Work-Related musculoskeletal symptoms among building construction workers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: to investigate the work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among building construction workers. methods: total 389 apparently healthy, male volunteers were selected with mean age 34.56±8.33 years and a mean working duration in building construction as 5.76±2.68 years. musculoskeletal complaints were recorded through a detailed clinical interview and comprehensive questionnaire. results: substantial number of building construction workers developed musculoskeletal symptoms including neck pain 29 (7.5%), shoulder pain 41(10.5%), upper back pain 24(6.2%), lower back pain 64 (16.5%), legs pain 93 (23.9%), feet pain 52 (13.4%), head heaviness 44 (11.3%) and whole body fatigue 78 (20.1%). these complaints were significantly associated with long-term duration-response in building construction industry. furthermore, cigarette smokers had little higher percentage of musculoskeletal complaints compared to non-smoker companions. conclusions: building construction occupation is a prolific source of musculoskeletal ailments and complaints were significantly increased with long-term working duration in building construction industry.