Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Holden Campbell, Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Holden Campbell
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Elizabeth Blickensderfer
Abstract
This research explores the ergonomic risks associated with drywall installation, focusing on Bill Campbell, a retired drywall installer who developed bursitis in his shoulder due to repetitive lifting, awkward bending and overhead work. His occupation required carrying heavy drywall panels, climbing ladders and maintaining uncomfortable postures for extended periods of time. Using two ergonomic risk assessment tools: the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and the NIOSH Lifting Equation. A score of 12 on the REBA analysis indicated a strong likelihood of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to extreme posture and heavy lifting. Furthermore, the NIOSH Lifting Equation revealed a lifting index above safe limits indicating an increased risk for lower back injuries. In addition to the REBA and NIOSH Lifting Equation, a Body Discomfort Survey was used to assess pain levels and their impact on daily function. Key recommendations include the creation of lighter drywall materials, integrating mechanical lifting devices to reduce manual strain and implementing work rotation policies to limit prolonged exposure to high-risk tasks. The injuries and findings in this research highlight the importance of injury prevention strategies and devices combined with ergonomic design solutions to ensure construction workers and drywallers’ health and well-being.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Ergonomic Risk Assessment of Drywall Installer
This research explores the ergonomic risks associated with drywall installation, focusing on Bill Campbell, a retired drywall installer who developed bursitis in his shoulder due to repetitive lifting, awkward bending and overhead work. His occupation required carrying heavy drywall panels, climbing ladders and maintaining uncomfortable postures for extended periods of time. Using two ergonomic risk assessment tools: the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and the NIOSH Lifting Equation. A score of 12 on the REBA analysis indicated a strong likelihood of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to extreme posture and heavy lifting. Furthermore, the NIOSH Lifting Equation revealed a lifting index above safe limits indicating an increased risk for lower back injuries. In addition to the REBA and NIOSH Lifting Equation, a Body Discomfort Survey was used to assess pain levels and their impact on daily function. Key recommendations include the creation of lighter drywall materials, integrating mechanical lifting devices to reduce manual strain and implementing work rotation policies to limit prolonged exposure to high-risk tasks. The injuries and findings in this research highlight the importance of injury prevention strategies and devices combined with ergonomic design solutions to ensure construction workers and drywallers’ health and well-being.