":"2021","journal-title":"Ergonomics"},{"key":"ref_57","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"103483","DOI":"10.1016\/j.apergo.2021.103483","article-title":"Developing countries and the use of ISO Standard 11228-3 for risk management of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limbs (WRMSDs-ULs): The case of Chile","volume":"96","author":"Castellucci","year":"2021","journal-title":"Appl. Ergon."},{"key":"ref_58","first-page":"1","article-title":"Suggestions for a research agenda for health literacy and musculoskeletal health\u2014Reflections following a qualitative evidence synthesis","volume":"1","author":"Lowe","year":"2014","journal-title":"Work. Pap. Health Sci."},{"key":"ref_59","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Odebiyi, D.O., and Okafor, U.A.C. (2023). Musculoskeletal disorders, workplace ergonomics and injury prevention. Ergonomics\u2014New Insights, IntechOpen.","DOI":"10.5772\/intechopen.106031"},{"key":"ref_60","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"108","DOI":"10.1177\/0018720812449648","article-title":"Examining the interaction of force and repetition on musculoskeletal disorder risk: A systematic literature review","volume":"55","author":"Gallagher","year":"2013","journal-title":"Hum. Factors"},{"key":"ref_61","first-page":"689","article-title":"Perceptions of risk from workers in high risk industries with work related musculoskeletal disorders","volume":"49","author":"Hunter","year":"2014","journal-title":"Work"}],"container-title":["International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1660-4601\/22\/11\/1689\/pdf","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2025,11,11]],"date-time":"2025-11-11T09:02:22Z","timestamp":1762851742000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1660-4601\/22\/11\/1689"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025,11,7]]},"references-count":61,"journal-issue":{"issue":"11","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,11]]}},"alternative-id":["ijerph22111689"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/ijerph22111689","relation":{},"ISSN":["1660-4601"],"issn-type":[{"value":"1660-4601","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2025,11,7]]}}}