Ergonomic Risk Research Articles

Working conditions, health status, and musculoskeletal disorders among hospital cleaning workers: a cross-sectional study in Turkey.

Cleaning workers face many workplace risk factors and may experience many health problems. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the musculoskeletal disorders, the health status of hospital cleaning workers, and the working conditions and risk factors affecting the workplace environment. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a university hospital of Turkey. All the cleaning workers who have been working for ≥1 year were participants. The participants' socio-demographic and occupational characteristics, health complaints, workplace risk factors, occupational accidents, and ergonomic nonconformities were observed and questioned. Four hundred thirty-eight cleaning employees participated in the study. In the past year, 19.6% of participants had an occupational accident. Of those, 24.4% did not report it, and 30.2% were absent from work. No pre-employment examination was reported by 36.8% of the participants, and periodic medical examinations were never undergone by 98.4%. Low back pain was experienced by 42.0% of the participants, while 29.5% reported shoulder pain and 28.8% knee pain. While working, 83.1% of the participants bent frequently, 82.2% repeated the same movement, and 73.2% stood for a long time. Chemical substances were the most common workplace risk factors. There were significant differences according to age and gender in almost all musculoskeletal disorders. Gender differences were observed also in various health outcomes and occupational complaints. Repeated bending and prolonged standing were associated with hip/leg and foot/ankle pains; heavy lifting with low back, back, wrist/hand, and ankle/foot pains; and failure to the breaks with shoulder, knee and hip/leg pains. This research investigated the health issues and occupational safety challenges faced by hospital cleaning personnel. Specifically, it examined musculoskeletal disorders and work-related accidents, emphasizing gaps in regular health screenings for these workers. The findings underscore gender variations in these challenges and propose strategies to mitigate ergonomic risks encountered by cleaning staff. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(5).

Validation of computer vision-based ergonomic risk assessment tools for real manufacturing environments.

This study contributes to understanding semi-automated ergonomic risk assessments in industrial manufacturing environments, proposing a practical tool for enhancing worker safety and operational efficiency. In the Industry 5.0 era, the human-centric approach in manufacturing is crucial, especially considering the aging workforce and the dynamic nature of the entire modern industrial sector, today integrating digital technology, automation, and sustainable practices to enhance productivity and environmental responsibility. This approach aims to adapt work conditions to individual capabilities, addressing the high incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The traditional, subjective methods of ergonomic assessment are inadequate for dynamic settings, highlighting the need for affordable, automatic tools for continuous monitoring of workers' postures to evaluate ergonomic risks effectively during tasks. To enable this perspective, 2D RGB Motion Capture (MoCap) systems based on computer vision currently seem the technologies of choice, given their low intrusiveness, cost, and implementation effort. However, the reliability and applicability of these systems in the dynamic and varied manufacturing environment remain uncertain. This research benchmarks various literature proposed MoCap tools and examines the viability of MoCap systems for ergonomic risk assessments in Industry 5.0 by exploiting one of the benchmarked semi-automated, low-cost and non-intrusive 2D RGB MoCap system, capable of continuously monitoring and analysing workers' postures. By conducting experiments across varied manufacturing environments, this research evaluates the system's effectiveness in assessing ergonomic risks and its adaptability to different production lines. Results reveal that the accuracy of risk assessments varies by specific environmental conditions and workstation setups. Although these systems are not yet optimized for expert-level risk certification, they offer significant potential for enhancing workplace safety and efficiency by providing continuous posture monitoring. Future improvements could explore advanced computational techniques like machine learning to refine ergonomic assessments further.

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Related Risk Factors in Iranian Military Personnel: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) are prevalent and costly diseases in military occupations. WRMSDs are prevalent and costly diseases in military occupations. We investigated the exposure to ergonomic risk factors and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among military personnel in the workplace. Method: We aimed to investigate MSDs by conducting electronic searches on Persian databases such as SID, MagIran, and IranMedex, and English databases like PubMed, Web of Sciences, and Scopus. The search was not restricted by time and was conducted until Dec 20, 2021. Two researchers independently extracted the data, and the quality of the research was evaluated using the STROBE checklist. The results of different studies were merged and incorporated into the analysis using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) v3 software. Results: Eleven qualitative studies found that 92% of the respondents were men (83% to 96%). The mean age was 34.17 ± 0.16 yr, with a confidence interval (of 95% CI:33.85-34.48). The mean BMI was 25±0.39 with a confidence interval of 95% CI:24.28-25.84. The mean work record was 12.89±0.81 yr with a confidence interval of 95% CI:11.30-11.48. The highest outbreak of MSDs is in the knee at 38.1% (95%CI:32.1-44.4), 37.6% of the neck (95% CI:24.8-52.5), and 32.5% of the shoulder. (95%CI:22.5-44.3) was observed. Conclusion: The wide role of various dimensions of work tasks and repetitive tasks (such as lifting, moving or changing positions, standing for long periods, as well as improper postures) in causing WRMSDs. Additionally, the risk factor in the workplace has financial implications for the military organization. The reduction of physical and psychological demands, as well as the improvement of ergonomic standards in the workplace, should be addressed to decrease MSDs in military centers.

HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE: POSTURE, ERGONOMICS AND MUSCULAR DISORDERS

Objective: The study aimed to map the epidemiological profile of chronic musculoskeletal disorders and the ergonomic risks of body posture in the office environment. Methods: Data were collected using an electronic form consisting of sociodemographic questions and adapted versions of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Symptom and Rapid Office Strain Assessment questionnaires. Results: The mean age of the 73 participants in the extension project was 25.3 years and most had higher education. Of these, 86.3% felt pain, numbness or tingling in the last 12 months and of these, 90.5% had more than one body part affected by the symptoms. Of the thirteen body postures evaluated (sitting, leaning, position of the knees, feet, elbows, forearms and head), all were identified as ergonomically inadequate, especially those related to the chair used. Conclusion: There is a clear need for immediate health care actions for this population, since the office environments were not ergonomically adequate and the workers were already ill. Ergonomic intervention and health education actions are essential to guide the risks of this environment and propose behavioral changes to reduce/prevent musculoskeletal disorders. A limitation of the study may be that the sample was affected by the healthy worker effect, that is, those who were already affected by chronic musculoskeletal disorders were interested in participating in the project.

Co-occurrence of occupational outcomes and associated factors among hospitals cleaners, eastern ethiopia: a cross sectional study.

Hospital cleaners face a complex and varied work environment due to several potentially dangerous circumstances, including the risk of getting injured by sharp objects and being subjected to various ergonomic and physical risks. They thus acquire a combination or co-occurrence of outcomes associated to their line of work. In this study it stands for occurrence of occupational injuries and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) during study period, which has not been explored in developing countries like Ethiopia, particularly among hospital cleaners. To assess the prevalence of co-occurrence of occupational outcomes and associated factors among hospital cleaners, Eastern Ethiopia. A cross sectional study was conducted on 741 cleaners in eight hospitals in eastern Ethiopia from May, 2023 to 30th August, 2023. Face-to-face interview was conducted. The data quality was maintained by designing standard questions that preserved both external and internal validity. The entered data was exported from Epi-Data 3.1 to Stata 17MP. Descriptive statistic was used to characterize one variable, While, binary logistic regression was used to explore the relationship of the predictors. At binary analysis variables having a p-value of < 0.20 were candidates for multivariate logistic regression. The crude odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were presented. Those variables having < 0.05 were reported. The variance inflation factor used to test multicollinearity. While, Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit-test was applied for model fit. From total of 741 hospital cleaners, 679 (91.63%) of them were responded. The prevalence co-occurrence of occupational outcome among cleaners was 25.04% (95%CI: 21.82, 28.47). The multivariate logistic regression shows that those had workload (AOR:2.78, 95%CI: 1.25,6.17), those worked more than 8r/day (AOR:3.45, 95%CI:2.34,6.32), those have sleeping disorders (AOR: 4.61,95%CI: 2.89, 8.03), those had work stress (AOR:2.05, 95%CI:0.98,4.29), those highly exposed with hazards (AOR: 4.22, 95%CI:2.40, 7.45) and those had poor knowledge of risk (AOR:2.41, 95%CI:1.06, 5.50) were more likely increase the odds of co-occurrence of occupational outcome as compared to their counterparts. The current study concluded that one-fourth of the co-occurrence of occupational outcomes was reported among hospital cleaners. The study also found that lack of supervision, workload, working more hours per a day, severely presence of occupational hazards, lack of regular job rotation, the sleeping disorders and having work stress all increased the odds of co-occurrence occupational outcome.

Decision Support System (DSS) for Improving Production Ergonomics in the Construction Sector

Ergonomics is essential to improving workplace safety and efficiency by reducing the risks associated with physical tasks. This study presents a decision support system (DSS) aimed at enhancing production ergonomics in the construction sector through an analysis of high-risk postures. Using the Ovako Work Posture Analysis System (OWAS), the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation (NIOSH equation) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), the DSS identifies ergonomic risks by assessing body postures across common construction tasks. Three specific postures—X, Y and Z—were selected to represent typical construction activities, including lifting, squatting and repetitive tool use. Posture X, involving a forward-leaning stance with arms above the shoulders and a 25 kg load, was identified as critical, yielding the highest OWAS and NIOSH values, thus indicating an immediate need for corrective action to mitigate risks of musculoskeletal injuries. The DSS provides recommendations for workplace adjustments and posture improvements, demonstrating a robust framework that can be adapted to other postures and industries. Future developments may include application to other postures and sectors, as well as the use of artificial intelligence to support ongoing ergonomic assessments, offering a promising solution to enhance Occupational Safety and Health policies.

Designing an adjustable ergonomic laptop desk and its evaluating by RULA and NERPA methods.

Using a computer may lead to pain in wrists, neck, and back. In addition, adopting various body postures like sitting cross-legged, semi-fowler's position, and putting the laptop on the leg may lead to the development of persistent and irreversible discomfort. The purpose of this research is to design and build an adjustable ergonomic laptop desk based on the anthropometric characteristics of students in the age range of 20 to 30 years and to evaluate its efficiency using RULA and NERPA methods. This cross-sectional study conducted on 108 students, in which an adjustable and portable ergonomic desk designed and built based on 10 anthropometric dimensions of students and the length and width of 10 different laptop models. Two assessment methods, RULA and NERPA, were used. Wilcoxon statistic test and SPSS version 26 software used for data analysis. The dimensions of the desk were calculated in three positions, and the desk was made with the ability to adjust height, width and tilt, each with two degrees of freedom. The statistical analysis comparing score of RULA and NERPA in two situations without using a desk and using an ergonomic laptop desk had a significant difference (P-value < 0.001). Comparison of RULA and NERPA scores showed that NERPA evaluated the low ergonomic risk level better than RULA method. Due to the ability to adjust the designed desk, the changes in RULA and NERPA score in all three modes, it indicates the effectiveness of the table in improving the body posture of users when using a laptop.

Ergonomic risk analysis with the use of ergonomic guides

Ergonomic risk analysis with the use of ergonomic guides

Management Ergonomics Sector Analysis Oil Palm Plantation

Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil producer, significantly impacts global crude palm oil (CPO) production. Despite its economic value, manual labor in oil palm plantations often involves non-ergonomic practices, particularly in tasks like loading and unloading, leading to worker fatigue and increased risks of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). This research aims to evaluate ergonomic risks and MSD prevalence among oil palm workers by analyzing body posture during daily tasks. Data were collected using the RULA method, Nordic Body Map, and environmental measurements, supported by interviews and observations. Findings reveal that improper lifting and posture during harvesting contribute to fatigue and MSDs among workers. Recommendations for improvement include regular ergonomic training, adjustments to work posture, and the addition of safety equipment like fire extinguishers. By implementing these changes, the study seeks to improve worker safety, minimize MSD occurrences, and boost productivity in oil palm plantations. These insights are vital for ensuring sustainable practices in the industry and promoting the well-being of plantation workers.

Improving Workplace Safety and Health Through a Rapid Ergonomic Risk Assessment Methodology Enhanced by an Artificial Intelligence System

The comfort of a worker while performing any activity is extremely important. If that activity extends beyond a person’s capacity to withstand physical and psychological stress, the worker may suffer from both physical and mental ailments. Over time, if the stress persists, these conditions can become chronic diseases and can even be the cause of workplace accidents. In this research, a methodology was developed for the rapid assessment of ergonomic risks and for calculating the level of ergonomic comfort in the workplace. This methodology uses artificial intelligence through a specific algorithm and takes into account a number of factors that, when combined, can have a significant impact on workers. To achieve a more accurate simulation of a work situation or to evaluate an ongoing work situation, and to significantly correlate these parameters, we used logarithmic calculation formulas. To streamline the process, we developed software that performs these calculations, conducts a rapid assessment of ergonomic risks, estimates a comfort level, and proposes possible measures to mitigate the risks and effects on workers. To assist in diagnosing the work situation, we used a neural network with five neurons in the input layer, one hidden layer, and two neurons in the output layer. As a result, most work situations, in any industrial field, can be quickly analyzed and evaluated using this methodology. The use of this new analysis and diagnosis tool, implemented through this new research technology, is beneficial for employers and workers. Moreover, through further developments of this methodology, achieved by increasing the number of relevant input parameters for ergonomics and integrating advanced artificial intelligence systems, we aim to provide high precision in assessing ergonomic risk and calculating the level of ergonomic comfort.

Risk Factors for Developing Occupational Back Pain in Electronics Industry Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Back pain is an occupation-related problem among workforces. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of back pain and the risk factors of occupational back pain among workers in the electronics industry. In total, 354 electronics workers in Thailand participated in the study. Data were collected using the Musculoskeletal Disorders Severity and Frequency Questionnaire, the Job Content Questionnaire, and ergonomics risk assessment via the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Risk factors of back pain were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis, providing adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The study found that most workers were operators (92.09%) and had repetitive work (83.62%). A high ergonomics risk was observed in workers who stood during work (68.49%) and operated machines (71.70%). The 1-month prevalence of developing back pain was 20.62% and the significant factors correlated with back pain were low levels of job control and decision-making (ORadj = 2.26; 95% CI [1.26 ,4.05]), lack of exercise (ORadj = 8.30; 95% CI [1.35, 24.28]), repetitive work (ORadj = 2.94; 95% CI [1.19, 7.29]), and high ergonomic risk level (ORadj = 2.81; 95% CI [1.16, 5.07]). These findings suggest that measures should be implemented by empowering electronics workers to make decisions and control their jobs, as well as promoting health through muscle-stretching exercise, to support back pain prevention.

The effect of posture regulation training on musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue level and job performance in intensive care nurses

BackgroundIntensive care units (ICUs) are one of the high-risk working areas in terms of musculoskeletal disability and ergonomic risks including the environment and posture factors. Correct posture technique is often ignored by nurses working in these units. This study was conducted to determine the effect of posture regulation training on work-related musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue level and job performance in nurses working in ICUs.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study with one-group pretest-posttest design included 64 intensive care nurses. The nurses received posture regulation training in three different sessions. The post-test was administered four months after the posture regulation training.ResultsThe nurses reported to frequently have aches, pains and discomfort in the neck, upper back and lumbar regions. After the posture regulation training, their level of pain, ache and discomfort in the neck, right and left shoulder, upper back, lower back and right/left foot areas decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The posture regulation training reduced the levels of behavior/severity and affect, which are sub-dimensions of fatigue, and increased the level of contribution to work, which is a sub-dimension of job performance (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe posture regulation training decreased the level of symptoms in the neck, shoulder, upper back, lower back and foot regions of intensive care nurses and partially improved their fatigue level and job performance. Therefore, posture regulation training should be added to in-service training programs and permanent measures should be taken for ergonomic risks in ICUs.

Evaluation of tomato farmworker upper limb ergonomic risk factors

Research on musculoskeletal disorders among tomato farmworkers is limited. This pilot study aims to generate insights and preliminary data on tasks performed by tomato farmworkers at a demonstration test plot, evaluating associated ergonomic risk factors. A demonstration test plot was constructed to simulate tasks performed by tomato farmworkers. Muscle activity in the anterior deltoid and upper trapezius was measured using surface electromyography (sEMG) and compared among tasks. The intensity of physical activity during stake pounding, bucket tossing, and tying tasks was monitored using a GT9X activity monitor. Non-parametric ANOVA revealed that the upper trapezius exhibited the highest muscle activity in all tasks (p < 0.05). Stake pounding showed the highest muscle activity, peak loads, and the most intense physical activity. Future studies will focus on assessing tomato farmworker activities over longer shifts and evaluating the impact of posture, fatigue, and energy expenditure on the risk for musculoskeletal disorders.

Ergonomic Risk Assessment for Manual Handling Activities in Automotive Workshop

Ergonomic risk assessment tools are tools that have been designed to solve the problem of ergonomics in the workplace from manual material handling activities. The objective of this study is to investigate Musculoskeletal Discomfort among workers related to manual handling activities using Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ); to assess an ergonomics risk factor among workers related to manual handling activities using Manual Handling Assessment Chart (MAC), NIOSH Lifting Equation(NLE), and Key Indicator Method for Manual Handling Operation (KIM-MHO) method and; to compare the results between CMDQ and assessment tools. This case study was conducted in Parit Raja, Johor, Malaysia involving 34 male mechanics workers. The tools used are as stated in the objective with the help of measurement tools such as a goniometer. The result of the CMDQ reveals that the body part with the highest discomfort level among the workers in the lower back, shoulder right and shoulder left with the percentage from the total discomfort score of 20.91%, 13.57%, and 13.36% respectively. From the result of the assessments, it is concluded that the highest risk factor contributing to the MSDs is the bad posture of the worker during the manual handling operation followed by the frequency of lifting and the weight of the load. By comparing assessment tools, the first comparison is made between the CMDQ versus KIM-MHO, MAC Tools and NLE. In this comparison that, it is highlighted the result type from CMDQ are different from the KIM-MHO, MAC Tools and NLE as its questionnaire result shows us the discomforts levels on the body of workers and the body parts affected on their body for the last seven days but the assessment tools results show us the risk factor that contributes to the MSDs. For the comparison between the three assessment tools, it can be said that the tools that have the highest correlation with CMDQ are MAC Tools. In conclusion, most workers suffer from MSDs in their lower back due to their bad posture during manual handling. KIM-MHO is the best assessment tool among the three as it has the highest significance value while being the easiest tool to be used.

Ergonomics Risk Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorder During Ultrasound-Guided Internal Jugular Venous Cannulation.

Acutely sick patients can receive emergency intravenous access through central venous cannulation to administer fluids and medicines, perform haemodynamic monitoring and extracorporeal therapies, including plasmapheresis or haemodialysis. Using the Seldinger procedure, access is gained by percutaneous puncture, frequently guided by ultrasonography into the femoral, subclavian or internal jugular veins. This study aimed to identify ergonomic risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in operators performing ultrasonography-guided internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation at various table heights and probe orientations. Sixty emergency medicine residents participated in a cross-sectional study conducted by the Emergency and Trauma Department of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan. Participants were instructed to perform the cannulation at two distinct table heights and with two distinct probe orientations. To compute the ergonomic risk score, the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method was used. The table height of 0.5 elbow factor with varied probe resulted in a median REBA score of 5.0, whereas the table height of 0.7 elbow factor with varied probe had a median REBA score of 4.0. All four positions exhibited medium risk for MSDs. This study showed that the table height of 0.7 elbow factor is more ergonomically favourable while still imposed medium risk for MSDs.

Mismatch between fixed classroom furniture and anthropometric measurements among university students: Relationships to ergonomic risk.

Appropriate arrangement of classroom ergonomics is necessary for maintaining health and improving academic performance, learning, and motivation. We aimed to determine the anthropometric measurements and ergonomic risk levels of students during a handwriting activity on a fixed desk and chair and to analyze the mismatch and relationships between these factors. This study included 149 university students (female:73, male:76). Anthropometric measurements (lower and upper extremity length, shoulder height, elbow-rest height, hip-popliteal length, popliteal height, knee height, the distance between tragus and wall, and between acromion and wall) were done with a tape measure. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool was conducted to determine the ergonomic risk level while students wrote a standard text on a fixed desk and chair as if they were taking notes in the classroom. The mismatch was evaluated between backrest height and sitting shoulder height, seat height, and popliteal height. The Pearson Chi-Square and the Spearman Correlation test were used for statistical analysis. The median values of the participants' age, height, weight, and BMI were 22 years, 1.70 m, 68 kg, and 23.18 kg/cm2, respectively. Most students had inadequate ergonomic posture while writing on fixed furniture at the university (Median RULA grand score: 4). More mismatches for seat height (54.4%) were found in high ergonomic risk levels but mismatches for backrest height did not follow a similar result. More investigation should be conducted with prospective studies including interventions like adjustable furniture.

Assessment of occupational musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among heavy vehicle drivers.

Professional driving requires long hours of work, uncomfortable seats, negotiating rough terrain and highways, and possibly minor repairs and other auxiliary transportation duties. Heavy vehicle drivers driving vehicles such as trucks, bulldozers, etc. due to such working structures are more prone to various musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and pain, which is of great concern. In the present study, it is planned to investigate possible ergonomic risk factors such as age, weight, driving exposure, seat suspension systems, lifting heavy weights causing MSDs in drivers of various heavy vehicles. The results of the study are expected to help drivers reduce the risk of MSDs. For the present study, the Nordic questionnaire on musculoskeletal disorders was modified and standardized and was administered to the 48 heavy vehicle drivers randomly selected to collect the data. The analysis divulged that over the past 12 months, lower back pain (LBP) emerged as the most dominant pain experienced by 56% of drivers, followed by knee pain (KP) (43%) and neck pain (NP) (39%) respectively. The prevalence of shoulder pain (SP) was observed to be much lower than in previous literature. The logistic regression model further revealed that increasing age, poor suspension system and poor body posture were significantly associated with lower back pain. Additionally, a poor suspension system and lifting heavy weights had significant effect on the drivers' knee pain. The results demonstrated the evident necessity for ergonomic consideration in vehicle designing and ergonomic training for heavy vehicle drivers.

De Quervain's tenosynovitis as an occupational disease in agricultural worker: A case report.

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is upper-limb disorder, more frequent in women. It is rarely recognized as an occupational disease. In this paper we reported work related de Quervain's tenosynovitis in cow milker. Ergonomic risk factors were assessed by utilizing assessment of repetitive tasks (ART) of the upper limbs method. Physical examination and imaging exams were used. We presented a 36-year-old female agricultural worker (workplace cow milker) exposed to work factors (forceful hand/wrist exertions, repetition, extreme postures) for 14 years. She was suffering the pain in the right hand, mainly near the thumb for few years. She was treated conservatively and surgically, however disability was permanent. Clinical examination showed slight edema of the right hand, increased palm's sweating. Patient had reduced range of movements and grip strength. Report shows that work-related factors were strongly associated with diagnosed de Quervain's tenosynovitis. Hand function plays an essential role in carrying out activities of daily living and this disorder pose a relevant burden of disease. Exposure to biomechanical factors should be an important initial target for the prevention of De Quervain's tenosynovitis in the working population.

Musculoskeletal Health Problems Among the Loom Weavers of Sirajganj District, Bangladesh

Loom industry in Bangladesh is the foremost imperative &amp; antiquated house industry with a decentralized setup. The industry is giving vocation for millions of individuals within the nation. The target populace includes weavers over northern Bangladesh. The ponder secured a sizable number of population i.e, 208 subjects in Enayetpur and Madhabpur village, Sirajganj. To ensure representativeness, a non-probability convenience technique was utilized to choose a test estimate of 208 members. To be qualified for the study, members were chosen who had minimum two years of experience. Male were predominant (96.2%) among the respondents. Monthly income showed that major part (48.1%) of the respondents fell in 10-15thousand BDT category. Majority (63.5%) of waste disposal strategy taken after by the wok-places was landfilled. What's really interesting is that many respondents reported having musculoskeletal problems; lower back pain (59.6%) was the most frequently reported one. These health issues were connected to weaving activities because they involve lots of repetitive movements with hands, shoulders, legs, and other parts. Most health concerns in this field came from ergonomic risk factors. Future research should aim to include diverse populations and explore interventions that can mitigate these ergonomic risks, ultimately improving the well-being of this vital workforce in Bangladesh's loom industry. Keywords: Bangladesh, Sirajganj, musculoskeletal, health, loom, weavers

Development of an Ergonomics Risk Assessment Tool for Pushing and Pulling (PUSHPULL) Activities at the Workplace

The observational method remains the most widely utilized for assessing the risk factor of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) as it is inexpensive, quick and practical in field data collection. However, there is some limitation with the current risk assessment on Pushing and Pulling (PP), such as the need to use expensive force measuring equipment, limited coverage of critical variables for assessing the risk and psychometric properties for the method, which is not adequately established. This study aims to develop a new method for assessing the PP of wheeled equipment called the PUSHPULL method and establish the reliability and validity of the PUSHPULL method. Two stages are involved in developing the PUSHPULL method: i) development of PUSHPULL specification and ii) psychometric properties evaluation. Selection of variables for inclusion in the PUSHPULL method employed three strategies: i) literature review, ii) expert panel review, and iii) survey among Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) practitioners. Current assessment methods were also reviewed to assist in assigning rating scores. Psychometric properties evaluation was performed for content validity (representative, relevance and clarity) and inter and intra-rater reliability testing. Consequently, content validity was performed by six experts. The results of content validity (S-CVI/Ave) were discovered to be in the acceptable range of 0.97, 0.98 and 0.82, respectively, for representativeness, relevance and clarity. Based on the inputs from the expert panel, improvements were made, and prototype 2 was generated. Prototype 2 underwent reliability testing, and Gwet AC1 was discovered to be 0.596 (moderate) and 0.77 (good), respectively, for inter and intra-rater reliability. The PUSHPULL method was developed based on empirical data from a literature review, expert panel review and inputs from OSH practitioners. The method covers all the significant variables related to the risk of PP. Moreover, the reliability and validity of the PUSHPULL method were clarified during the development stage. The tool can determine the risk level and prioritize the intervention.