Launch of a new job study to improve the working conditions of carpenters

Based on quantitative and qualitative information from observations of activity and interviews, the partners wish to implement ways of improving working conditions for all the professionals concerned.

Supporting the development of wood construction in prevention

With the development of wood construction in recent years, more and more companies of all sizes are using off-site construction for their construction sites. Although this method of construction in the workshop or factory has many advantages, it induces the installation of heavy and/or bulky elements on site, which can be risk factors: adequacy of the lifting/handling means, wind resistance of the wall panels, tilting of the latter and risks of crushing companions. These worksites also present situations of work at height, in particular for slinging and unslinging of walls, or even the implementation of floors. In addition, in recent years, the prefabrication of floors has also emerged. This installation of horizontal elements is new and it is therefore necessary to improve knowledge of the trade, to better understand the risks faced by journeymen and to provide the appropriate solutions.

A business study based on a specific intervention methodology

Based on this observation, the Federation of SCOP du BTP, the Union des Métiers du Bois (UMB-FFB), the Union des Industriels et Constructeurs Bois (UICB), the CAPEB and the OPPBTP initiated a study profession in order to raise awareness among professionals and to be able to improve the working conditions of carpenters. This is based on an intervention methodology called “Method for Analysis and Evaluation of Working Conditions” (MAECT). It includes a first phase focused on the observation and analysis of a reference situation previously determined by the professional organizations, which leads to the proposal of recommendations for action. A Commission for the improvement of working conditions is then set up in order to develop all or part of these actions. In order to draw up a precise and complete inventory, the observations of the activity will be simultaneously associated with a metrology specific to the activities of the carpenter for each employee observed:

• Measurements of exposure to total dust (including wood dust);
• Noise exposure measurements: dosimetry and sound level meter to measure ambient noise if necessary;
• Heart rate measurements;
• Vibration exposure measurements during the implementation phases (screwdriver, nail gun and mechanical hand tools if necessary);
• Temperature and hygrometry readings (climate environment).

A work situation representative of the profession of carpenter in wood construction

The business study focuses on a frequent work situation representative of all the risk factors to which these professionals are exposed: the installation of wooden frame floors and walls on a new individual housing site.

In order to cover all the practices, the business study will make it possible to observe four sites from voluntary companies that are members of each of the Professional Organizations participating in the project. Among these 4 construction sites with the installation of wooden frame walls, the following will also be observed:

• Two sites implementing a prefabricated floor in the workshop,
• Two sites implementing a floor whose beams and joists are laid on site.

For three consecutive days, the observation phase will make it possible to observe the working conditions of the operators as closely as possible, according to 21 factors, from the most obvious (manual handling, gestures, postures, etc.) to the most underestimated (communication, autonomy) .

The Instance for the Improvement of Working Conditions will then propose practical and easily applicable solutions, whatever the size of the company concerned.

Observations on the first site are carried out in June 2022.