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Updated: May 25, 2026

Design and Construction of an Urban Runoff Research Facility
Published on: August 8, 2014
From usability requirement to technical specifications for hand-held tools and materials: an applied research in the
Gabriella Duca1, Erminia Attaianese
1Department DICATA/LEAS Laboratory, University of Naples Federico II, Via Tarsia 31, 80135 Naples, Italy. duca@unina.it
Abstract:
Literature shows incidence of musculoskeletal disorders in bricklaying workers as well as the relevance of good designed hand-held tools in musculoskeletal disorders prevention. In this framework, it can be supposed that providing usable hand-held tools and material in construction worksites will help to improve bricklayers' working conditions. Here a study is presented aimed at framing a methodology for usability assessment of bricklayers handled objects, in order to provide employers with practical indicators for choosing tools and materials best fitting workers needs, under the effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction perspective. On the basis of a task analysis, usability requirements for bricklaying hand-held tools and materials have been detailed and related, quantitative and qualitative, technical specifications have been elicited. Theoretical framework and usability assessment methodology are presented and, finally, findings from a field application are discussed.
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