Evaluation of methods to assess push/pull forces in a construction task

The objective of the present study was to determine the validity of methods to assess push/pull forces exerted in a construction task. Forces assessed using a hand-held digital force gauge were compared to those obtained usin g a highly accurate measuring frame. No significant differences were found between the methods, except for peak push forces, for which the forces asse ssed with the force gauge were significantly lower than those assessed with the measuring frame. When the construction task was reproduced close to th e actual workplace by simulation against a fixed object using the force gau ge, all exerted forces on the force gauge were significantly lower than tho se on the measuring frame, except for mean pull forces. When self-reports w ere compared to the exerted forces on the measuring frame, the construction workers overestimated the exerted push/pull forces by 50%. In conclusion, when applied for direct measurements, the force gauge can be used to validl y assess push/pull forces at the workplace. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.