Assessing work-related risk factors for musculoskeletal knee disorders in construction roofing tasks

Roofers often suffer from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) to their knees due to spending a large amount of time kneeling while performing work-related roofing activities on sloped rooftops. Several ergonomic studies have identified kneeling as a potential risk factor for knee injuries and disorders. Existing biomechanical models and sensor technologies used to assess work-related risk factors for different construction trades are not applicable in roof work settings especially on slanted rooftop surfaces. This work assesses the impacts of work-related factors, namely working posture and roof slope, on the potential risk of developing knee MSDs due to residential roofing tasks in a laboratory setting. Nine human subjects participated in the experiment and mimicked shingle installation on a slope-configurable wooden platform. Maximum angles of right and left knee flexion, abduction, adduction, and axial rotation (internal and external) were measured as risk indicators using a motion capture system under different roof slope settings. The results demonstrated that roof slope, working posture and their interaction may have significant impacts on developing knee MSDs during roofing activities. Knees are likely to be exposed to increased risk of MSDs due to working in a dynamic kneeling posture during shingle installation. In our study, flexion in both knees and adduction in the right knee were found lower in high-pitched rooftops; however, abduction in the left knee and internal rotation in the right knee were found higher during shingle installation. Hence proper attention is needed for these situations. This study provides useful information about the impact of roof work settings on knee MSDs development, which may facilitate effective interventions such as education, training, and tools to prevent knee injuries in construction roofing tasks. •Knees can be exposed to MSD risks during shingle installation on slanted rooftops.•Roof slope and working posture may significantly influence knee MSD development.•Knee flexion and adduction are low for roofing on high-pitched rooftops.•Knee abduction and internal rotation are high for roofing on high-pitched rooftops.