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Nathan Fethke, PhD, CPE
University of Iowa
Ph: 319-467-4563
Email: nathan-fethke@uiowa.edu
Abstract:
Welding is a common work activity among structural ironworkers that exposes them to multiple health hazards. Stud welding—the specific use of an electrical arc to fuse shear stud connectors to steel supports—is performed on most major construction projects. However, little information is available on the physical risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) or hazardous contaminant exposures specifically for stud welders. Our preliminary evidence suggests that the use of conventional stud welding equipment exposes workers to prolonged periods of extreme forward inclination of the trunk, a working posture associated with low back pain that places the workers’ breathing zone close to the fume source. These preliminary data also show that a commercially-available alternative to conventional stud welding equipment promotes more upright working postures that may reduce WMSDs and distances the breathing zone from the fume source. The manufacturer, with our input, has modified this alternative system to further reduce the physical risk factors for WMSDs. A thorough investigation of this alternative welding system is needed to evaluate the latest equipment for its effectiveness in reducing hazards among this understudied population of workers.
The primary goal of this project is to evaluate whether a new commercially-available stud welding system reduces exposures to physical risk factors for WMSDs among structural ironworkers. A secondary goal is to characterize welding fume exposures among this understudied population and to evaluate whether welders using the new equipment have reduced exposures compared to traditional methods. Our rationale for this project is that evidence of effective intervention will promote its use among structural ironworkers. Specifically, we propose a field-based, repeated measures evaluation of exposure to physical risk factors and welding fume. Direct measurement of muscle activity using surface electromyography and upper body posture using inclinometry will be used to estimate exposure to physical risk factors. Simultaneously, personal exposures to welding fume will be assessed with traditional filter-based samplers and a novel direct-read instrument. Additional detailed metals analysis will be performed to characterize the welding fume emitted from stud welding. Exposure variables will be compared during use of conventional welding equipment and during use of the alternate welding system. We will also estimate the effect of construction site type on our exposure variables and explore relationships between exposures to physical risk factors and welding fume.
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