ABSTRACT
Building and construction is one of mankind’s oldest activities. Looking at the pace of innovation in other sectors of industry, the construction industry should be characterized as conservative. Work still imposes physical demands, and work organization and working methods remain traditional. In the Netherlands, however, the past decades have shown a growing emphasis on working conditions. In the construction industry, physical work demands are the most important cause of absenteeism and disability. More than half of the cases of sick leave among Dutch construction site workers are the result of musculoskeletal complaints and disorders, mostly related to the lower back region (Arbouw, 1990-2002).
