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Publisher: Peytchinski Publishing Ltd.
ISSN: 1312-773X (Online)
Issue: 2026, vol. 32, issue2
Subject Area: Public Health
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DOI: 10.5272/jimab.2026322.6797
Published online: 06 April 2026
Original article
J of IMAB. 2026 Apr-Jun;32(2):6797-6801
HEALTH RISKS AND PREVENTION OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG WORKERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR
Ivan Spiroski
, Marina Samuneva-Zhelyabova, Rositsa Markova,
Department of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University-Sofia, Bulgaria.
ABSTRACT:
Introduction: The increase in the number of MSD cases in the construction industry is due to repetitive bending of the back, lifting and pushing/pulling with the arms, with lifting often being from a height lower than the knee to a height higher than the shoulders.
Materials and methods. This study involved 524 construction workers and the collected data were using a structured sociological questionnaire designed to assess the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and analytical statistical methods.
Results. The majority of workers report significant physical strain at work, with 97.71% experiencing heavy exertion. Most also suffer from occasional musculoskeletal issues, such as neck and shoulder pain (91.6%), lower back pain (80.34%), and joint pain (80.34%). Constant discomfort is less common but still present. Numbness and tingling in limbs are reported by 64.27% of participants occasionally, with 3.63% experiencing it constantly. Standing in the same position for long periods is common, with roughly equal proportions working under 2 hours (42.37%) or frequently changing positions (42.2%). Only 15.46% stay in one position for over 2 hours. Frequent heavy lifting affects 93.13% of workers, while 85.69% report permanent muscle or joint injuries.
Conclusion. In order to reduce these risks associated with construction workers, it is necessary to implement adequate organizational and technical measures aimed at limiting both the frequency and duration of physical exertion.
Keywords: Construction Workers, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Occupational Hazards, Prevention,
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Please cite this article as: Spiroski I, Samuneva-Zhelyabova M, Markova R. Health risks and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders among workers in the construction sector. J of IMAB. 2026 Apr-Jun;32(2):6797-6801. [Crossref - 10.5272/jimab.2026322.6797]
Correspondence to: Ivan Spiroski, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University-Sofia, 8, Bialo more Str., Sofia, Bulgaria; E-mail: ivan_spiroski@yahoo.com
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Received: 12 September 2025
Published online: 06 April 2026