Semester
Summer
Date of Graduation
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Committee Chair
Dr. Fei Dai
Committee Co-Chair
Dr. JuHyeong Ryu
Committee Member
Dr. JuHyeong Ryu
Committee Member
Dr. Scott P. Breloff
Abstract
The prevalence of knee musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among roofers due to awkward kneeling postures during shingle installation is a well-recognized concern. While knee-saving interventions like knee savers (KSs) and knee pads (KPs) have shown the potential to reduce MSD risks, their effectiveness across different phases of shingle installation remains unknown. The objective of this study is to assess how interventions of KSs and KPs alleviate the risks of MSDs in the knees during various phases of shingle installation. These phases include (1) reaching for shingles, (2) placing shingles, (3) grabbing a nail gun, (4) moving to the first nailing position, (5) nailing shingles, (6) replacing the nail gun, and (7) returning to an upright position. In a laboratory setting, nine male participants simulated the shingle installation task on a slope-adjustable roof platform (0°, 15°, and 30° slopes) under four intervention conditions: no intervention (NO), with KPs only (KP), with KSs only (KS), and with both KPs and KSs (BO). Knee flexion, abduction, adduction, and internal/external rotations were measured to assess the intervention impact through statistical analysis. One of the riskiest phases, phase 5 (nailing shingles), revealed a decrease in knee rotations, with BO and KP interventions showing the most beneficial results. As a result of the BO intervention, phase 6 (replacing the nail gun) demonstrated significant decreases in all knee rotations, and there were also notable improvements in specific knee angles during other phases. This study emphasizes the importance of employing ergonomic interventions, particularly BO and KP, in the roofing sector to significantly reduce knee strain and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) during shingle installation, especially at critical phases and on steeper slopes, thereby improving worker health and safety.
Recommended Citation
Zerin, Nazia, "Evaluating the Impact of Ergonomic Interventions on Reducing Knee Musculoskeletal Disorder Risks during Residential Roof Shingle Installation: A Phase-Level Analysis" (2024). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 12504.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/12504
Embargo Reason
Publication Pending