Ergonomic Health Research Articles

Factors Related to Dental Ergonomics Practice Among Indonesian Dentists.

Dentists are at greater risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) which can be caused by repetitive movements, improper posture and long working hours. If ergonomic principles are applied in the field of dentistry, they help to prevent occupational ergonomic health hazards and provides more comfort to the dentist and patient. To obtain information regarding dental ergonomics practice of dentists in Indonesia and its related factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a purposive sampling method via Google Form to 231 dentists in DKI Jakarta, Indonesia from November to December 2022. The questionnaire consisted of 34 items divided into five sections; socio-demographic, job characteristics, knowledge of dental ergonomics, attitude towards dental ergonomics and the practice of dentists regarding dental ergonomics. Bivariate analysis was conducted using Pearson Chi-square Test. 76.2% dentists have poor dental ergonomics practice. There is a significant relationship (p-value < 0.05) between the practice of dental ergonomics and age group, years of practical experience and level of knowledge. Most Indonesian dentists (76.2%) still lack of dental ergonomics practice. Age, duration of work experience and ergonomic dental practice knowledge are significantly correlated.

Multi-modal fusion in ergonomic health: bridging visual and pressure for sitting posture detection

Multi-modal fusion in ergonomic health: bridging visual and pressure for sitting posture detection

Exploring the Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Musculoskeletal Pain in Internet-Addicted College Students

Background: The pervasive use of the internet among college students has raised concerns about internet addiction and its associated health implications. This addiction is characterized by excessive and obsessive internet usage that often leads to detrimental effects on physical, psychological, and social well-being. Among these effects, musculoskeletal discomfort and poor sleep quality are prevalent symptoms reported by this demographic. Objective: This study aims to explore the relationship between sleep quality and musculoskeletal pain in internet-addicted college students to identify potential interventions that can mitigate these adverse effects. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 171 students aged 16-20 years, who reported using screens for more than three hours daily and experienced idiopathic musculoskeletal pain. The study employed the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Sleep Quality Scale (SQS) for data collection. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, were performed using SPSS Version 25 to explore associations between internet usage hours, sleep quality, and musculoskeletal pain. Results: The participants had a mean age of 17.99±1.37 years, with a balanced gender distribution (50.3% male, 49.7% female). Musculoskeletal pain was most frequently reported in the neck and shoulder regions (29.8% each), followed by the lower back (26.9%). Regarding sleep quality, 44.5% of students suffered from severe sleep disorders. Significant associations were found between the number of hours of internet usage and both the presence of musculoskeletal pain (p&lt;0.001) and poor sleep quality (p=0.049). Conclusion: The findings indicate a significant correlation between excessive internet use and both increased musculoskeletal pain and deteriorated sleep quality among college students. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions to promote healthier internet use habits and improve the ergonomic and sleep hygiene practices among this population. Keywords: Internet addiction, musculoskeletal pain, sleep quality, college students, ergonomic health, cross-sectional study, SPSS analysis.

Ergonomic Health Assessment in the Blast Furnace Section of Steel Industry: A Comprehensive Study Using Reba and Rula Methodologies

Ergonomic Health Assessment in the Blast Furnace Section of Steel Industry: A Comprehensive Study Using Reba and Rula Methodologies

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dental staff in south Malaysia

The dental industry poses ergonomic health concerns, leading to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among staff. This study aims to assess MSD incidence and related sociodemographic and occupational hazard factors among dental practitioners in Johor, Malaysia. A cross-sectional investigation in December 2022 included 382 dental officers from government and commercial sectors. Participants comprised 79.2% females, 72.3% Malays, 97.4% non-smokers, and 92.4% working in dental clinics. MSD was most prevalent in the neck, shoulder, and lower back regions. Logistic regression revealed higher neck pain probability among smokers and a positive association between back pain and standing while working. Poisson regression indicated an inverse relationship between exercise frequency and MSD pain occurrence. Regular physical activity correlated with lower body mass index (BMI) and reduced MSD pain. The study underscores the importance of ergonomic interventions and promoting exercise to prevent MSD and enhance the well-being of dental staff in Johor, Malaysia. Understanding the factors contributing to MSD among dental practitioners is crucial for implementing effective preventive measures and improving overall occupational health in the dental industry.

Opinions of emergency nurses in Turkey on their work environment during the COVID-19 pandemic and its relationship with their health: A qualitative study

IntroductionCOVID-19 patients being admitted to emergency service pose a high risk of exposure and infection to emergency nurses. Therefore, one of the primary responsibilities of hospital management is to provide an appropriate work environment for nurses. AimTo analyze the opinions of emergency nurses about their work environment, and to understand how the working environment is related to their health during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsThe study employed a qualitative descriptive research design and purposive sampling method. It was conducted in the emergency service of a state hospital in the central Anatolia region of Turkey, which was providing COVID-19 care at the time. The data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews held between January and February 2021. Each interview was conducted only once via WhatsApp video calls. Data collection was continued to reach data saturation (n:14). The data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step content analysis. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative (COREQ) Studies checklist was followed in the study. ResultsThree themes emerged in the analysis of the data obtained from a total of 14 emergency nurses: (a) “Insufficient Physical Environment”; (b) “Inadequacies in Managerial Roles and Skills”; and (c) “The Effect of the Work Environment on Nurses' Health”. It was determined that the work environment of emergency nurses was inadequate in terms of resting areas, ventilation and separation of clean and infected areas, and they stated that they had not received adequate support from their managers and encountered difficulties due to equipment shortage, particularly in the early stages of COVID-19. It was also determined that the work environment caused psychological and ergonomic health issues. ConclusionsIt is important to provide adequate managerial support and to make arrangements that resolve the physical and mental obstacles in improving the work environment of emergency nurses.

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dentists in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: A dental environment possesses a serious ergonomic health issue on the dental team members which in turn contributes to the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The present research is aimed at evaluating the frequency of musculoskeletal disorders and their associated sociodemographic and work environment risk factors among dentists in the United Arab Emirates. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a pretested and validated questionnaire was sent via email as well as on different social media platforms to a total of 497 dentists. A total of 179 dentists completed the study survey, with a total response rate of 36%. A binary logistic regression model was conducted to identify significant risk factors associated with WMSDs. Results: Dentists in the United Arab Emirates experience a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (90.4%) which were associated with high levels of stress in the work environment. Furthermore, dentists in the private sector worked more clinical hours per day (p = 0.000) and had more financial stress (p = 0.007) as compared to those in the governmental sector. Gender (p = 0.007), age (p = 0.01), monthly income (p = 0.073), work experience (p = 0.037), number of patients treated per day (p = 0.049), and the use of an ergonomic dental chair (p = 0.005) were all factors associated with a greater number of affected body regions by WMSDs. Multivariate binary logistic regression for the number of regions affected by WMSDs revealed that not using an ergonomic dental chair (OR 2.70, 95% CI, 1.14-6.36) and high stress in the work environment (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.02 to1.67) were associated with more body regions being affected by WMSDs. Conclusions: This study highlights the high prevalence rate of WMSDs among dentists in the UAE. Future research should be directed towards reducing stress in the work environment, increasing awareness regarding the importance of an ergonomic dental chair, and reducing gaps between private and governmental practices.

A Change Management Approach to Promoting and Endorsing Ergonomics within a Dental Setting.

Musculoskeletal pain and disorders (MSDs) constitute a well-recognised occupational hazard to the dental community. Fortunately, they are preventable. Dental office ergonomics plays a key role in addressing these musculoskeletal challenges. An ergonomic improvement project based on Kotter’s eight-step change model management theory was implemented within a dental practice. The project provided valuable evidence-based ergonomic interventions to prevent or reduce MSDs. The task force motivated staff to engage in strategies and interventions to enact an ergonomic vision. This case study represents an action plan to guide this ergonomic change. The key results of this project were an evidence-based ergonomics health promotional brochure, reduced sick leave attributable to MSDs, and workplace ergonomic checkpoints. The ergonomic change model represents an ongoing process where innovative trends and evaluative methods can be supported. Research limitations and practical implications were acknowledged.

The Perception of Work from Home Computer Workers on Prevention of Recurrence of Musculoskeletal Pain during COVID-19 Lockdown

Aim: To study the perception of work from home computer workers on prevention of recurrence of musculoskeletal pain during Covid-19 lockdown. Method: In this descriptive study, with a sample size of 177, a set of questions was prepared by the investigators using the online google survey form and were sent to the work from home computer workers through the means of social media/email, along with the basic explanation about the study. Result: The majority of the workers experienced musculoskeletal pain during work from home, the regions of the body that experienced musculoskeletal pain was the neck, low back, shoulder in ascending pattern. Though not all majority of the participants had knowledge on measures to be taken to deal with pain, and for prevention of pain recurrence. The measures taken by the participants to prevent the recurrence of pain are being more conscious about working posture, taking regular breaks, engaging themselves in some form of physical activity, doing stretches in between the work and using ergonomic chair/desktop/other equipment. Conclusion: Majority of the participants were paying attention to pain and their health. And very few organizations had initiated ergonomic session for maintenance of health among employees. So, for an ergonomic health, the individual and organization should concomitantly and with their inter connectedness could perceive an integrated intervention approach with multiple facets. Keywords: Prevention, musculoskeletal pain, work from home, Covid-19 lockdown.

Design, implementation and evaluation of a participatory ergonomics program among home-based Mapuche weavers

The Mapuche comprise 80% of the indigenous population of Chile. The Araucanía has the highest concentration of Mapuche peoples and is also the poorest region of the country. The region’s proximity to a large tourist sector provides opportunities for weavers to work from home and sell their products as a primary or secondary income source. The adverse health effects related to craft production and home-based work are significant and not well described in the literature. Participatory ergonomics (PE), an approach that emphasizes the input and participation of individuals directly impacted by the work being studied, is a strong fit for this population. This article describes a PE project among 33 Mapuche weavers that characterizes the hazards, risks and perceived adverse health effects associated with home-based weaving and the identification, implementation and evaluation of three ergonomic interventions. This project can inform the development of sustainable ergonomics health programs for home-based artisans.

Ergonomic Hazards in the Workplace: Assessment, Evaluation and Prevention in the Educational Environment of Holy Cross College

This research was conducted to assess, evaluate and prevent the ergonomics hazards in the educational environment of Holy Cross College. College instructors at various workstations across the college facilities are among those that participate. The data was gathered through the use of an online survey form. It consists of 45 questions designed to have insight on the actual equipment setup, work posture, and work design, and environment utilized by the college faculty. The majority of the detected risks are at a critical level and may cause severe loss to the organization's scope, quality, schedule, and cost. The findings provided the necessary safety norms and resources to prevent ergonomic hazards that result in ergonomic health problems. All hazards designated as critical can be kept to minimum if actions and reactions are appropriately implemented by the relevant parties. As a result, the likelihood and magnitude of its occurrence and effects are reduced.

ЕРГОНОМІЧНИЙ АНАЛІЗ РУЧНОГО ІНСТРУМЕНТУ ДЛЯ УМОВ АВТОСЕРВІСУ. РЕЗУЛЬТАТИ ДОСЛІДЖЕНЬ. ЧАСТИНА 2

It was determined that injuries and the occurrence of occupational diseases of the limbs (fingers, hand, elbow, forearm, shoulder, etc.) of the musculoskeletal system of workers of car service enterprises when performing production activities for the maintenance and repair of cars, in which a hand tool is used, is a quite common phenomenon that currently constitutes a task of research of current importance. Object of the study – ergonomic risks arising while working with hand tools. Purpose of the study – to assess the ergonomic risks of the limb’s injuries and of the occurrence of occupational diseases of the musculoskeletal system of the worker while using hand tools at car repair entities. Method of the study – to use the «TILE» («Task, Individual, Load, and Environment») principle for study of the upper limbs of the human body biomechanics. This principle indicates the need for a physiological assessment of manual labor (weight, rhythm, pace, intensity, etc.) and for a verification of the adequacy of manual labor conditions and the working environment and of their impact on employee health. To calculate the ergonomic risk of injury and the occurrence of occupational diseases, the «RULA» («Rapid Upper Limb Assessment») method was used, with the assistance of which the conformity of the ergonomics of hand tools to the working conditions has been assessed. Results of the study – discovered that use of the ergonomic tools can reduce the ergonomic risks of limb’s injury and occupational diseases of the musculoskeletal system of the worker, as well as increase productivity by up to 30%. Recommendations for rational sizes and shapes of various hand tools are given. The results of the study can be used for further development of the assessment of ergonomic health risks of workers in industrial enterprises. Keywords: technological processes of a car service, risk management of workers’ injuries, ergonomic risks, hand tools, labor productivity.

ОЦІНКА ЕРГОНОМІЧНИХ РИЗИКІВ ЗДОРОВ’Ю РОБІТНИКІВ АВТОСЕРВІСУ

Професійні захворювання опорно-рухового апарату працівників автосервісу є одними з найрозповсюдженіших серед цієї категорії робітників. Саме вони зменшують продуктивність праці та якість життя. Тому пошук шляхів для забезпечення безпеки і комфорту на робочому місці та обґрунтування рішень щодо удосконалення ергономіки технологічного процесу є актуальним завданням.&#x0D; Мета дослідження - оцінка ергономічних ризиків здоров’ю працівників автосервісу під час здійснення виробничої діяльності, пов’язаної з ремонтом і технічним обслуговуванням автомобілів та обґрунтування способів їх зниження.&#x0D; Для оцінки ризику виникнення професійних захворювань опорно-рухового апарату скористаємось методом швидкої оцінки робочої пози працівників (Rapid Entire Body Assessment worksheet ("REBA")).&#x0D; За результатами проведеного дослідження - встановлено, що найбільша ймовірність захворювання опорно-рухового апарату виникає у працівників шиномонтажу. Для цієї технологічної операції є характерною ручна робота з великим навантаженням при значній кількості незручних поз. Визначено, що найбільш ризикованими операціями з обслуговування є розкручування (закручування шайок) та установка (знімання) колеса, що пов’язано насамперед з поєднанням значного фізичного зусилля і незручної пози. При цьому ймовірність травмування опорно-рухового апарату складає майже - 99%. Наведено характеристику сучасного обладнання для підвищення безпеки праці за ергономічним критерієм – зменшення фізичного навантаження на робітників. Встановлено, що його використання призведе до покращення рівня безпеки на - 60%.&#x0D; В результаті проведеного дослідження, було показано на прикладі проведення оцінки ергономічного ризику, що за його величиною можна визначити найбільш травмонебезпечні операції та обґрунтувати доцільність удосконалення технологічного процесу, зокрема шиномонтажу, за рахунок збільшення використання засобів механізації роботи автомеханіка.

What do the different ergonomic interventions accomplish in the workplace? A systematic review

Introduction. Improving well-being and overall system performance are the ultimate goals of ergonomics, which are achieved through ergonomic interventions. This systematic review aimed to answer the question of what different ergonomic interventions accomplish in the workplace. Method. The systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. Ergonomic interventions in workplaces focusing on any ergonomics health outcomes or productivity were identified in electronic databases up to June 1, 2019. Results. The 1635 articles collected from the literature screening stage were screened for their relevance to this study by the authors independently. The full-text review identified 22 papers qualified for inclusion in this systematic review. Most of the interventions implemented in the analyzed articles were ergonomic training programs, participatory ergonomics and workstation designs. The highlight results showed that interventions such as feedback, participatory ergonomics in short-term follow-ups and job rotation along with ergonomic guidelines did not significantly affect the risk of psychosocial factors. A significant reduction of musculoskeletal disorders in the upper limbs was reported with workplace improvements. Conclusion. There was no specific study method or intervention approach found to influence ergonomic outcomes. A multicomponent intervention program can be used to improve the impact of interventions on employees’ health and system productivity.

The pitfalls of the traditional office ergonomics model in the current mobile work environment: Is visual ergonomics health literacy the remedy?

Mobile technology has revolutionised how we work. It is now relatively easy to work anywhere and anytime, but this has placed the onus is on mobile (or flexible) workers to set up their own work environment for comfort and ease of use. Vision is an important driver of posture, and hence visual ergonomics principles are integral for setting up digital devices. If mobile workers do not have visual ergonomics knowledge, or are unable to apply visual ergonomics knowledge to appropriately set up their work environment, then they are at risk of developing visual-related occupational health issues due to exposure to adverse physical work environments. To address this potential health care issue, we propose the introduction of Visual Ergonomics Health Literacy. This would provide mobile workers (including school children) with the knowledge and skills to set up their work environment for comfort and ease of use, wherever they work. It is important to address this issue now before we have a widespread epidemic of discomfort and injury from not applying sound visual ergonomics principles to work environments.

Safety Awareness of Workers for Construction Sites in Nepal

Construction industry is one of the largest and most important industries in Nepal. Construction safety in the industry still suffers from ignorance and lack of supervision and accident rate on construction projects is very high. The objective of this study is to identify the awareness lunched in the construction industries that relate to safety, problems related ergonomic health and safety, and the status of safety engineering management as perceived by construction and consultancies to help reduction of accidents. A survey was conducted by using a numbers of questionnaires which was distributed to 38 respondents. Analysis of the responses found the most important factors that included: “Awareness programs are lunching in construction industries about health, safety and environment “Weather Construction firms are managing problems related ergonomic health and safety in construction sites? How well is the management of safety engineering in construction projects by every firm of Nepal? “.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards ergonomics among undergraduates of Faculty of Dentistry, Tanta University, Egypt.

Ergonomics is the scientific study of people and their working environment. Dentistry is a profession that generally produces various musculoskeletal disorders. If ergonomic principles are applied in the field of dentistry, it helps to prevent occupational ergonomic health hazards and provides more comfort to the dentist and patient. To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practice of ergonomics during routine dental procedures among undergraduates of Faculty of Dentistry, Tanta University, cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students of Tanta University during the year 2015-2016 using a predesigned selfadministered questionnaire. Knowledge, attitude, and practice were assessed by 16, 5, and 6 questions, respectively. The study included 479 dental students, of them, 291 (60.8%) were females, 359 (74.9%) were from urban areas, and 359 students (74.9%) were 22years old and below. Only one quarter of the students had good knowledge whereas nearly half of the students (48.9%) had fair knowledge concerning ergonomics. Out of the participants, 84.8% had positive attitudes and 95.4% had poor practice of ergonomics. Only 48.9% of the studied students had fair knowledge regarding ergonomics; also 5% only of students practice it. But about 84.8% of students have a positive attitude towards studying ergonomics. Dental students need to ensure involving ergonomics in the routine dental practice. This may be achieved via addition of ergonomics in their curriculum.

Ergonomic Aspects And Health Hazards On Computer Workstations' Operators At Zagazig University: An Occupational Risk Management Approach.

Background: Extent of computer usage in public and private sectors had been greatly increased in recent decades carrying the risk of several health hazards. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of self assessment of physical discomforts among computer operators at Zagazig University, and to conduct an interventional ergonomic health education program and measuring the extent of success of this program. Subjects and Methods: A study was conducted on 118 computer operators in different 12 computer workstations at Zagazig University. A cross sectional study using standardized questionnaire, and interventional study included application of ergonomic health education intervention program were implemented. Evaluation was done six months after conduction of the intervention to measure the degree of success of the program. Results: Analysis of (lie collected data reveals that eye tiredness is the most common symptom which represents 70.3%. Headache also has a high percentage which represents 61%, the least prevalent symptom is lacrimation which represents 24.6%. The significant risk factors for eye problems are screen glare, working duration more than 6 years in computer field and daily working hours in front of computer more than 5 hours. Musculoskeletat problems eye problems, working duration more than 6 years in ; computer field and daily working hours in front of computer more than 5 hours are the significant predictors for work fatigue. The most prevalent musculoskeletal symptom among studied computer operators is neck pain (49.2%) followed by lower back pain (48.3%). Awkward posture, prolonged sitting, working duration more than 6 years in computer field and daily working hours in front of computer more than 5 hours are the significant risk factors for having musculoskeletal symptoms. The ergonomic health education intervention program has a significant effect on raising computer operators' knowledge about computer health hazards and also has a significant effect on operators' practices towards modification and adaptation of their workstations regarding monitor and keyboard position. Conclusion and recommendations: Although video display terminal work carries the risk of several health hazards, just application of simple ergonomic health education intervention program through meetings to address questions and concerns and then give the health education message about health hazards, risk factors and the right manner of safe practice can lead to significant positive impact on knowledge, practices and health status of workers. So, we recommend periodic training, proper ergonomic basis, adequate room area and Establishment of ergonomic website directed to computer operators at Zagazig University Workstations. Key words: ergonomics, video display terminals, work stations operators, health hazards

A questionnaire on the health effects of new technical equipment

This questionnaire study was aimed at finding out how new technical equipment affects the ergonomic health aspects of the working-age population. The study was carried out as a cross-sectional study by posting the questionnaire to 15 000 working-age Finns. The total number of participants was 6121. The questionnaire included 21 multiple choice questions on familiarity and usage of new technical devices (e.g. computers, mobile phones and digital televisions), prevalence of physical and mental symptoms, accidents associated with mobile phone use and an open-ended question on health and new technology. In statistical analyses of all data the usage of desktop computer and the usage of portable computer or mini-computer did not have influence on any physical symptoms. The influence can only be seen together with two-way interactions. The psychological symptoms were present in one- and two-way interactions. In the women’s age group of 41–50, the combined effects for usage of desktop computer and the usage of portable computer or mini-computer increase. For male subgroup the psychological symptoms increase only in the oldest age group (51–60). Relevance to industry A large-scale questionnaire offers a good reference for evaluating the prevalence of the symptoms from the use modern electrical devices. Finland is one of the leading countries in the design and utilization of electronics and thus offers an interesting viewpoint on such issues.

Agricultural Activities, Pesticide Use and Occupational Hazards among Women Working in Small Scale Farming in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

South Africa's land policies have increased women's participation in agriculture, but limited information exists about their agricultural activities. We surveyed 911 women working on the Makhatini Flats in Northern KwaZulu-Natal in 2006, gathering data on demographics, agricultural activities, crop production and pesticide use in both irrigated and Dryland areas. Average age of participants was 41.9, with Drylands women slightly older. Education levels were low among both groups, but lowest in the Drylands. Drylands women were more likely to engage in reported agricultural activities, including pesticide spraying. Use of World Health Organization class I and II pesticides was reported in both areas. Farm ownership, age <30 years, and being a sprayer were associated with knowledge of the names of pesticides utilized. This analysis suggests that women on the Drylands face greater risk of adverse ergonomic health outcomes and women from both areas are equally at risk for adverse pesticide-related health outcomes.