Awkward Work Postures Research Articles

Effects of movement impairment based treatment in the management of mechanical neck pain

BackgroundNeck pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint in computer users due to prolonged static or awkward work postures. It has been shown that pathogenesis of neck pain is associated with scapular movement impairment syndromes. However, there is a dearth of literature in treatment based on these syndromes. AimTo identify the effects of movement impairment-based treatment in the management of mechanical neck pain, in computer users. MethodsIn the present study, twenty-seven subjects were recruited. Based on the identified scapular impairment syndrome, they were trained with scapular movement impairment-based exercises for four weeks. Pain, disability and cervical range of motion were measured with numeric pain rating scale, neck disability index and inclinometer, respectively, at baseline and at four weeks. ResultsTwenty-one subjects completed the study. After four weeks, a significant difference of 4.81 points for numeric pain rating scale and 24.47% for neck disability index at 95% CI were found. The cervical range of motion showed a significant change (p < 0.05) of 10.09° for flexion, 24.47° for extension, 7.42° for right lateral flexion, 6.23° for left lateral flexion, 15.52° for right rotation and 14.95° for left rotation at 95% CI. ConclusionsExercises based on scapular impairment syndromes were given for four weeks. It was found to be effective in relieving pain and reducing dysfunction in computer users with mechanical neck pain

The comparative analysis of postural and biomechanical parameters of preschool teachers pre- and post-intervention within the ErgoKiTa study

The ErgoKiTa study aimed to determine the musculoskeletal strain of preschool teachers and to identify and evaluate suitable prevention measures to reduce this strain. A comprehensive work analysis using objective and subjective methods was performed to determine the present work situation in preschools in Germany, and the results were used to derive suitable intervention measures. The musculoskeletal strain was determined by means of a comprehensive analysis of postures, forces and movements using the CUELA system and calculated as cumulative shift workloads. The intervention measures were evaluated in a pre- and post-intervention assessment for 12 participants. Significant alterations in the duration of postures were determined, specifically for the daily duration of knee-straining postures as well as the degree of trunk flexion between 60° and 90°, which were reduced from 8.4 to 3.1% and from 3.7 to 2.4%, respectively, following the intervention.Practitioner Summary: Research has shown that preschool teachers are at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. The effects of a situation-orientated and behaviour-orientated intervention approach were assessed with regard to awkward working postures. Significant alterations in the duration of postures following the intervention were found, specifically for knee-straining postures.

Assessment of pain and discomfort among agricultural workers involved in floriculture

In Indian agricultural sector, lots of human resource is involved. Most of the agricultural activities are performed by rural women. The women are the backbone of agricultural workforce. In floriculture, more than half of the harvest and post harvest activities are performed by rural women. During these activities, rural women are involved in various kinds of drudgery prone activities for prolonged time. Keeping the above issues in mind, the present study was planned to assess the level of postural discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders among rural women involved in floriculture sector. The results revealed that more than half of the rural women (59%) were suffering from hand and finger pain. Besides this, total 39 per cent rural women were suffering from back pain. Further, it was also observed that the main causes of postural discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders were manual operations, long working hours, prolonged activities and awkward working postures, lack of breaks, inadequate working environment, traditional agricultural tools and equipments. On the basis of present study, it was concluded that women friendly and drudgery reducing tools and technologies should be designed to reduce the level of postural discomfort, musculoskeletal disorders and human drudgery. Awareness programmes and trainings should be provided to empower the rural women at gross root level.

Slip, trip and falls among women of different age groups: A case study from the northern hills of India

Slip, trip and falls continue to be significant occupational safety concern, and causes of occupational injuries and fatalities in the workplace and daily activities. This paper shows the results of a comparative study done in the hill region of India. It explored the slip, trip and fall injuries in terms of activities leading to them and impact o f such injuries among the hill women of different age groups: young adults, middle aged and elderly. It was found that most of the slip, trip and falls were faced during the activity of carrying fodder (52.78 %), carrying firewood (49.44 %), collecting fodder (47.78 %), collecting firewood (43.89 %) and collecting dung (40.56 %). Most of the slip acci-dents were reported by elderly age group as compared to middle aged and young adults. Majority of the respond-ents got hurt their back and/or they suffered from back pain (76.67 %), faced general pain (72.22 %) and fractures (45.00 %). Most of the respondents reported the possible perceived reason for slip, trip and falls as slippery terrain (82.78 %), followed by 80.00 % of respondents who reported carrying excess load as the major reason. Other reasons reported were being rushed at work (77.77 %), awkward or unusual working posture (76.66 %).This study brings in light the dangerous working conditions of hill women, who often suffers from many injuries including slip, trip and falls even just for meeting her daily family needs such as water, fuel, fodder.

Construction Accidents in Thailand: Statistical Data Analysis

This research aims to explore the accident causation in Thailand’s construction industry. Macroergonomics and Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) were employed to investigate accidents in the construction industry. A total of 1,252 construction accident cases from 31 companies from 2006 to 2014 were analyzed and reported. Findings indicate that accidents occurred more frequently with young and middle ages (25–54 years old) in a large-scale construction company. Based on the reported cases, several major factors were found to predict root causes of accidents, including cuts, falls from height, and awkward working postures. Most construction accidents were associated with unsafe acts (88.97%) and preconditions for unsafe acts (72.92%). It is implied that improvements for changes in human behaviors, together with environmental and personnel factors are critical to increase the safety at the construction site.

Ergonomic analysis of working postures using OWAS in semi-trailer assembly, applying an individual sampling strategy

In semi-trailer assembly, workers are exposed to several physical risk factors. Awkward working postures have not yet been investigated in semi-trailer assembly, although they are known to be a major risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders. We therefore conducted a comprehensive ergonomic analysis of working postures using the Ovako working posture analysing system (OWAS), with an individual sampling strategy. The postural load in semi-trailer assembly was assessed on the basis of 20,601 observations of 63 workers executing a representative set of nine work tasks. According to the OWAS, the postural load of various working postures and body part positions may have a harmful effect on the musculoskeletal system. We therefore give examples of corrective measures that could improve awkward working postures. Applying an individual sampling strategy was revealed to have advantages over a collective strategy, so this is recommended for future ergonomic analyses.

Collaborating with mammographers to address their work-related musculoskeletal discomfort

Mammographers are an understudied group of health care workers, yet the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms in mammographers appears to be elevated, similar to many occupations in health care. In this study, we used a participatory approach to identify needs and opportunities for developing interventions to reduce mammographers’ exposures to risk factors that lead to the development of MSK symptoms. In this paper, we present a number of those needs and several intervention concepts along with evaluations of those concepts from experienced mammographers. We include findings from a preliminary field test of a novel intervention concept to reduce the need to adopt awkward postures while positioning patients for a screening or diagnostic mammogram.Practitioner Summary: This paper discusses needs, opportunities and methods for working with mammographers in order to develop interventions to reduce their exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal discomfort. Results from a field test of a novel intervention to reduce mammographers’ awkward work postures while positioning patients are presented.

Context-specific design interventions in blending workstation: an ergonomics perspective

Work comprising of manual labor is a distinctive shop floor feature of Indian micro-, small- and medium-scale enterprises in manufacturing sectors. Investigations from an ergonomics perspective have not been performed in Indian plastic processing industries till date. Present paper aims to evaluate physical workload, psychosocial work environment, and subjective workload associated with blending workstations of small- and medium-scale plastic processing industries, in order to propose context-specific design interventions. An innovative combination of techniques featuring direct observation, questionnaire study, postural assessment, work study, virtual human modeling, and simulation were utilized toward achieving the stated aim. Prevalence of awkward work postures, symptoms of musculoskeletal ailments, and perception of high physical demand; urged for design interventions in these workstations. Following evaluation of existing working circumstances; concept model of modified blending workstation along with work accessories were assessed ergonomically in a virtual environment for making it human centric.

The Working Posture Controller: Automated Adaptation of the Work Piece Pose to Enable a Natural Working Posture

We present a novel approach to prevent awkward working posture by automatically assessing and optimising the work place for a given task. Our system is called the Working Posture Controller (WPC) and enables to accomplish tasks in a natural posture by adapting the pose of work piece to be processed. Unlike other approaches to prevent posture-related Musculo-skeletal Disorders (MSDs), our system is able to propose an immediate adjustment in the process neither requiring tedious manual planning nor expert knowledge. Additionally, the proposed solution is personalised to the anthropometry of the user. First experiments on a simulated height-adjustable platform reveal promising results.

On the management and prevention of heat stress for crews onboard ships

From the thermo-hygrometrical perspective, some ship compartments are undoubtedly considered severe hot environments due to high temperature values, such as the engine room and, depending on external conditions, cargo holds and storage areas. Such peculiarity further increases already high stress levels related to awkward work postures, lack of space and appropriate lifting tools, noise, vibrations, and a poor air quality. Despite the extensive efforts made by National Governments and International Organizations to improve the quality and the safety of the work on board, over the last several years the thermo-hygrometric characterization of working conditions on board ship seems to have not been investigated enough. Particularly, little monitoring data are available and the use of obsolete or insufficiently validated heat stress indices is a common practice. Addressed to both trained and untrained specialists, this paper discusses how the ergonomic approach of the strategy SOBANE – successfully used for 15 years for risk management and prevention in industrial application – can be implemented on-board. Finally, based on the limited microclimatic data available in the literature, it will be shown which and how heat strain indices should be used for the analysis of heat stress on board.

An evaluation of low back pain among female brick field workers of West Bengal, India.

The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) among brick field workers and to explore attributed causes of LBP, investigate the relationship between LBP and psychophysical and psychosocial factors and measure the impact of LBP. A modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire along with Body Part Discomfort scale were administered to brick field workers (N=148). Working posture of the participants was assessed using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method. The study showed that 70% of the female workers reported LBP due to awkward working posture for prolonged period of time. This was mainly reported by brick moulders. 45% reported LBP due to manual material handling (MMH) and 40% due to awkward lifting of heavy objects (brick). The study shows that the LBP is more prevalent (OR 1.59 and 95% CI 0.411-6.207). 78% of the female workers want the job rotation to relieve from their job monotony. LBP occurred among female workers due to awkward posture, repetitive work and MMH. This study also stated that psychosocial cause of LBP is inadequacy income, monotony work, job dissatisfaction. Working posture analysis REBA suggests that all the working postures are high-risk level.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among handloom weavers of Uttarakhand : an ergonomic study

Long hours of static work with awkward working postures at traditionally designed looms can cause high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among handloom weavers. Because of incompatible working situations handloom weaver in textile industries are confronting with many work related musculoskeletal problems related to pain and discomfort in upper and lower extremities. Keeping this in view, the present study was planned to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and postural discomfort among handloom weavers. For this study, 64 (male and female) handloom weavers aged 20-55 years were selected randomly from Almora and Nainital districts of Uttarakhand state. To collect the information, standardized Nordic questionnaire was used to assess pain and discomfort in different body regions of handloom weavers. It was observed that those workers worked continuously in awkward postures during weaving activities. Consequently they suffered from high discomfort in their different body parts. High rate of pain and musculoskeletal disorder was most prevalent in right wrist, left wrist, hip/thigh, neck and lower back of the workers. The data reveled that since last 12 months, total 76.56 percent workers were suffered with pain and discomfort in right hand and 73.44 percent workers had pain and discomfort in both elbows. During last month, 73.44 percent workers were suffered with pain and discomfort in upper back because of awkward working postures whereas during 7 days, total 59.38 percent workers had pain in lower back. The study indicates that the traditional handloom weaving demands immediate ergonomic intervention in the workstation and process design.

Musculoskeletal ailments in Indian injection-molded plastic furniture manufacturing shop-floor: Mediating role of work shift duration

The present manuscript aims to investigate the occurrence of awkward working postures and the consequent prevalence of the Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Ailments (SMA) among the shop floor workers of Indian small and medium scale injection molded plastic furniture manufacturing factories. An attempt has also been made to assess the contributing role of Workstation Design (WD), Working Postures (WP) and Work Shift Duration (WSD) concerning symptoms of musculoskeletal ailments and to find out the inter-relationships among all these factors. Direct observation aided by photography helped to observe working methods, postures and the design of workstations. The prevalence of SMA was evaluated using Standardized Nordic Questionnaire and awkward WP by postural assessment tools like Ovako Working posture Analysis System (OWAS) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). SMA was significantly (p < 0.001) higher for shop-floor workers compared to administrative and supervisory employees. Mediation statistics (using correlation and regression) was employed to analyze the stand-alone/cumulative impact(s) of WP, WD and WSD in determining SMA. Awkward WP, prolonged WSD and bad WD were established as the significant risk factors for higher prevalence of SMA for shop-floor workers. Influence of WP and WD on SMA was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) mediated through WSD. It was established through statistical modeling that occurrence of SMA due to awkward WP and bad WD is further exacerbated if WSD is prolonged. These findings would have constructive contributions in framing ergonomic intervention strategies and articulating methodological stipulations for work design to dwindle the SMA in shop-floor workers of the Indian small and medium scale injection-molded plastic furniture manufacturing factories. Relevance to industrySymptoms of Musculoskeletal Ailments (SMA) due to awkward working posture and bad workstation design are exacerbated in prolonged work shift duration. Regulating work shift duration could be a possible ergonomic intervention strategy to curb SMA, if the scope for workstation and work method redesign towards avoiding awkward posture is limited.

National survey of back & neck pain amongst consultant ophthalmologists in the United Kingdom.

Repetitive tasks, awkward or prolonged working postures, and high cognitive load are risk factors for occupational musculoskeletal disorders. Ophthalmologists may be vulnerable given that they are exposed to a combination of these factors. This national study assesses the prevalence, severity and associations of back and neck pain amongst UK consultant ophthalmologists. A postal survey was conducted using addresses supplied by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson correlation coefficient, two-tailed probability testing, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Dunn's multiple comparison test. 518 responses were received (50.3 % response rate). Back and neck pain were reported by 50.6 % (262/518) and 31.8 % (165/518) of respondents, respectively, with 62.4 % (323/518) reporting one or both. 33.6 % (174/518) reported pain whilst operating, of whom 78.7 % (137/174) found operating exacerbated their pain. 31.7 % (164/518) reported pain when using the slit lamp, of whom 71.3 % (117/164) found it exacerbated their pain. Individual subspecialties showed a significant relative risk of back or neck pain in some circumstances, when compared to ophthalmologists as a whole. Occupational back and neck pain remains a problem amongst ophthalmologists. Recommendations are made for modifications to the working environment, and consideration should be given to improving education for trainees.

Ergonomic Risk Assessment In Pathology Laboratory Technicians

This research was intended to assess risk for development of work related musculoskeletal disorders in pathology laboratory technicians with help of pre-validated questionnaire and RULA worksheet. In conclusion, we found that, majority of the study subjects were exposed to ergonomic risk factors such as, awkward working postures, static muscle work, prolonged duration of work etc. t workstation. We also found that, many of the subjects were not familiar with the term ergonomic modifications and had never been received ergonomic advice from the experts.

현장활동 소방공무원의 인간공학적 유해요인 노출이 결근에 미치는 영향

This study tried to identify the effects of ergonomic risk factors for absence from work of fire fighters in Korea. A self-administered questionnaire was prepared for this study. The questionnaire consisted of several parts such as 'general information', 'work-related factors', 'physical & chemical risk factors', 'ergonomic risk factors', and 'absence information'. A total of 7,098 fire fighters participated in this study. The data obtained from the survey was mainly analyzed by logistic regression. A total of 856 out of 7,098 fire fighters experienced absence from work. The risk factors such as gender, age, marital status, education level, total work year, work area. position, job rotation, noise, dust, organic solvent, skin contact with chemical substance, toxic waste, regional vibration, manual material handling, continuous standing posture, awkward working posture were associated with absence from work. Specifically, awkward working posture and manual material handling from ergonomic risk factors were major risk factors for absence from work.

Risks of musculoskeletal disorders among betel quid preparers in Taiwan

Betel quid chewing is common in Taiwan. The work of betel quid preparers is characterized by long hours of static work, awkward working posture and highly repetitive hand/wrist motion. However, the musculoskeletal health of betel quid preparers receives very little attention. The Chinese version of the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was administered, and electrogoniometers and electromyography were used in this cross-sectional study to characterize the hand/wrist motion of the subjects. Physical examinations on the thumbs and wrists of the subjects were conducted by means of Phalen's test and Finkelstein's test, respectively. Among the 225 participants, more than 95% attributed their musculoskeletal complaints to their work, and shoulder, neck, hand/wrist, and lower back discomfort were most frequently reported. More than 70% of the preparers did not seek medical treatment for their musculoskeletal problems. Based on the physical examination, 24% of the participants had suspected symptom of either carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) or DeQuervain's tenosynovitis. The instrumental measurements indicated that betel quid preparation is characterized by extreme angle ranges and moderate repetition of wrist motion as well as low forceful exertion. This study concludes that betel quid preparers are a high risk group of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Future studies by electrogoniometers and detailed physical examination on betel quid preparers are needed to determine the predisposing factors for CTS. Some intervention measures to prevent MSDs and to lessen psychological stress for this group of workers are strongly suggested.

Harvesting operations in eucalyptus plantations in Thailand

The eucalyptus has recently become an important timber species in Thailand, particularly in relation to timber supply within the pulp industry. Demand for raw material is continuously increasing, but harvesting techniques continue to rely on old-fashioned methods of harvesting, which are motor-manual and labour-intensive operations. These harvesting operations typically provide relatively low productivity and are time consuming. This study addressed the timber harvesting potential in Thailand including: average productivity, identifying ineffective work phases, and how work performance can be improved. Therefore, the study was conducted to analysis existing timber harvesting systems as a whole and compare alternatives, and to explore improvements in forest harvesting systems in Thailand through work study, working postures analysis, and simulation. Work study allowed the researcher to understand in detail the conventional harvesting systems and obtain information regarding work activities and time allocations. Harmful tasks and awkward working postures were evaluated by working posture analysis. Simulation allowed the researcher to examine the impact of changing harvesting systems. The study confirmed that motor-manual operations have rather low production rates compared to intermediate and fully mechanized harvesting techniques, which are applied in other parts of the world. The most unproductive work phase is cross-cutting, and further research should pay attention to this work phase. According to the working postures analyses, the most problematic working postures found for manual tasks included stacking, delimbing, and loading. Simulation findings suggested that reorganization of job sequences is one major possibility for improving productivity. Log length and tree size also displayed a significant effect on overall productivity. Further research should consider enhancing the system with partial mechanization, such as farm tractors, skidders and multi-tree-handling harvesters. Education and training are also important measures to increase not only work performance, but also to improve work safety.

Common musculoskeletal problem experienced by fishing industry workers.

Introduction:Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a common health problem throughout the world and a major cause of disability in the workplace. Awkward working posture is a main risk factor for developing WMSDs. Assessment of exposure level to WMSDs risks can be an appropriate base for planning and implementing interventional ergonomics program in the workplace. Fihing in India is a major industry in the coastal states employing over 14 million people. The job demand of fishermen make them vulnerable for various musculoskeletal problems This study was conducted among workers of fishing industry in Mumbai, India with the objective to determine WMSDs prevalence in fishing industry.Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 110 randomly selected workers from fishing industry, India, Mumbai, Anonymous questionnaire was used to study prevalence of WMSDs.visual analogue scale used to assess intensity of pain.Results:The results of NMQ revealed that WMSDs occurrence was high. The highest rates of WMSDs prevalence were reported in Low back(92.4%), Shoulder (64.8%) and Knee(31%) and Hand (25%).Conclusion:This study showed that maximum of the fishermen have musculoskeletal problem with the most common joint involved is low back and then followed by shoulder, knee, and hand. Ergonomic risk factor involved were found to be repeated pulling and throwing of the net as well as repeated bending forward action to lift heavy load and transfer that heavy load.

Ergonomic Design of CNC Milling Machine for Safe Working Posture

In milling operation, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling machine has been recognized as one of effective solutions for high productivity, efficiency, and precision. However, the existing CNC milling machine has contributed to ergonomics-related problems such as awkward working posture. The aim of this study is to redesign the existing CNC milling machine by considering working posture of the machinist. This study performed questionnaire survey to determine ergonomics feature requirements from the machinist. The requirements of the machinist are then translated using Quality Function Deployment (QFD) to obtain technical specifications of new design CNC milling machine. The working posture of machinist during operating the existing CNC milling machine and the redesigned CNC milling machine was assessed using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Based on the analysis, the redesigned CNC milling machine has improved the working posture as shown by low score of RULA. This study concluded that by considering the ergonomics feature requirements to the design of CNC milling machine enabled the machinists to perform milling operation in safe working posture. This study suggests that environmental factors should be considered in the future research works.