Ergonomics Awareness Research Articles

Exploring the Influence of Clinical and Classroom Training on Advocacy for Safe Patient Handling Practices Among Student Physical Therapists

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEOver the last 20 years in the USA, concerns regarding safe patient handling (SPH) have received increased attention among health professionals performing patient handling tasks.1,2 Olkowski and Stolfi3 recently surveyed 192 acute care physical therapists (PTs) and found that 91.1% of those who responded to the survey are trained to use SPH equipment and practices and have positive perceptions regarding SPH. SPH can be defined as the judicious use of assistive technology (eg, electro-mechanical equipment and lift-assist devices), ergonomic principles, and other resources (eg, lift teams) to maximize patient and caregiver safety for patient handling tasks such as lifts, transfers, and repositioning.1 In contrast, traditional nontherapeutic patient handling tasks for lifts and transfers have been performed manually by health care providers with a foremost emphasis on use of sound body mechanics. A recent systematic review of occupational musculoskeletal injuries in the health care environment found that patient handling was the most common occupational factor in the cause of work-related injuries among PTs and nursing practitioners. Lifting and transfer of patients was the largest reported occupational cause of practitioner injuries.4 Campo and colleagues5 found a 1-year incidence rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) of 20.7% among PTs in the US and noted that many of these injuries were due to patient handling tasks. Darragh and colleagues6 surveyed 1,158 occupational therapists (OTs) and PTs in Wisconsin and found that patient transfers and lifts were associated with 58% of all injuries reported.Using a phenomenological approach to explore the meaning of work-related pain in PTs and OTs, Campo and Darragh7 noted that all therapists were concerned about their potential clinical longevity due to work-related pain. Such injuries may also occur during physical therapist education, as Nyland and Grimmer8 found that physiotherapy students' risk of low back pain increased progressively with the year of study. WMSDs have serious consequences to clinicians, employers, and the health care system as a whole. As many as 1 in 6 PTs have reportedly changed professions as a result of a WMSD injury.9 In addition, employers and insurance companies are left to deal with significant direct and indirect costs due to work-related injuries that totaled $194 billion in 2007.'° Worker's compensation covers less than 25% of these costs, leaving the burden shared through all members of society and contributing significantly to the cost of health care.10Use of assistive technology and biomechanically sound lifting and transfer techniques, principles of SPH practice, have been shown to reduce both the rate of injury and the economic burden associated with lifting injuries.11'14 Although SPH techniques are often taught in health professions classrooms, a discrepancy between education and clinical practice appears to persist.15'18 Students found clinical settings were not frequently supportive of SPH techniques.16'21 For example, Green19 asked nursing students to reflect on their performance of SPH practices throughout their clinical experiences and found that allowing students to develop a heightened sense of awareness through reflection on action enabled them to establish personal attitudes and the subsequent assertiveness to utilize SPH techniques. This type of reinforcement early in the education process is vital to protect students, as evidence shows that WMSDs are most frequent and significant within a PTs initial 4-5 years of work.22'24Perhaps a dynamic, multi-disciplinary approach to promoting a safer work environment for health care workers could be most effective in changing SPH attitudes. Geiger25 examined the combined efforts of Israeli ergonomists and direct health care providers with regard to a safe patient handling and movement program spearheaded by physical therapists. Short-term outcomes included improved hospital-wide awareness of ergonomics, patient safety equipment, and a need for additional safety equipment. …

Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dentists and Application of DMAIC Technique to Improve the Ergonomics at Dental Clinics and Meta-Analysis of Literature.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) result in discomfort, pain and illness that can result in disruption or impairment of dental practice. A cross-sectional study consisting of 60 dentists was carried out to determine musculoskeletal work related pain in major cities of Northern India. The study was planned in two phases. In the first phase, the subjects were given questionnaire related to the musculoskeletal pain happened over the last twelve months. In the second phase of study, improvement was carried out by recommending the subjects to implement ergonomics at their workplace. After three months subjects were again approached and given questionnaire about the musculoskeletal disorders. DMAIC (define, measure, analyse, improve and control) methodology of six sigma strategy was used to access the MSDs. Chi-square test was used for the analysis and a p-value of less than or equal to 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of musculoskeletal problems in the present study was found to be 68.3%. After three months only 23 respondents applied ergonomics at their work place, prevalence of pain was reduced in neck from 47.8% to 21.7% out of total 23 respondents, shoulder pain 39.1% to 17.3%, pain in elbows from 26% to 21.7%, as well as in other locomotor organs. The p-value was significant with p <0.05. MSD represents a major occupational health issue for dentists in India as well as worldwide and result revealed necessitates the need of workshops to create awareness of ergonomics as effective measures for reducing MSD among dentists.

THE INFLUENCE OF ERGONOMICS PARAMETERS ON READY-MADE GARMENTS INDUSTRY AN ANALYTICAL RESEARCH

Abstract The research shed lights on analysis the parameters of ergonomics relevant to the attributes of [cognitive, Engineering and technology] whichcontribute on improving the RMGI working system through fitting the integration between human/labor characteristics with his task, tools /machine and the industrial RMG environment. Research methodology depends on analyzing the parameters of ergonomics relevant to the identification challenges of RMGI. So, our paper is going to highlight the substantial related searches to ergonomics and one of its applications in the field of RMGI. Thus, the recent increase in research activity in this area and the positive results encourage the future development of such ergonomics intervention programs in the RMGI. The conclusions highlight the need to carry out intervention programs with its respect to ergonomics parameters to achieve optimization of work systems. The profession’s goals are related to humanization the RMGI, thus building ergonomics awareness is certainly the first phase of the ergonomic process. Keby Words:Apparel Manufacture, Ergonomic Practices, Norms of Clothing Industry and Ergonomics Solutions.

Making the Unaware Aware: Surface Electromyography to Unmask Tension and Teach Awareness

Poor awareness of covert low-level muscle tension and poor ergonomics can result in chronic muscle bracing and the development of clinical symptoms. This article introduces a simple exercise to teach awareness and control of residual muscle contraction, presents evidence of its effectiveness, and concludes with a case study in which this exercise contributed to the treatment of severe pelvic girdle pain. The authors warn against becoming “captured” by tasks and adjusting to bad ergonomics, and emphasize the importance of enhancing somatic awareness to correct dysponesis before it results in pain and disability.

From the Editor

The cover of this issue of Biofeedback shows a neurofeedback session at the University of North Texas (UNT) in Denton. The photo was chosen for two reasons. The session illustrates the case described by Cara Guziak and Julia Smith in an article on anxiety misdiagnosed as dementia. The photo also serves as a tribute to Dr. Eugenia Bodenheimer-Davis, who has skillfully guided so many students into the field of neurofeedback. Dr. Bodenheimer-Davis has now retired, and her UNT lab, where Guziak and Smith conducted their research, is closing. Both Genie and the lab have contributed decades of service to the field of biofeedback.Cynthia Kerson, a Board member of the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR) Research Foundation, begins a two-part series in this issue about the foundations that support research and education in biofeedback and neurofeedback. In this first article, she interviews David Trudeau, the president of the ISNR Foundation. In the interview, Trudeau describes trends in current research in neurofeedback, the challenges in obtaining funding for neurofeedback research, and the role of the ISNR Research Foundation.Judy Crawford and Fred Shaffer provide an update on the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA). They quote a line from a Bob Dylan song, “He not busy being born is busy dying.” BCIA is busy growing and renewing itself through growth of an international BCIA affiliate in Australia, increases in international certifications, and streamlined certification and recertification requirements worldwide.Cara Guziak and Julia Smith provide a case study of “J. C.,” a 63-year-old woman referred with a diagnosis of dementia after difficulties locating her new office building. The authors describe a thorough assessment including psychometric testing as well as a Test of Variable Attention (TOVA) and a quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG). The assessment documented measurable anxiety, depression, hopelessness, sleep disturbance, and impulsivity, as well as a QEEG pattern typical of persons with heightened anxiety but with additional markers possibly reflective of dementia and/or medication effects. Their intervention included counseling, training in diaphragmatic breathing, heart rate variability training, and neurofeedback. J. C. improved with treatment, showing improved cognitive function, enhanced sleep, and improved scores on anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. Both the TOVA and the QEEG showed normalization. This case study shows the positive role for biofeedback and neurofeedback for some patients with apparent dementia.Erik Peper, Annette Booiman, I-Mei Lin, and Fredric Shaffer provide an article on the use of surface electromyography biofeedback to teach muscle awareness and reduce chronic muscle contraction. The authors observe that poor awareness of low-level muscle tension and poor ergonomics contribute to muscle bracing and the development of musculoskeletal symptoms, including pain. They describe a research study with a sample of 34 physical therapists, which conducted an initial assessment of muscle awareness and then utilized visual feedback of muscle activity to train muscle awareness and control. The participants, who were physical therapists educated in muscle kinesiology, were surprised at the extent of their muscle awareness on the initial task. The article closed with a brief case study showing the usefulness of muscle awareness training in a woman with severe pelvic girdle pain.Rafal Stzembis, a cardiologist in Poland, and Donald Moss contribute an article showing the role of biofeedback in the clinical practice of cardiology. Increasing attention is being given to psychological factors, including depression, anxiety, and stress, as important factors that influence progression of heart disease. Sztembis conducted a study in a Polish hospital-based cardiology unit, utilizing a Psychophysiological Stress Profile to assess patients after myocardial infarction. The researchers identified patients who could implement diaphragmatic breathing practice at home and others who required more extensive biofeedback training. The authors call for further research to document improved medical and psychological outcomes using this model.Elizabeth Bigham, Lauren McDannel, Isabel Luciano, and Guadalupe Salgado-Lopez contribute an article reporting a study measuring the impact of a guided imagery intervention on perceived stress. The researchers studied 29 participants and administered a symptom checklist and a biofeedback assessment of heart rate and heart rate variability coherence levels before and after an intervention. Their intervention consisted of a guided imagery script of a beach scene. Their postintervention assessment documented significant reductions in emotional symptoms and in heart rate and a correlation between symptom reduction and heart rate reduction.Daniel Rapport provides a review of a new book by Angele McGrady and Donald Moss, Pathways to Illness, Pathways to Health (Springer, 2013). The book provides a stepwise program for integrating self-directed life style and health behavior changes and the acquisition of self-regulation skills, with professional treatment interventions to address a wide variety of medical and emotional disorders. Each chapter is illustrated with a case study applying the Pathways approach to treatment of a specific disorder. Rapport recommends the Pathways book for beginners and experienced clinicians alike.

Computer use and vision-related problems among university students in ajman, United arab emirate.

Background:The extensive use of computers as medium of teaching and learning in universities necessitates introspection into the extent of computer related health disorders among student population.Aim:This study was undertaken to assess the pattern of computer usage and related visual problems, among University students in Ajman, United Arab Emirates.Materials and Methods:A total of 500 Students studying in Gulf Medical University, Ajman and Ajman University of Science and Technology were recruited into this study. Demographic characteristics, pattern of usage of computers and associated visual symptoms were recorded in a validated self-administered questionnaire. Chi-square test was used to determine the significance of the observed differences between the variables. The level of statistical significance was at P < 0.05. The crude odds ratio (OR) was determined using simple binary logistic regression and adjusted OR was calculated using the multiple logistic regression.Results:The mean age of participants was 20.4 (3.2) years. The analysis of racial data reveals that 50% (236/471) students were from Middle East, 32% (151/471) from other parts of Asia, 11% (52/471) from Africa, 4% (19/471) from America and 3% (14/471) from Europe. The most common visual problems reported among computer users were headache - 53.3% (251/471), burning sensation in the eyes - 54.8% (258/471) and tired eyes - 48% (226/471). Female students were found to be at a higher risk. Nearly 72% of students reported frequent interruption of computer work. Headache caused interruption of work in 43.85% (110/168) of the students while tired eyes caused interruption of work in 43.5% (98/168) of the students. When the screen was viewed at distance more than 50 cm, the prevalence of headaches decreased by 38% (50-100 cm – OR: 0.62, 95% of the confidence interval [CI]: 0.42-0.92). Prevalence of tired eyes increased by 89% when screen filters were not used (OR: 1.894, 95% CI: 1.065-3.368).Conclusion:High prevalence of vision related problems was noted among university students. Sustained periods of close screen work without screen filters were found to be associated with occurrence of the symptoms and increased interruptions of work of the students. There is a need to increase the ergonomic awareness among students and corrective measures need to be implemented to reduce the impact of computer related vision problems.

Evaluation of work Posture by RULA and REBA: A Case Study

The common occupational problem of the workers is musculoskeletal disorders in India. Currently the work is being carried out manually in most of the small scale industries therefore the issues of work related musculoskeletal disorders and injury in different body sites are of top priority. Postural analysis tool using Rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) and Rapid entire body assessment (REBA) were applied for assessment which indicates that the workers are working above the secure limit. This ergonomic study sheds light on posture analysis of the workers in small scale industry. The study was conducted on 15 workers engaged in small scale industry situated at MIDC Wardha (Maharashtra, India). Video tape on different activities of the workers was prepared and then images were cropped from it for the analysis. This study presents assessment of work posture of workers engaged in different activities of small scale industry. Evaluation of posture was carried out using RULA and REBA. Assessment is carried out using worksheet. The RULA method determined that the majority of the workers were under high risk levels and required immediate change. The REBA method determined that some of the workers were under lower levels and majority at high risk levels. Hence it was concluded that; there is a lack of ergonomics awareness and understanding in small scale industries. Evaluation using postural analysis by RULA and REBA indicates that the workers are working above the secure limit. The major percentage of the workers having awkward postures. Thus the workers are under moderate to high risk of Musculoskeletal disorders.

Effectiveness of Ergonomics Awareness Training Programme in Minimizing the Ergonomic Risk Factors in Dental Surgeons

The professional work usually carried out by the dental surgeons results in developing ergonomic risk factors such as forward bends and rotated positions of the body while handling variety of tools. The successful application of ergonomics assures high productivity, avoidance of illnesses and injuries and increased satisfaction among dental surgeons. The study was carried out to find the effectiveness of ergonomics awareness training programme in minimizing the ergonomic risk factors in dental surgeons. For this purpose, one hundred and thirty dental surgeons among post graduate dental students, faculty members and private practitioners from in and around Mangalore city, Southern Karnataka District, India, with more than one year of experience were selected by using non-probability convenience sampling method. A six week of ergonomics awareness training programme for selected dental surgeons was developed and imparted during the training. In order to determine the effectiveness of ergonomics awareness training programme, a pre-tested structured dental work station observation check list was used. The result indicates that, mean post-test scores of manual material handling (0.23), physical energy demands (0.18), instruments (0.00), environment (0.00) and other musculoskeletal demands (1.35) were lower than the mean pre-test scores i.e., 1.98, 1.95, 0.14, 0.01 and 7.53 respectively. Based on the results of the study we conclude that, ergonomics awareness training programme will be effective in minimizing the ergonomic risk factors in dental surgeons. Key words: Ergonomics awareness; Ergonomic risk factors; Dental surgeons; Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs)

Investigation on Ergonomics Awareness among Video Display Unit Users - A Case Study among Office Workers in UPNM

Office ergonomics has been emphasized in many industries and organizations. Health problems such as musculoskeletal disorders and repetitive syndrome injuries are commonly reported by office workers worldwide. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of awareness and understanding of ergonomics among a local institute of higher learning office workers who use computers every day in their work. Secondly is to identify suitable ergonomics intervention programs for the workers. Survey questionnaires were developed as online survey and the link was emailed to all staff. However, questionnaire in hardcopies were also prepared and manually distributed to all the different departments in UPNM such as the Registrar, Bursary, HEPA, Library, Publisher, as well as Centres and Faculties. The number respondents were 50 out of 120 staffs and 62% of the respondents were female. Questionnaires were divided into sections to get information on the demographic background, to evaluate the level of awareness regarding ergonomics, to determine ergonomics trainings or exposures experienced, to investigate any problems related to health problems or discomfort and workstations as well as physiological and psychological complaints. The hyphothesis that the Universitys workers have very little knowledge regarding office ergonomics and yet some of them have already experience work-related musculoskeletal disorders was found to be true. The result shows that the current level of ergonomics awareness in UPNM could be considered as at the beginner level. Fifty six presents of the respondents in the first instance relate ergonomics to health, back pain and work-related injuries separately. More than 50% reported moderate pain and soreness at various parts of their body. Therefore, the next step of ergonomics intervention that could be introduced is to educate them through educational tools and expert talks.

Assessment of Oil Palm Fresh Fruit Bunches Harvesters Working Postures Using Reba

Ergonomics has plays an important role to improve occupational health and work productivity in most industries in Malaysia including agriculture. However, most of the workers in Malaysia especially in oil palm plantation do not highlight ergonomics awareness as priority for their safety and health. They still using manual tools and consequently exposed to ergonomics risk factors. The objective of this study is to evaluate working postures during harvesting oil palm fresh fruit bunches. The Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) is used to evaluate risks working postures and movements corresponding to the tasks. From the analysis, it is revealed that most of the oil palm workers were affected by musculoskeletal disorders especially on left and right hand side. Immediate action such as conduct ergonomics training for the workers must be taken to solve this ergonomic problem.

Musculoskeletal symptoms amongst clinical radiologists and the implications of reporting environment ergonomics--a multicentre questionnaire study.

This multicentre study aimed to assess compliance of the reporting environment with best ergonomic practice and to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms related to working as a radiologist. All 148 radiology trainees and consultants in 10 hospitals across the region were invited to complete a musculoskeletal symptoms and reporting ergonomics questionnaire. Best ergonomic reporting practice was defined, following literature review, as being able to alter the following: monitor, desk, chair and armrest height, chair back support, ambient light, and temperature. The frequency that these facilities were available and how often they were used was determined. One hundred and twenty-three out of 148 (83%) radiologists responded, and 38% reported radiology-associated occupational injury. Lower back discomfort was the commonest radiology associated musculoskeletal symptom (41%). Only 13% of those with occupational injury sought the advice of occupational health. No reporting environments conformed completely to best ergonomic practice. Where certain facilities were available, less than a third of radiologists made personal ergonomic adjustments prior to starting a reporting session. Radiologists who had good self-assessed knowledge of best ergonomic practice had significantly less back discomfort than those with poor self-assessed knowledge (P < 0.005). We demonstrated high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms amongst radiologists. Poor compliance of the reporting environment with best ergonomic practice, in combination with our other findings of a low level of ergonomic awareness, low rates of making ergonomic adjustments and seeking appropriate help, may be implicated. We hope this study raises awareness of this issue and helps prevent long-term occupational injury amongst radiologists from poor ergonomic practice.

Ergonomics in the Operating Room: Protecting the Surgeon

Study ObjectiveTo review elements of an ergonomic operating room environment and describe common ergonomic errors in surgeon posture during laparoscopic and robotic surgery. DesignDescriptive video based on clinical experience and a review of the literature (Canadian Task Force classification III). SettingCommunity teaching hospital affiliated with a major teaching hospital. Subjects/AudienceGynecologic surgeons. InterventionDemonstration of surgical ergonomic principles and common errors in surgical ergonomics by a physical therapist and surgeon. Measurements and Main ResultsThe physical nature of surgery necessitates awareness of ergonomic principles. The literature has identified ergonomic awareness to be grossly lacking among practicing surgeons, and video has not been documented as a teaching tool for this population. Taking this into account, we created a video that demonstrates proper positioning of monitors and equipment, and incorrect and correct ergonomic positions during surgery. Also presented are 3 common ergonomic errors in surgeon posture: forward head position, improper shoulder elevation, and pelvic girdle asymmetry. Postural reset and motion strategies are demonstrated to help the surgeon learn techniques to counterbalance the sustained and awkward positions common during surgery that lead to muscle fatigue, pain, and degenerative changes. ConclusionCorrect ergonomics is a learned and practiced behavior. We believe that video is a useful way to facilitate improvement in ergonomic behaviors. We suggest that consideration of operating room setup, proper posture, and practice of postural resets are necessary components for a longer, healthier, and pain-free surgical career.

AWARENESS OF ERGONOMICS AMONG THE PHYSIOTHERAPY AND MEDICAL STUDENTS

BACKGROUND Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with understanding of the interaction among humans and other elements of a system. Thus, ergonomics attempts to always ‘fit the job to the man’ having realized the limitations and capabilities of man. The main aim of ergonomics is to reduce the on job risk of injury as well is to improve the productivity which benefits the organization. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to reduce risk of injury to make job easier and ultimately increasing the productivity to the benefits of organization and community. STUDY DESIGN Cross sectional survey. STUDY SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS 300 participants from different physical therapy and medical colleges. INTERVENTIONS Self administered questionnaire. RESULTS It was observed that only 28.67% were aware of the word Ergonomics but 82% of admitted to have knowledge of body posture and productivity in whole sample size. It was noted that 85.33% considered that maintaining body posture can prevent musculoskeletal disorders while on the other hand 14.67% thought that it improves body outlook. 72.33% people admitted to have musculoskeletal problem where 27.67% people replied negatively and different specific tasks contribute to discomfort in posture hence affecting generalized body and the efficiency of work. CONCLUSION It is concluded that level of ergonomics awareness is very low in Pakistan among professional students’ e.g. medical and physiotherapy students. This low level of ergonomics awareness is due to the fact that they were not conversant with the benefits derivable of ergonomics.

Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorder: As an Occupational Hazard in Dentistry

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are commonly experienced in dentistry. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of ergonomics and MSDs among dental professionals. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 170 dentists of different specialties. The questionnaire gathered information regarding demographic details, MSDs, work duration, working status, awareness of ergonomics, etc. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 15.0. Student's t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used for comparison in mean scores. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the independent variables that significantly influenced the variance in the dependent variable (pain). It was found that 73.9% of the participants reported musculoskeletal pain and most common painful sites were neck and back. More than half of the participants, i.e. 232 (59.3%) were aware of correct ergonomic posture regarding dental. Almost percentage of pain increased significantly with increase in age and working time. Among all specialties, prosthodontics were found to have more prevalence of MSDs. The appearance of musculoskeletal symptoms among dental professionals was quite common. It suggested that ergonomics should be covered in the educational system to reduce risks to dental practitioners.

Current practice of laptop computer and related health problems: A survey based on ergonomics.

Background: In recent years, laptop computers were popular among college students for the purpose of education as well as recreation. Aims & Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the current practice of Laptop computer and computer related health problems among college students, based on ergonomics. Material and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted over a three month timeframe, from April to June, 2013 in tertiary care hospital and teaching medical college. We included 100 students with age group 22-28 years, using laptop computer. Pre-designed and content validated, self-reporting questionnaire was used for data collection. Student’s refusal for participation and incomplete questionnaire were excluded in the study. Results: Current practice of laptop’s usage was ergonomically improper. Prolonged usage in improper posture has created various musculoskeletal problems among medical students. Conclusion: Current practice of laptop’s usage exposes students to prolonged poor postures which leads to various musculoskeletal problems. There is a need to increase the awareness of ergonomics to improve the current practice of laptop’s usage and to minimize health problems among students.

Assessment of Knowledge of Ergonomics among Information Technology Professionals in India

Background: Ergonomics is the scientific study of human work. The objective of ergonomics is to obtain an effective match between the user and work station to improve working efficiency, health, safety, comfort and easiness to use. Ergonomics is a relatively new concept in India yet to be considered an essential component of most enterprises. Objectives: To assess the Computer usage and Knowledge of Ergonomics among Information Technology professionals working in Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods: In this Cross-sectional study, 154 Information Technology with at least 1 year of experience were recruited using convenience sampling technique. After obtaining Informed consent, Data regarding Personal characteristics, Computer Usage and Knowledgeof Ergonomics were collected by face to face interview method using a valid, reliable and pretested Questionnaire. The Ergonomic awareness section of the Questionnaire composed of 35 items related to Knowledge about Musculoskeletal disorders and its risk factors, Working Postures, Seating, Keyboard/Mouse, Monitor, Table and Accessories and finally Rest breaks and Exercises. Results: Majority of the subjects are unaware of Cumulative Trauma Disorders (7% - Correct responses), Goals of Ergonomics (25% - Correct responses), Sign & Symptoms (35% - Correct responses) & Risk factors (30% - Correct responses) of MSDs. With respect to Working Postures, Majority were unaware of Healthy Postures related to Elbow (25% - Correct responses) and Feet (47% - Correct responses). Majority of the subjects are aware of Correct Position (87% - Correct responses) & Distance (90% - Correct responses) of Monitor Placement. 52% of the subjects are unaware of the Use and Placement of Document holder and 61% of the subjects are unaware of Mini breaks. Conclusion: This study highlighted the awareness of ergonomics among Information Technology professionals and emphasize the need for ergonomic training programme to promote the awareness about Musculoskeletal disorders and the healthy postures.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Farmers of Kanpur-Rural, India

Background: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are prevalent and the impact is pervasive across a wide spectrum of occupations, as is evident from numerous studies conducted across the globe. However, there are very few studies that document the prevalence of MSDs in India, and there are hardly any studies that focus on the country’s farming community, which constitutes more than 58 percent of the Indian work force. Thus in the present study an attempt has been made to analyze the prevalence of MSDs in farmers of Kanpur-Rural, India. Methods: A sample of 300 farmers of Kanpur rural district, aged between 20-70 years, was selected. Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire to measure the musculoskeletal disorders was given to all the farmers. Results: Descriptive analysis of data identified four most common musculoskeletal disorders affecting the farmers of Kanpur-Rural: lower back pain (60%); knee pain (39%), shoulder pain (22%), and neck pain (10%); and a higher percentage of respondents indicated chronic affection persisting nearly a year as compared to those who were afflicted for around a week. Conclusion: Finding of the present study shows that yearly prevalence of MSDs in farmers of Kanpur-Rural, India is alarmingly high and it suggests that nearly 60 percent of Indian cultivators could be afflicted by this disease, which urgently needs to be corroborated by similar studies at the national level. Low back pain is the most prevalent type of MSDs affecting the famers. Knee, shoulder and neck pain are other important MSDs affecting farmers in the study area. Observations made during the present study suggest that poor postures and lack of ergonomic awareness in the farming community are the two principal causative factors contributing to the development of MSDs.

Sit–stand desks in call centres: Associations of use and ergonomics awareness with sedentary behavior

ObjectiveTo investigate whether or not use of sit–stand desks and awareness of the importance of postural variation and breaks are associated with the pattern of sedentary behavior in office workers. MethodThe data came from a cross-sectional observation study of Swedish call centre workers. Inclinometers recorded ‘seated’ or ‘standing/walking’ episodes of 131 operators over a full work shift. Differences in sedentary behavior based on desk type and awareness of the importance of posture variation and breaks were assessed by non-parametric analyses. Results90 (68.7%) operators worked at a sit–stand desk. Working at a sit–stand desk, as opposed to a sit desk, was associated with less time seated (78.5 vs 83.8%, p = 0.010), and less time taken to accumulate 5 min of standing/walking (36.2 vs 46.3 min, p = 0.022), but no significant difference to sitting episode length or the number of switches between sitting and standing/walking per hour. Ergonomics awareness was not associated with any sedentary pattern variable among those using a sit–stand desk. ConclusionUse of sit–stand desks was associated with better sedentary behavior in call centre workers, however ergonomics awareness did not enhance the effect.

Ergonomics Collaboration in the Oil and Gas Industry in Southeast Asia

Global workplaces and multinational organizations in the oil and gas industry have created an environment in which human factors/ergonomics professionals collaborate to solve office ergonomics and process control design problems for clients. The demand for ergonomics expertise is growing, but the supply of certified ergonomists is limited. The situation is acute in Southeast Asia (SEA), given the lack of ergonomics awareness, training, and certification. We present three challenges that required ergonomics interventions and collaboration among ergonomists. Two of the projects involved multinational companies operating in SEA and one, a national company with global operations.

30 Years of Ergonomics at 3M: A Case Study

The added value of the Ergonomics Program at 3M was found to be improved employee safety, compliance with regulations and reduction of work-related illness, increases in productivity, and quality and operating efficiency. This paper describes the thirty years of existence of this program. For the first twenty years, the program objectives were to: respond to requests for assistance related to work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) concerns, raise employee awareness of MSDs and ergonomics; educate engineers in ergonomics design; and develop ergonomics teams at manufacturing locations. Since the year 2000, 3M's Ergonomics Program has been in transition from a US-centric and corporate-based technical-expertled program to a global program applying participatory ergonomics strategies within a macroergonomics framework. During that transition, the existing program requirements were revised, new methods and program tools were created, and expectations for implementation at the manufacturing locations clarified. This paper focuses on the company's manufacturing ergonomics program activities during the past ten years and includes specifics of the program's objectives, risk assessment reduction process, and ergonomics technical expertise development. The main benefit achieved throughout the company is reducing employee injury while also increasing productivity and operating efficiency.