Musculoskeletal disorders, also known by the acronym MSDs, remain a real scourge for the world of work. In 2019, they accounted for more than 88% of occupational diseases recognized by the general social security system, i.e. approximately 44,500 cases. And again, the Public Health France organization estimates that there would be “53 to 73% under-reporting of MSDs” ; in other words, not all cases would be counted with the Health Insurance. Be that as it may, these disorders remain the leading cause of declared illness in France, all sectors of activity combined.
However, construction and public works are particularly affected by the phenomenon. Santé Publique France has just published the results of a study called Sumer (for “Medical monitoring of exposure to occupational risks”), which analyzed the evolution of MSD risk factors among construction workers between 2010 and 2017. And it emerges that musculoskeletal disorders are again the leading occupational disease in the sector, “with more than 86% of recognized MPs related to MSDs”.
Construction workers more exposed to biomechanical risks
In collaboration with a team of researchers from the University of Angers and Inserm-Irset (National Institute for Health and Medical Research – Institute for Research in Health, Environment and Work), the authors of the study Sumer included in their analysis exposure to “biomechanical, psychosocial and organizational constraints”. The goal: to readjust the prevention policy in force in the sector if necessary. Because the public actors of health consider more than ever that always more awareness upstream would make it possible to attenuate the extent of the phenomenon.
Indeed, in 2017 as in 2010, construction workers were more exposed to the biomechanical aspect of risks than their counterparts in other sectors. On the other hand, they were less concerned with the psychosocial aspect and organizational problems. But biomechanical risks and work rate constraints could still combine for 35% of construction employees. Unsurprisingly, biomechanical difficulties had a greater impact on men working as workers.
Certain specificities are also to be underlined, in particular in practical work. “In 2017, employees in the construction of roads and railways are more exposed than in 2010 to the twisted or squatting position (construction of roads and motorways) as well as to industrial constraint and ‘job strain’ (construction of bridges and tunnels)”explains Public Health France.
Some building trades also encounter the same problem: “Employees in floor and wall covering work are particularly exposed to twisting or squatting and have less leeway regarding the possibility of interrupting work, with statistically significant changes between 2010 and 2017”, still points the study. An improvement has nevertheless been noted in certain business segments, such as electrical installation and plumbing work, where all the risks for their employees are decreasing.
Target more VSEs-SMEs
On the basis of the Sumer study, Public Health France therefore draws some lessons. Starting with the reorientation of prevention actions towards the most affected employees, already mentioned above, in the construction of roads, railway works, bridges and tunnels, as well as in coating works. The organization also wishes to target more “employees of small construction companies”in which the high level of activity, combined with a lack of resources – especially time – to manage certain files, sometimes leads to not tackling these risks.