How to improve the working conditions of tilers?

This survey aimed to take stock of the problems linked to the supply and installation of tiles, considering that the evolution of techniques, materials and customer expectations have transformed this profession over the years.

One of the main conclusions of the study is that the increasing size of tiles, reaching up to 120 x 120 cm for floor coverings and 120 x 300 cm for walls, results in new physical constraints for tilers. This results in challenges in terms of handling and installation, which can impact their health and the quality of the final work.

To remedy these problems, manufacturers specializing in equipment for laying large format tiles, such as Robotile, Probst and Raimondi, collaborated on this research. A field study was carried out in partnership with the OPPBTP, where operators were observed and interviewed on two renovation sites. The results revealed that the installation of large tiles leads to physical constraints, uncomfortable postures and additional efforts at all stages of the construction site, in particular during supply, cutting, implementation, and retouching.

Technical and quality requirements of the workmanship, such as the need for increased alignment accuracy and increased visibility of flatness defects, were also highlighted.

To improve the working conditions of tilers, it is necessary to have equipment adapted to the dimensions of the tiles. This equipment can reduce the physical constraints associated with handling and handling tiles. The authors of the study identified tools likely to reduce the physical load of tilers in manufacturers' catalogs, and these tools were evaluated on voluntary company sites in 2021. Feedback was shared with manufacturers to improve existing tools. Some changes have already been made, while others are still in progress.

In addition, the study highlighted the importance of using suitable equipment from the procurement stage, not just for installation. This constitutes an area of ​​work to be explored in greater depth for all finishing trades.

In conclusion, the joint study by Capeb, Iris-ST and OPPBTP offers valuable avenues for improving the working conditions of tilers, with emphasis on adapting equipment to the new dimensions of tilers. tiles and encouraging wider use of this equipment from the moment of supply. These efforts aim to ensure the health of workers and the quality of tiling projects in the construction industry.