Evaluation of ergonomic risk factors and their relationship with musculoskeletal disorders in the construction sector: A systematic review (2020-2025)

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the main work-related illnesses in the construction sector, where ergonomics is a challenge due to the handling of heavy loads, awkward postures, and repetitive movements. Regulating these risk factors is difficult, requiring improvements in assessment and control processes. The objective of this review is to determine how the assessment of ergonomic risk factors helps reduce the incidence of MSDs in this sector. The studies reviewed show that observational methodologies such as REBA are the most widely used in combination with other methods. Likewise, repetitive movements were the most common factor found in this review. This identification allows for the development of preventive and corrective measures, focusing on the implementation of improvements in the work environment, especially in buildings. Therefore, systematic ergonomic risk assessments are key tools in occupational health management, contributing to mitigating the incidence of MSDs in construction workers.