Evolution of musculoskeletal disorders among construction workers in France

The building and public works (BTP) sector is particularly affected by musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). As in all sectors, MSDs represent the leading cause of occupational diseases (PD) in the construction industry in 2019, with more than 86% of recognized PD linked to MSDs1.

In this context, and as part of its missions, Public Health France is carrying out specific work on this high-risk sector, such as the study published on the evolution of risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders among building and construction workers. public, in collaboration with the Ester team (directed by Professor Roquelaure, University of Angers – lnserm-lrset). Based on data from the Medical Surveillance of Exposure to Occupational Risks survey (Sumer), this study analyzes the change between 2010 and 2017 in the prevalence of exposure of construction workers, by sub-sector of activity, to factors risk of MSDs. These include exposure to biomechanical, psychosocial and organizational constraints; this in order to contribute to the possible necessary adjustments of the orientations of the prevention of these affections in the construction sector.

Musculoskeletal disorders in France

Musculoskeletal disorders are the leading cause of compensated occupational diseases with 88% of occupational diseases recognized by the general scheme: 44.492 cases in 2019*.

The key figures of musculoskeletal disorders

What are the key results of the study and what do they show?

In 2017, as in 2010, construction workers were more exposed to biomechanical constraints than employees in other sectors, and were less exposed to psychosocial risk factors and organizational constraints.

Co-exposure to biomechanical constraints and work rhythm constraints is down slightly but still affects more than one in three employees (35%).

As in 2010, exposure to biomechanical constraints concerns men and workers more in 2017.

In 2017, employees in the construction of roads and railways were more exposed than in 2010 to the twisted or squatting position (construction of roads and motorways) as well as industrial constraints and "job strain" (construction of bridges and tunnels).

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.

Occupational exposure to the various constraints in the electrical installation and plumbing work sub-sector tends towards an improvement in exposure to biomechanical, organizational and psychosocial constraints for the employees concerned.

What lessons can we draw from this study?

The results of this study encourage directing prevention actions, in particular towards the sub-sectors of road and railway construction (construction of roads and highways, construction of bridges and tunnels) and floor and wall covering works, but also to employees of small construction companies.

*Cnam. 2019 Annual Report [Internet]. Paris: L'Assurance Maladie - Occupational Risks; 2020, 168 p.