[Innovation in the ergonomic procedures for evaluating risk in building activities of the Abruzzo region (Italy)]

After the earthquake of L'Aquila, INAIL further stimulated the local Universities to train specialists in the prevention of occupational risks on construction sites. Since 2005 the University of Chieti-Pescara evaluated occupational stress (through the Karasek's JCQ) as well as perception of occupational risk of the building workers. Moreover, procedures (including planning) in the field of building technology were analyzed. The perception of job strain of the workers in building activities were high because of elevated job demand and low decision latitude. The risk perception was higher regarding dangers producing immediate injury. There was no direct relationship between considering the job dangerous and having attended training courses, while the relationship between risk perception and past injury events was marked. At present, we are also evaluating, by instrumental methods, the biomechanical overload of workers, due to the main repetitive and forceful manual activities.