Application Of Ergonomic Principles Research Articles

The Open Space Office and the Relationship with the Shift in Social Meaning

The development of the organizational structure is necessitating additional office space. However, not all offices are inclined to expand their spatial resources. Those designed with a closed layout face challenges in meeting the spatial demands posed by the evolving organizational structure. In such cases, transitioning to an open-space office design presents a viable solution. On the other hand, the transition often gives rise to issues pertaining to the social dynamics between leaders and employees, as it disrupts established traditions, leading to a shift in the perceived significance of office space. Understanding this shift within the workplace requires an effective examination of the empirical phenomenon. Moreover, it demands a strong theoretical foundation to develop a precise conceptual framework. Design science serves as a problem-solving approach, addressing the physical elements of structural organization systematically to achieve desired outcomes. This problem-solving process is intricately connected to how individuals respond to their workspace. One of the key design challenges revolves around spatial users and their proximity. The proximity is closely intertwined with the requirements for personal spaces, which significantly impacts privacy. Achieving this balance is accomplished through the application of ergonomic principles and the understanding of proxemic distances. This study used the design method and integrated design thinking theory into the strategic process. The primary objectives of the analysis were twofold, including (1) to reconsider traditional design approaches based on absolutes of right or wrong, likes or dislikes, suitability or unsuitability, and precision or imprecision, and (2) to embrace changes aimed at enhancing the existing workspace without expanding the spatial area while ensuring a seamless workflow for employees.

МЕТОДЫ ПОВЫШЕНИЯ ПРОИЗВОДИТЕЛЬНОСТИ ТРУДА ПЕРСОНАЛА В ГОРНО-МЕТАЛЛУРГИЧЕСКОМ КОМПЛЕКСЕ

The article is dedicated to the pressing issue of developing and implementing effective methodologies and strategies aimed at improving workforce productivity in the mining and metallurgical industry. The paper identifies the most efficient methods of managing working hours and optimizing work processes that can reduce production costs and increase productivity. It outlines motivation systems that enhance worker efficiency, examines technologies and tools being introduced in the industry enterprises to optimize work processes, assesses the impact of working conditions and the application of ergonomic principles on productivity and quality of work, and reaffirms the importance of continuous training of employees to maintain high qualification and adapt to changing market conditions. The foundation of the research is based on the analysis of successful practical cases, as well as a review of the current scientific literature on the topic.

APPLICATION OF ERGONOMICS PRINCIPLES IN SEWING CLOTHES AMONGST FASHION DESIGNERS IN POST COVID 19 PANDEMIC IN OGBA/EGBEMA/NDONI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF RIVERS STATE.

The study focused on application of ergonomics principles in sewing cloth amongst fashion designers in PostCOVID Pandemic in Rivers State. Specifically the study determined hunching over a sewing machine, useanti-fatigue mat, and keep working surfaces/table at elbow height. Research design was a descriptive survey.Three research questions guided the study. Area of the study was Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local GovernmentArea of Rivers State. Population was made up of 96 Fashion Designers in ONELGA. Multi-stage samplingtechnique methods were used to select 45 Fashion Designers. Questionnaire was used for data collection.Data were analyzed using Mean and Standard Deviation. Results of the study was five (5) questions on avoidhunching over a sewing machine, these includes the use of Appropriate Posture (????= 3.15), Use ofComfortable Stool (???? 2.96), Stool should be Placed on Flat Surface (???? 3.25) and others. There are Five (5)Questions on keep working surfaces at elbow height, these includes Cutting Tables (???? 3.42),Ironing Table(???? 3.20), Weaving Table (???? 2.95) and others. And five (5) questions on the use of anti-fatigue mat theseincludes avoid the use of Hilly Shoes (???? 2.92), Worn-Out Shoes (???? 3.00), Rough Floor (???? 3.10) and others.Based on these finding, the study recommended that the fashion designers should avoid hunching over asewing machine in order to prevent musculoskeletal pains, they should use suitable table/surfaces in cutting,ironing and sewing clothes as this will reduce fatigue stress and other illness and also they should use antifatigue mats in their fashion homes as it will allow them to move to and fro without getting stressed out.

Transition between preclinical and clinical training: Perception of dental students regarding the adoption of ergonomic principles.

This study aimed to evaluate the perceptions of third-year dental students regarding the application of ergonomic principles in the transition between preclinical and clinical training in Restorative Dentistry. We conducted a qualitative observational cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of forty-six third-year dental students at São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara. Data was collected using an individual interview recorded on a digital voice recorder. A script containing questions related to the process of adaptation of students to clinical care with a view to ergonomic work posture was used. Data analysis was based on the quali-quantitative technique of Discourse of the Collective Subject (DCS), using Qualiquantisoft®. Most students (97.80%) perceived the need for an adaptation period in the transition from the preclinic to the clinic regarding ergonomic posture requirements; a part of them (45.65%) claimed that they still could not adapt, primarily due to the difference between the laboratory and clinic in the workstation (50.00%). Some students suggested longer preclinical training in a clinical environment to facilitate this transition (21.74%). The dental stool (32.60%) and the dental chair (21.74%) were the external factors that contributed most to making this transition difficult. The difficulty of the restorative dentistry procedure (10.87%) also interfered with posture. Additionally, the most challenging ergonomic posture requirements in the transition period were maintaining 30 to 40 cm between the patient's mouth and operator's eyes (45.65%), positioning the patient in the dental chair correctly (15.22%), and working with the elbows close to the body (15.22%). Most students perceived the need for an adaptation period in the preclinical transition to the clinic, attributing difficulties to adopt the ergonomic posture requirements, to use the workstation and to perform the procedures on real patients.

Ergonomics and Undergraduate Dental Students - A Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Study

Background and aim Musculoskeletal disorders are common among dental practitioners reducing their productivity work quality and often leading to early retirement from practice. The application of ergonomic principles will help to reduce these work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore it is critical to teach dental students at the undergraduate level about ergonomic principles. The study aimed to assess the knowledge attitude and practice towards ergonomics among undergraduate dental students.Methods A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 183 undergraduates third years final years and house surgeons using a predesigned self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 25 questions of which 16 questions were related to knowledge five questions were related to attitude and four were related to practice. The data collected were statistically analyzed using SPSS software version 20 and group comparison was done using the Chi-square test.Results Only one-third of the participants had fair knowledge regarding ergonomics. 66 of students showed a positive attitude which shows that students are willing to embrace ergonomic principles in their routine clinical activities. Around 37.1 students demonstrated good practice. Knowledge and practice were found significantly correlated with age and academic year of the students.Conclusion Dental students showed limited knowledge regarding the principles of ergonomics in the present study. Institutions should conduct educational programs to increase awareness about ergonomics and more emphasis should be given to the practical implementation of these in their clinical practice.

APPLYING ERGONOMICS PRINCIPLES IN MANAGING DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS FOR UTILITY SERVICE PROVIDERS

In this study, the application of ergonomics principles in managing development projects for utility service providers (USP) is proposed. Based on the analysis of previous work, the need to increase the efficiency of managing USP development projects through ergonomic resource utilization is determined. The implementation of ergonomics principles that can be applied in the process of realizing an improved method of forming a dynamic organizational structure for managing USP development projects is discussed.

Perception and Knowledge of Dental Ergonomics among Romanian Dental Students

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among leading factors for early retirement of dental practitioners while the application of ergonomic principles is often overlooked during dental education. The article aims to assess the need for dental ergonomics modules as an integrated part of the dental school curriculum and to quantify the significance and role of ergonomics in reducing musculoskeletal stress generated while undergoing dental training. The study design consisted of a three-part original close-ended multiple-choice questionnaire carried out among 75 sixth year students from "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania. Questions focused on the basic knowledge of theoretical ergonomics, the ISO 11226 standard and means of improvement in undergraduate ergonomics training. Most students had an average level of knowledge regarding dental ergonomic principles. Data analysis showed that 62.16% agree that the information received in the second-year dental ergonomics course was helpful in regard to time organization. A high percentage (86%) also understood the correct positioning of the patient while performing dental procedures. Although implementation of ergonomic principles in the early dental training years has a high influence in the prevention of MSDs, students do not fully understand the impact this subject has on their future careers.

Application of Ergonomic Principles on Metal Work Design For Global Utilization in Technical College Classrooms in Rivers State

Application of Ergonomic Principles on Metal Work Design For Global Utilization in Technical College Classrooms in Rivers State

THE RE-DESIGN OF A MARINE ENGINE ROOM SIMULATOR IN CONSIDERATION TO ERGONOMICS DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Simulators can be used as sophisticated, flexible and realistic training tools which are capable of meeting many of the designated functions and tasks. An engine room simulator consists of simulation of various machinery systems in the engine room of a ship. This type of simulator is very significant and compulsory for marine engineering education. Istanbul Technical University Maritime Faculty (ITUMF) obtained a set of full-mission simulator and workstation simulators in 2001. However, it was realized that the ergonomic principles were not applied properly. Therefore it was not possible to generate the real engine room conditions with this simulator due to lack of some operations and displays on the mimic panel. Some of the mimics and displays were not similar to ones on board ship. This situation was negatively affecting the performance of engine room simulator training. And the mimic panel was re-designed and installed in 2006. In this study, the ergonomics principles for designing a mimic panel are determined and the application of ergonomic principles to a mimic panel is explained. The ergonomic gains of applied ergonomics principles are mentioned. Even more the effects on the marine engineering education are stated.

Evaluation of knowledge and application towards ergonomic principles among undergraduate dental students

This study evaluated the knowledge and application of ergonomic principles as well as manifestation of pain by dental students at the Federal University of Maranhão. Forty-four students answered a questionnaire on ergonomic principles. Photographs of the clinical rounds were performed to evaluate the postures adopted, without the students knowing the moment of photographic registration, avoiding that they modified their posture. The relationship between theoretical knowledge and the applicability of ergonomics in dental setting was evaluated. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The Chi-square test analyzed the distribution of categorical variables among the evaluation instruments (α = 5%). Most of the participants adopted a satisfactory posture and presented knowledge about ergonomic postures, however, one can observe the poor positioning of the eyes and spine. 75% of the patients experienced pain in the body, being the spine (61.4%) and neck (40.9%) the most affected sites. The sample evaluated had good knowledge on ergonomic principles, but these were not adopted entirety, which may have led to the onset of pain.

Musculoskeletal Pain – The Neglected Aspect Of Dentistry

Dentists are at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders due to the nature of their work. The key to preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders is dental ergonomics — the science of fitting the work environment to the dentist. Musculoskeletal disorders involve numerous risk factors including prolonged static posture, repetitive movements, suboptimal lighting, poor positioning, genetic predisposition, mental stress, physical conditioning, and age. The key to prevention of musculoskeletal disorders is application of ergonomic principles, training and education, early intervention and healthy lifestyle changes. Key Words: Musculoskeletal disorders, Ergonomics, Dentists, Pain

Safety and Health Programs in Alaska’s Seafood Processing Industry: Interviews with Safety and Health Managers

ABSTRACTBackground: The seafood processing industry is critical to Alaska’s economy and hazardous to workers; however, limited research has addressed workers’ safety and health. Safety and health program management is a decisive factor in preventing fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. We interviewed managers to gain their views on their safety and health programs.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 upper-level managers who oversaw programs for Alaskan worksites. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Qualitative content analysis techniques, including inductive coding, were utilized to explore participants’ experiences and views regarding: management and workers’ roles; hazard control systems; safety and health training; regulatory and economic factors; and programs’ challenges and successes.Results: The 14 participants represented 13 companies that operated 32 onshore plants and 30 vessels with processing capabilities. Participants reported managing programs for an estimated 68% of the Alaskan seafood processing industry’s workforce. Based on participants’ responses, we identified five factors that could be modified to improve safety and health industry-wide: manager training and knowledge sharing; worker training; organizational aspects related to safety culture; application of ergonomic principles; and work hours. Participants reported that fully engaging workers in programs was beneficial.Conclusions: Industry members should more widely share their best practices for protecting workers’ safety and health. Occupational safety and health practitioners and researchers should support the development and evaluation of (a) training for non/limited-English-speaking-workers, (b) ergonomic interventions, and (c) fatigue risk management systems. Future research should engage worksite managers and workers to characterize their safety and health experiences and needs.

The Re-Design of a Marine Engine Room Simulator in Consideration to Ergonomics Design Principles

Simulators can be used as sophisticated, flexible and realistic training tools which are capable of meeting many of the designated functions and tasks. An engine room simulator consists of simulation of various machinery systems in the engine room of a ship. This type of simulator is very significant and compulsory for marine engineering education. Istanbul Technical University Maritime Faculty (ITUMF) obtained a set of full-mission simulator and workstation simulators in 2001. However, it was realized that the ergonomic principles were not applied properly. Therefore it was not possible to generate the real engine room conditions with this simulator due to lack of some operations and displays on the mimic panel. Some of the mimics and displays were not similar to ones on board ship. This situation was negatively affecting the performance of engine room simulator training. And the mimic panel was re-designed and installed in 2006. In this study, the ergonomics principles for designing a mimic panel are determined and the application of ergonomic principles to a mimic panel is explained. The ergonomic gains of applied ergonomics principles are mentioned. Even more the effects on the marine engineering education are stated.

The effect of loupes on neck pain and disability among dental hygienists.

Musculoskeletal disorders represent a significant occupational health issue in dental hygiene, with high prevalence rates documented. Despite this fact, there have been few advancements in the application of ergonomic principles in the dental hygiene profession. While the use of loupes is often promoted as an ergonomic solution, there is little published research to support this claim. The aim of the present study, therefore, was to investigate the effect of the use of loupes on neck pain and disability in dental hygienists. The study was conducted using an exploratory pre-test post-test design, comparing musculoskeletal measures in dental hygienists wearing loupes with final year dental hygiene students who do not wear loupes. Pre- and post-test measures included the Neck Pain and Disability Scale and a standardised physical assessment using previously validated measures. Statistical analysis was conducted as a series of mixed ANOVAs with time and treatment as the independent variables. While the analyses revealed no significant interactions between time and treatment (p < 0.05), there were general trends of improvement or deterioration for outcome measures. Improvements over time were noted in the treatment group for cervical range of motion and deep neck muscle endurance; however deteriorations were noted for forward head posture and cervical kinaesthetic sense. Overall, despite no statistically significant differences being detected, this study suggests that wearing loupes appears to have both positive and negative outcomes with regards to physical well-being. As such, further studies are required to more precisely determine the effects of loupes on MSD among dental hygienists, particularly long-term. Dental hygienists with existing neck pain exploring ergonomic equipment may reflect on the findings and consider the potential benefits and risks of wearing loupes.

Ergonomics in Work Method to Improve Construction Labor Productivity

Productivity is an important issue in the construction industry. It is directly related to the construction cost and duration of the work. Construction productivity is influenced by many factors, such as material, equipment and labor. Labor is the most important factor, since labor determines how the work is done. Labor productivity is influenced by the work methods, physical fatigue, work environment, capability, and complexity of the work. To improve labor productivity due to the work method, application of the principle of ergonomics is important to consider. This research was held in Yogyakarta included 10 construction projects and involve 30 labor of brick masonry work, 22 labor of ceramic instalation, and 24 labor of wall painting work. The application of ergonomics principles in the masonry work, plaster work, ceramic installation, and wall painting work show an increase in labor productivity by 28.49%, 16.22%, 21.47%, and 26.18% respectively. Compared with the National Standards of Indonesia (NSI) these productivity per job are higher by 10.34%, 57.89%, 12.72%, and 33.33%.

Reducing ergonomic injuries for librarians using a participatory approach

This study utilized a participatory ergonomics approach to examine the ergonomic hazards and reduce musculoskeletal symptoms for librarians in the East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library. A variety of research activities were conducted, including: ergonomics training and tests, observations, work environment and health questionnaires, and focus group discussions. A total of 39 employees from 9 different divisions in the Library participated in the study. The results of pre- and post-training ergonomics knowledge tests indicate significant improvement of librarians' understanding of ergonomics principles. The questionnaire responses for both 2-month-post- and 8-month-post- ergonomics training compared against those before the training have shown positive improvements in ratings of the presence and severity of a majority of the musculoskeletal symptoms, the design of computer workstations and manual material handling tasks, as well as perceived control over the work environment. With the identification of ergonomic hazards through RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) and REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) observations as well as focus group discussions, the study findings accomplished the project's overall objective of assisting librarians with improvement of ergonomics in the workplace. The results of this study provide a necessary foundation for future long-term study of participatory ergonomics to reduce musculoskeletal injuries and disorders for librarians. Relevance to industryLibrary work entails prolonged use of computers and other electronic tools, as well as repetitive handling of books, boxes, and other materials, which has exposed librarians to a significant risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. A participatory ergonomics approach might be effective in improving librarians’ understanding and application of ergonomics principles, and subsequently reducing musculoskeletal symptoms.

Corporate Ergonomics Programs: Identifying Value through a Company Award Process

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS The application of ergonomics principles can reduce the number, severity, and costs of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Increasingly, academic and practitioner research demonstrates that ergonomic improvements also contribute to manufacturing operating efficiency and a company's profitability. This article examines whether it is possible to identify business benefits achieved through ergonomics interventions via an ergonomics award process. The projects, conducted independently at numerous manufacturing locations and submitted to a global company's internal ergonomics award process, were reviewed for effect upon both work-related musculoskeletal disorders and operational efficiency. The results suggest the award process was successful in gathering relevant information about the projects, and that a macroergonomics program methodology along with a participatory approach supported successful results. A cost-benefit estimation showed positive effects in operational efficiency and work-related musculoskeletal disorders reduction. Possible improvements to the award submission process were identified.TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: As documented by academics and practitioners, and generally accepted by the popular media, application of ergonomics principles can reduce the number, severity, and costs of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Research increasingly demonstrates that ergonomic improvements also contribute to manufacturing operating efficiency and a company's profitability. Purpose: To expand the body of practitioner-based knowledge related to the benefits that may be realized through implementing an ergonomics program in industry, focusing on the physical aspects of work. Specifically considered is the importance of a macroergonomic, company-wide process to define how risk assessments are conducted, how interventions are chosen and measured, and how results are summarized. Method: Eighteen case studies, selected from among 166 submitted to a global manufacturing company's internal ergonomics award process were reviewed. Results: A macroergonomics program methodology, in combination with a participatory approach, supported success in terms of reduced work-related musculoskeletal disorder risk and operational efficiency. Specifically, information about how projects were identified and who participated as team members demonstrates the importance of a participatory approach to achieve positive results. Conclusion: The case study results, based upon a practitioner perspective, suggest that operational efficiency and work-related musculoskeletal disorder reduction are often both improved by ergonomic interventions in the workplace, which is consistent with similar findings in earlier research. However, requiring more specific and standardized cost and benefit information in an award submission process is likely to provide more complete information about project results in a manner of value to practitioners, academia, and business. A future challenge is to gain more specific information in a manner that does not significantly add to the workload of individuals leading the projects who, in these case studies, have many responsibilities beyond ergonomics. A collaborative effort between practitioners and researchers to create and test such a method would be of value to both.

Necessity of Radiography in Young Adults presenting with Low Back Pain of Short Duration

Background and Objectives: The occurrence of low back pain of short duration and without positive clinical findings is high. 15% and 30% of the population suffer from this condition. Young working adults are most commonly affected by this condition. Aim of this study is to assess the necessity of plain radiography of lumbosacral spine in diagnosing and treating young patients presenting in Orthopaedic outpatient department with low back pain of short duration without history of trauma and no positive clinical findings. Methods: We prospectively studied 500 young patients of age between 25 to 40 years presenting with low back pain of less than 3 months duration without any history of trauma and no positive clinical finding. We excluded patients with history of trauma, fever, patients with radiating pain, neurodeficit, Patients with bladder/bowel complaints and Patients with any other systemic disorder. All these patients received standard treatment in the form of short term medication, postural training and application of ergonomic principles while working. Results: 64% of the patients recovered fully within 2 weeks of treatment. 36% of the patients were not relieved hence Lumbosacral spine radiographs were performed after 2 weeks of treatment. Positive findings on radiographs were early degenerative changes and loss of lumbar lordosis due to para-spinal muscle spasm, seen in 9.7%of the patients in whom radiographs were performed. These radiographic changes were not indicative of different modality of treatment, hence we continued the same treatment and further31% of the patients were recovered fully after 4 weeks of treatment. Interpretation and Conclusions: Performing lumbo-sacral radiographs does not have any influence on treatment or outcome in young patients presenting with low back pain of less than 3 months duration without any history of trauma and no positive clinical finding. Key words: Low back pain, Lumbosacral spine radiograph

The effect of wearing loupes on upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among dental hygienists

It is well established that musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are a significant occupational health issue for dentists and hygienists. Despite this, there has been little advancement in the application of ergonomic principles in the dental profession. While the use of loupes is often promoted as an ergonomic solution, there is little published research to robustly support this claim. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the use of loupes on upper extremity MSD among dental hygienists. The study was conducted using an exploratory pretest and post-test design, comparing musculoskeletal measures in practising dental hygienists wearing loupes with final-year dental hygiene students who did not wear loupes. Pre- and post-test measures included valid self-reported and objective outcome measures and were measured at baseline and 6 months following the intervention. Statistical analysis was conducted as a series of mixed anovas with time and treatment as the independent variables. The analysis revealed a significant interaction between time and treatment for the Disabilities of the Shoulder, Arm and Hand (DASH) scores (P < 0.04), indicating an improvement in symptoms for the treatment group but a reversed trend for the controls. There was also a significant mean increase in scapular position measures; however, this finding was evident in both groups, indicating that these were not a result of the intervention. Overall, this study suggests that wearing loupes appears to have both positive and negative effects on upper extremity MSD among dental hygienists. Ongoing research is required to determine the long-term effects of loupes wear, over an extended period of time.

Application of Ergonomics Principles in the Packaging Machinery Design

Ergonomically sound packaging machinery offers several efficiency-enhancing benefits, including reduced operating costs by avoiding work-related injury. This article discusses the common ergonomic injuries in packaging line, the risk factors for ergonomic hazards, and the ergonomic principles applied to the design of packaging machinery.