Ergonomic and Musculoskeletal Risk Patterns Among Roofers and Non-roofers: Evidence from a Comparative Field Study

10 pages•Published: June 2, 2026

Rujan Kayastha, David Canas Vanegas, Sujan Acharya, Krishna Kisi and Jitendra Tate

Abstract

Roofing is one of the most physically demanding construction trades, yet limited research has quantified how its unique postural demands contribute to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study addresses this gap through a field-based comparison of musculoskeletal pain and ergonomic exposure between roofers and non-roofers. A structured questionnaire was administered to 32 construction workers (16 roofers and 16 non-roofers) to assess self-reported pain intensity across body regions and foot zones, along with the duration and frequency of awkward working postures. Descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to examine group differences. Roofers reported significantly higher total body pain, feet pain, and a greater number of painful body zones than non-roofers (p < .05). Toe-specific Pain was notably greater among roofers (p = .003), suggesting excessive forefoot strain caused by frequent kneeling, stooping, and balancing on sloped surfaces. Roofers also experienced greater exposure to awkward postures, despite working comparable hours. These findings underscore the importance of implementing improved ergonomic practices (ergonomic training and task rotation), properly fitted footwear, and advanced insole technologies to monitor and mitigate WMSDs, thereby fostering safer, healthier, and more productive work environments.

Keyphrases: ergonomic exposure, ergonomics, forefoot pressure, roofers, work related musculoskeletal disorders

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference, vol 7, pages 1232-1241.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/7zPF
	https://doi.org/10.29007/njg9

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2026:Ergonomic_Musculoskeletal_Risk_Patterns,
  author    = {Rujan Kayastha and David Canas Vanegas and Sujan Acharya and Krishna Kisi and Jitendra Tate},
  title     = {Ergonomic and Musculoskeletal Risk Patterns Among Roofers and Non-roofers: Evidence from a Comparative Field Study},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {7},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/7zPF},
  doi       = {10.29007/njg9},
  pages     = {1232-1241},
  year      = {2026}}

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