Affiliations: Ergonomics and Human Performance Laboratory,
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University,
Hong Kong
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Chetwyn C.H. Chan, Ph.D., Ergonomics
and Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The
Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Tel.: +852 2766
6727; Fax: +852 2330 8656; E-mail: rschchan@polyu.edu.hk
Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed at investigating the utilization and
applicability of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) as a methodology
to study the job profile (nature and physical demand) of formwork carpentry in
the local situation. Study design: Thirty male formwork carpenters were recruited by
convenient sampling to participate in a two-hour interview, with reference to
the DOT Physical Demand Questionnaire (DOTPDQ) and the WestTool Sort
Questionnaire. The information obtained was further consolidated by comparing
the results from the interview to three construction sites and training
guidelines from the formwork carpentry training centers. The triangulation of
the data formulated a job profile of formwork carpenters. Results: The results from the DOTPDQ revealed that workers' work
demands were standing, walking, pushing, pulling, reaching, climbing,
balancing, stooping, crouching, lifting, carrying, handling and near acuity.
This produced an agreement of 84.6% with the original DOT. A discrepancy was
found in the demands of kneeling, fingering, far acuity and depth perception.
Conclusions: The discrepancy between the data from the United States
and local appeared to be minimal. It was thus inferred that the DOT-based job
profile was largely valid for describing formwork carpentry in Hong Kong.
In-depth analysis should be conducted to further substantiate the validity of
utilizing the DOT system for other job types and their physical demands.
Keywords: dictionary of occupational titles, work profile, formwork carpentry
