Awkward Work Postures Research Articles

Improving the Interior Design of an Overhead Cane Cabin: A Steel Industry Case

An overhead crane cabin can be considered as a complex work system that consists of a crane operator, operator’s seat, and specific control equipment. This study aims to attract attention to the crane operators who perform various activities such as loading and unloading of coils in a constrained area. The results of observations and use of Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Quick Exposure Check (QEC) methods for an overhead crane cabin that is used in a steel industry are summarized. The critical problems are identified as the poor design of the operator’s seat and location of the controls. Interior design is improved as to eliminate awkward work postures and insufficient vision angle that had a risk to cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) for the crane operator.

Prediction of postural discomfort impact on manual assembly: A workshop case study

The analysis of manual assembly features and performance indicators is well reported in the literature. Awkward working postures and energy expenditure are known to be the major elements affecting the ergonomic of the manual assembler. However, such investigations are not fully discussed in non-repetitive operations. We therefore conducted a comprehensive ergonomic analysis of the manual assembly process of a SAE Baja racing car at a Mechanical Skills Workshop. Through an experimental set-up to collect data, the observation of the manual assembly operation of a SAE Baja racing car was performed. Purposeful sampling determined the specific elements that were critical to the analysis. The postural disposition of an assembler performing 24 similar work elements was studied. According to REBA, the assembly operations required further investigation and change. Based on the essential assembly-ergonomic components of the study, the energy expenditure of the tasks was derived, and the coefficients of determination R2 gave an indication of the level of correlation between the parameters of the manual assembly operation. To complete the study, we give examples of corrective measures that could formalize the working postures of the assembler, thus reducing the risk of physical discomfort and, subsequently helping in sustaining manual assembly operations.

A detailed study on morphological profile, hand grip strength, flexibility, and working postures in housemaids of Kolkata

BACKGROUND: House maids belonging to the unorganised sector jobs in the developing countries suffer from serious health consequences due to their awkward working posture. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The study was aimed to evaluate the morphological profile, hand grip strength, flexibility and working posture in housemaids of Kolkata. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 94 female house maids of Kolkata were recruited in the study and standard procedures were adopted to evaluate the parameters. RESULTS: Morphological and cardiovascular parameters were within the normal range but hand grip strength was lower than normal reference range. Significant differences in physical parameters, conicity index (CI), waist and hip circumferences, lean body mass (LBM), hand grip strength (HGS) was found in different age groups of house maids. Depending on significant correlation (r=0.89, P CONCLUSION: It is concluded that although the morphological parameters were within the normal range in housemaids of Kolkata but their working postures were erroneous and awkward with poor HGS and they are prone to develop cardiovascular diseases.

Factors Related to the Complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders of Shelving Staff

Introduction: Every worker is exposed to the risk of occupational accidents or occupational diseases when working. Awkward working postures are the postures that cause body parts to detach from its natural postures that can result in the complaints of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This research intends to analyze the factors related to the complaints of MSDs suffered by the shelving staff in the library and reading room in Universitas Airlangga Surabaya. Methods: This research is observational research that applies a cross-sectional design. The sample of this research consists of 27 people chosen by the total population method. The data regarding the individual characteristics and the complaints of MSDs are obtained through interview and filling out a questionnaire that has been standardized. The data on working postures are analyzed by referring to the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method, while the data on the complaints of MSDs are scrutinized by implementing the Nordic Body Map (NBM) method. Results: Reveal that most of the shelving staff experience very high-risk level of MSDs (40.7%). Other than that, it is noticed that the working postures consist of squatting (high-risk level), bowing (high-risk level), standing (moderate-risk level), standing with arms stretching (very high-risk level), and standing with arms stretching while tiptoeing (very high-risk level). The collected data is analyzed by using the Spearman correlation test. Conclusion: It can be stated that the strongest factor causing the occurrence of MSDs is the years of service (r=0.803) with a positive relationship, which means that the longer the years of service is, the higher the risk to experience MSDs is. Keywords: complaints of musculoskeletal disorders, individual factors, shelving staff

Factors Related to the Complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders of Shelving Staff

Introduction: Every worker is exposed to the risk of occupational accidents or occupational diseases when working. Awkward working postures are the postures that cause body parts to detach from its natural postures that can result in the complaints of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This research intends to analyze the factors related to the complaints of MSDs suffered by the shelving staff in the library and reading room in Universitas Airlangga Surabaya. Methods: This research is observational research that applies a cross-sectional design. The sample of this research consists of 27 people chosen by the total population method. The data regarding the individual characteristics and the complaints of MSDs are obtained through interview and filling out a questionnaire that has been standardized. The data on working postures are analyzed by referring to the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method, while the data on the complaints of MSDs are scrutinized by implementing the Nordic Body Map (NBM) method. Results: Reveal that most of the shelving staff experience very high-risk level of MSDs (40.7%). Other than that, it is noticed that the working postures consist of squatting (high-risk level), bowing (high-risk level), standing (moderate-risk level), standing with arms stretching (very high-risk level), and standing with arms stretching while tiptoeing (very high-risk level). The collected data is analyzed by using the Spearman correlation test. Conclusion: It can be stated that the strongest factor causing the occurrence of MSDs is the years of service (r=0.803) with a positive relationship, which means that the longer the years of service is, the higher the risk to experience MSDs is. Keywords: complaints of musculoskeletal disorders, individual factors, shelving staff

A deep learning-based RULA method for working posture assessment

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent one of the leading cause of injuries from modern industries. Previous research has identified a causal relation between MSDs and awkward working postures. Therefore, a robust tool for estimating and monitoring workers’ working posture is crucial to MSDs prevention. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) is one of the most adopted observational methods for assessing working posture and the associated MSDs risks in industrial practice. The manual application of RULA, however, can be time consuming. This research proposed a deep learning-based method for real-time estimating RULA from 2-D articulated pose using deep neural network. The method was trained and evaluated by 3-D pose data from Human 3.6, an open 3-D pose dataset, and achieved overall Marginal Average Error (MAE) of 0.15 in terms of RULA grand score (or 3.33% in terms of percentage error). All the data and code can be found at the first author’s GitHub ( https://github.com/LLDavid/RULA_machine ).

Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Keluhan Musculoskeletal Disorder Pada Pekerja Penggilingan Padi Kabupaten Penajam Paser Utara

Rice milling is an informal sector which still lacks attention in terms of occupational health and safety aspects. Health problems experienced by one of them are complaints of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) which have an impact on decreasing work productivity. This study aims to determine the factors that influence complaints of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in rice milling workers in Sepaku Sub-district, Penajam Paser Utara Regency. This research is a quantitative study with cross sectional research design. Sampling using purposive sampling method that amounted to 35 people. Data analysis used the rank-spearman test with a significance level of 0.05 (5%). The results showed that there was a significant relationship between work posture (p = 0,000) and the risk of manual handling material (MMH) (p = 0.005), with complaints of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Whereas in the physical workload, there was no association with complaints of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) (p = 0.095). It is suggested for workers to do material manual handling (MMH) with the correct procedure, reduce awkward work postures during work and stretch the muscles before working and adequate rest so as to reduce fatigue and perceived muscle tension.

Joint contribution of rotation of the back and repetitive movements to disability pension using job exposure matrix data

Heavy physical effort at work has been linked with disability pension, but the contribution of other ergonomic job exposures is less studied. We studied the independent and joint contributions of long-term exposure to (i) rotation of the back and (ii) repetitive movements to disability pension, particularly due to musculoskeletal disorders. Exposures were measured with the Helsinki Health Study Job Exposure Matrix during 1996-2005 and linked to register data on employees of the City of Helsinki, Finland (n = 18 585). Outcomes were followed up during 2006-2015. Competing risk survival analyses were performed and synergy indices computed, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Long-term exposure to rotation of the back was associated with disability pension due to any cause [age and sex-adjusted subhazard ratio (SHR) 2.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.73-3.30], and specifically disability pension due to musculoskeletal disorders (SHR = 3.39, 95% CI 1.52-7.56) when compared to employees exposed to neither of the two exposures. Repetitive movements alone did not increase the risk of disability pension (all-cause SHR = 1.08, 95% CI 0.84-1.38, musculoskeletal SHR = 1.65, 95% CI 0.91-2.97). Employees with exposure to both rotation of the back and repetitive movements had the highest risk of disability pension due to musculoskeletal disorders (SHR = 5.98, 95% CI 3.85-9.28), but the interaction between exposures was additive rather than synergistic. Adjustment for education diluted the associations by 42-108%. Long-term exposure to awkward work postures increased the risk of disability pension. Educational inequalities largely account for differences in occupational exposures.

Occupational ergonomics research and applied contextual design implementation for an industrial shop-floor workstation

The aim of this original research article is to identify the occurrence of work-related ergonomics risk factors, in order to implement context specific human centered design interventions in the injection molding shop-floor workstations of plastic furniture manufacturing factories within the framework of industrially developing countries. Questionnaire study, postural assessment tools, computer aided design, digital human modeling and simulation, and basic work study techniques were used. Plastic processing industry is highly fragmented, consisting of small, medium scale enterprises with tremendous growth potential. Occupational design ergonomics research in the injection molding plastic furniture manufacturing shop-floor workstations is very scarce in industrially developing countries. Shop-floor workers are affected by prevalent awkward working postures and consequent body part discomforts. Useful and easily implementable accessories/fixtures with convenient design features were conceptualized. Virtual ergonomics evaluation of the workstation with proposed accessories/fixtures showed significant reduction of awkward working postures. Physical prototypes of the proposed fixtures were constructed and real human trials were performed in the factories. Time study indicated reduction in operator cycle time when compared with time taken before design modifications. Research methodology, results and design solutions described from an ergonomics perspective would definitely serve as a helpful guide for existing as well as upcoming factories in the injection molded plastic furniture manufacturing industry of industrially developing countries and further similar research endeavors.

Automatic Biomechanical Workload Estimation for Construction Workers by Computer Vision and Smart Insoles

AbstractConstruction workers are commonly subject to ergonomic risks due to awkward working postures or lifting/carrying heavy objects. Accordingly, accurate ergonomic assessment is needed to help ...

Risk of musculoskeletal disorders associated with kitchen platform tasks in young and middle-aged women of a metropolitan city: An observational cross-sectional study

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the prominent causes of physical impairment. Traditional homemaking tasks require substantial and sustained physical repetitive movements. The presence of awkward work postures and patterns causes musculoskeletal pain. Objectives: The study aims on quantifying the risks associated for MSDs due to kitchen work in young- and middle-aged women and correlate the contribution of each task and kitchen platform type to the risk of MSDs. Study Design: An observational, cross-sectional study was chosen for the research. Methods: Based on the convenient sampling method and the inclusion criteria, 140 women from different areas of large metropolitan were selected. To assess women for pain using Nordic Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire (Nordic MPQ) was used, for at least three of five meal preparation tasks (chopping, lifting, stirring, mopping the kitchen platform, and utensils washing) using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) was the objective. Measurements of anthropometric characteristics (height of kitchen platform and participant and linear distance between the tip of the shoulder to the kitchen platform and waist to heel) was done using a standard measuring tape at their residence. To correlate the score of Nordic MPQ and REBA with kitchen platform height for finding the risk of MSDs. Results: Women were found to have increased incidence of shoulder pain (mopping task) (P < 0.01) and upper back pain (mopping and stirring task) (P < 0.01). Furthermore, a weak negative association was found between the kitchen platform height with the REBA Score of lifting with r = −0.227 and P = 0.01 (two-tailed). The height of the person was negatively correlated with the REBA Scores of stirring and mopping with r = −o. 228 and − 0.229, respectively and P = 0.01 and 0.03 (two-tailed). Conclusion: Kitchen platform tasks performed in an awkward repetitive posture, over an improper work surface height are associated with increased incidence of MSDs.

ANALISIS POSTUR KERJA OPERATOR PERCETAKAN BATAKO DI TB. SUMBER RIZKI PADANG MENGGUNAKAN METODE RAPID UPPER LIMB ASSESSMENT (RULA)

Brick making activities at TB. Sumber Rizki Padang is still done manually using human power and manual equipment. This work is carried out repeatedly which is known can cause injury or spinal disease if the posture at work is not normal. This study aims to analyze the risk of MSD (Musculoskeletal Disorders) and evaluate the work posture of each element of brick making printing work. Based on the results of the NMB (Nordic Body Map) questionnaire distributed to 30 workers, complaints were most often found in the lumbar area ( 90%), back (86.7%), and upper arm (83.3%). Based on the results of calculations using the RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) method on 7 work postures, it was found that the working posture of mixing material and the process of inserting material into the mold had the largest RULA scores, which were 6 and 4 respectively, which meant that further changes and checks were needed. Improvements to awkward work postures can be done by repairing equipment and workplaces by adjusting to anthropometry from workers.

Wearable insole pressure system for automated detection and classification of awkward working postures in construction workers

Abstract Awkward working postures are the main risk factor for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) causing non-fatal occupational injuries among construction workers. However, it remains a challenge to use existing risk assessment methods for detecting and classifying awkward working postures because these methods are either intrusive or rely on subjective judgment. Therefore, this study developed a novel and non-invasive method to automatically detect and classify awkward working postures based on foot plantar pressure distribution data measured by a wearable insole pressure system. Ten asymptomatic participants performed five different types of awkward working postures (i.e., overhead working, squatting, stooping, semi-squatting, and one-legged kneeling) in a laboratory setting. Four supervised machine learning classifiers (i.e., artificial neural network (ANN), decision tree (DT), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), and support vector machine (SVM)) were used for classification performance using a 0.32 s window size. Cross-validation results showed that the SVM classifier (i.e., the best classifier) obtained a classification performance with an accuracy of 99.70% and a sensitivity of each awkward working posture was above 99.00% at 0.32 s window size. The findings substantiated that it is feasible to use a wearable insole pressure system to identify risk factors for developing WMSDs, and could help safety managers to minimize workers' exposure to awkward working postures.

A Survey on Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Construction Trades

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are the common health problem among workers in a construction site. Construction workers tend to experience neck pain, lower back pain, knee pain, leg fatigue and feet discomfort due to the occupation they performed. This study aims to investigate the issue related to musculoskeletal disorders among construction workers while performing construction works. Field observation was conducted at four construction sites in Perak Tengah district in order to identify the types of trades who exposed to musculoskeletal disorders. Next, a survey form was developed by modifying the existing Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) in determining the symptoms of WMSDs. Surveys were carried out on 100 construction workers at the selected four construction sites to identify the area and causes of pain and discomfort, types of treatment received by the workers and recovery duration for pain and discomfort. Based on the survey, shoulder, wrists/hands and low back were the common area of pain or discomfort after and while performing works. The main causes of pain and discomfort were mostly from repetitive works, awkward working postures and manipulation of heavy load. Types of treatment received by workers were taking a medicine and rest, while the recovery duration for pain or discomfort was around a week. Interviews with panels of expert regarding the strategies or best practice to minimize the WMSDs among construction workers revealed that the most preferable practice is the contractor of the construction project should follow the safety and health regulation, particularly in managing WMSDs, such as implementing medical surveillance for workers. This study will help construction stakeholders, especially contractors to discover the type of occupations that are majorly impacted with WMSDs and further provide the best strategies or control measures to reduce the effect of WMSDs to their employees while performing work.

Personalized method for self-management of trunk postural ergonomic hazards in construction rebar ironwork

Construction rebar workers face postural ergonomic hazards that can lead to work-related Lower Back Disorders (LBDs), primarily due to their prolonged awkward working postures required by the job. In a previous study, Wearable Inertial Measurement Units (WIMUs)-based Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was developed to alert workers when their trunk inclination holding time exceeded acceptable thresholds as defined in ISO standard 11226:2000. However, subsequent field testing identified PPE was ineffective for some workers because the adopted ISO thresholds were not personalized and did not consider differences in individual’s response to postural ergonomic hazards. To address this problem, this paper introduces a worker-centric method to assist in the self-management of work-related ergonomic hazards, based on data-driven personalized healthcare intervention. Firstly, personalized information is gathered by providing each rebar ironworker a WIMU-based personalized mobile health (mHealth) system to capture their trunk inclination angle and holding time data. Then, the captured individual trunk inclination holding times are analyzed by a Gaussian-like probability density function, where abnormal holding time thresholds can be generated and updated in response to incoming trunk inclination records of an individual during work time. These abnormal holding time thresholds are then adapted to be used as personalized trunk inclination holding time recommendations for an individual worker to self-manage their working postures, based on their own trunk inclination records. The proposed worker-centric method to assist in the self-management of ergonomic postural hazards leading to LBDs was field tested on a construction site over a three-month duration. The results of the paired t-tests indicate that posture scores evaluated by the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) significantly decrease when the personalized recommendation is applied, while increase again when the personalized recommendation is removed. Based on data-driven personalized healthcare intervention, the results demonstrate the significant potential of the proposed worker-centric self-management method for rebar workers in preventing and controlling postural ergonomic hazards during construction rebar ironwork.

Surgeons’ muscle load during robotic-assisted laparoscopy performed with a regular office chair and the preferred of two ergonomic chairs: A pilot study

Surgeons work in awkward work postures and have high precision demands - well-known risk factors for musculoskeletal pain. Robotic-assisted laparoscopy is expected to be less demanding compared to conventional laparoscopy; however, studies indicate that robotic-assisted laparoscopy is also associated with poor ergonomics and musculoskeletal pain. The ergonomic condition in the robotic console is partially dependent upon the chair provided, which often is a regular office chair.Our study quantified and compared the muscular load during robotic-assisted laparoscopy using one of two custom built ergonomic chairs and a regular office chair. The results demonstrated no differences that could be considered clinically relevant. Overall, the study showed high levels of static and mean muscular activity, increased perceived physical exertion from pre-to-post surgery, and moderate to high risk for musculoskeletal injuries measured by the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment worksheet. Authors advocate for further investigation in surgeons’ ergonomics and physical work demands in robotic surgery.

Work posture assessment among elderly farmers in Pathumthani Province, Thailand

Farming is a very large industry in Thailand, and understanding the physically demanding occupation with work tasks that cause Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) and work disability, such as forceful exertions during lifting objects, prolonged statics posture, and awkward working postures. the aim of this study is to identify working postures among elderly farmers. Working postures are addressed in the ergonomics research field and important variables to be taken into account for occupational safety. A cross-sectional study was done on farmer workers aged 60 years and above residing in nine sub-districts, Nong Suea district, Pathum Thani province, Thailand. Data collection was conducted in October 2018. Of the 128 participants, 61% were women with average age of 68.50 ± 4.15 years. 84.76% had finished elementary education. The results revealed that, average working of 7.32 ± 2.14 hours per day and 6.26 ± 1.51 days per week. Farmer workers were frequently exposed to injury at work due to an incorrect working posture. The results of this study revealed inappropriate postures when working in farm field among elderly farmers. This study indicated that older farmers involved activities several awkward postures.

Full shift assessment of back and head postures in overhead crane operators with and without symptoms.

Objectives: Prolonged sitting with a flexed back and neck is recognized as being associated with an increased risk of neck and back pain disorders among overhead crane operators. The aim of this study was to compare back and head postures over a full shift of work between operators who experience back and neck pain, and healthy operators. Methods: In a first phase, the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was assessed using the Nordic questionnaire among 120 crane operators. Based on first phase results, 17 operators with back/neck disorders were matched with 15 healthy operators based on age and selected to participate in the second phase of the study. Postures and movements were continuously measured over an 8 h shift using inclinometers.Results: The highest 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was found in the lower back, neck and knees. Case and control groups differed significantly in back and head flexion angles at the 50th percentiles APDF (p < 0.05). There was also a significant difference in the time spent working in an extreme posture of the back and head between groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This is the first study to document work postures assumed during a full work shift and to compare postures between symptomatic and healthy overhead crane operators. Physical exposure in case group operators was characterized by more awkward and extreme postures in the back and head. The results of this study demonstrate that effective prevention strategies directed towards musculoskeletal disorders are required that address awkward work postures for overhead crane operators.

The role of ergonomic saddle seats and magnification loupes in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. A systematic review.

Musculoskeletal disorders affect a high percentage of dentists, dental hygienists and therapists. Static and awkward working postures are considered as major risk factors. Proper seat selection and use of magnification loupes are promoted for their ergonomic benefits. The aim of this review was to evaluate the existing empirical evidence on the effect of the above interventions on (i) correction of poor posture and (ii) reduction in musculoskeletal pain. The review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017058580). The Medline via Ovid, CINHAL via EBSCO, Web of Science, OpenGrey and EThOS electronic databases were searched. Prospective experimental studies were considered for inclusion. The Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool (EPHPP) was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Eight studies were included in the review. Four investigated the effect of loupes on posture and musculoskeletal pain, 4 the effect of the saddle seats on posture and one of the latter explored the combined effect of magnification and use of saddle seats on posture. Based on a limited number of studies, the use of ergonomic saddle seats and dental loupes leads to improved working postures. The use of loupes appears to relieve shoulder, arm and hand pain. However, their effect on neck pain is scarce. None of the studies reported on the effect of the saddle seats on musculoskeletal pain. Future well-powered prospective longitudinal studies are deemed necessary to confirm the conclusions of this review.

Virtual postural assessment of an assembly work in a small scale submersible pump manufacturing industry.

Depletion of groundwater has increased the depth of bore wells drilled to meet water requirements. Water from these bore wells are accessed by operating submersible pumps with multi-stages. The number of stages of submersible pump directly depends upon the depth of bore well. Health-related risk such as Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) arises during the manual assembly of these pumps in an awkward posture. The objective of this paper is to eliminate or reduce risk in the manual assembly of submersible pumps using virtual postural analysis. Secondary objective is to redesign the existing workstation incorporating ergonomic interventions. It reports a case study in which postural analysis is carried out with the help of Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method. It is observed that inserting the stage casing weighing around 1.5 Kg through top end of the shaft is the awkward working posture involving a flexion of the arm about 152°. RULA score (7) indicate a high level of risk exists in the workstation, calling for investigate and change the working posture immediately. In order to reduce this risk, a redesigned workstation has been proposed. This study results help in minimizing the awkward postures, thereby reducing the health-related risk. This will also increase the efficiency of the worker and his productivity.