Ergonomic Strain Research Articles

Ergonomic Risk Analysis of Working Postures for a Textile Factory Worker

The textile sector significantly contributes to total employment and exports in our country. At the same time, it has a production structure that is labor-intensive and where most of the work is done manually and repetitively. As a result of shift work and long working hours in textile production, some musculoskeletal disorders occur in employees due to non-ergonomic posture and repetitive movements. Untreated and neglected musculoskeletal disorders cause more serious problems for employees in the long term. In this study, ergonomic risk assessment was conducted using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment Method for the working postures of textile workers working in the weaving department of a textile factory. Thus, potential risk factors and ergonomic strain levels exposed to employees were determined. As a result of the research, it was determined that the employee was exposed to high risk, and precautions needed to be taken quickly. In addition, some recommendations were made to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and loss of productivity in the business through some precautions.

The Role of Human-Robot Interaction in Enhancing Efficiency and Safety in Industrial Robotics

This study examines the role of human-robot interaction (HRI) in enhancing efficiency and safety in industrial robotics. Emphasize the importance of efficiency and safety in industrial robotics, underscoring the critical role in improving productivity, reducing costs, and ensuring the well-being of workers. The results were analyzed inline with the four basic robot tasks' completion time. The error rates, collision risks, ergonomic strain, and overall productivity were determined. From the evaluation of the time required to complete each task in the context of human-robot interaction and optimize the workflow to enhance productivity and safety, it was observed that the average task completion time for task 1 was 10.63 minutes; while task 4 was 16.39 minutes. This indicates that some critical tasks require additional resources or adjustments to streamline the process and improve overall performance. In the determination of the safety rating, for each task by subtracting the error rate from 100% performance, it was observed that task 2 has a safety rating of 98% while task 3 has a safety rating of 92%, this indicates that the safety rating is different with respect to a different task. The productivity metrics for each task were determined by multiplying the task completion rate by the task efficiency rate. Hence, the Average Productivity Rating was 0.7449 which indicate the overall productivity in the role of human-robot interaction in enhancing efficiency and safety in industrial robotics. The integration of human-robot interaction in industrial robotics offers a synergistic approach to improving efficiency and safety in manufacturing environments.

Utility of a Neuromuscular Activation Exercise Protocol on Surgeon Posture.

Surgeons are at risk for musculoskeletal disorders from ergonomic strain in the operating room. These deficits may stem from neuromuscular control deficits. Neuromuscular activation exercises (NMEs) may strengthen the brain-muscle connection. This study aimed to assess the utility of a surgeon-oriented NME protocol on posture. Surgeons, operating room staff, and medical students completed a professionally established NME routine. An electronic application, PostureScreen®, assessed participants' posture. A long-term cohort was assessed before and after a 2 to 6-week routine. A short-term cohort was assessed immediately before and after completion. All participants additionally completed a postintervention survey. After intervention, the short-term cohort (n = 47) had significantly reduced frontal and sagittal postural deviation (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in effective head weight was additionally demonstrated with decreased neck flexion and increased cerebral-cervical symmetry (P < 0.05).The long-term cohort (n = 6) showed a significant postintervention decrease in lateral and anterior shoulder translation (P < 0.05). Total anterior translational deviations demonstrated trend-level decrease (P = 0.078). This demonstrates that after intervention, participants' shoulders were more centered with the spine as opposed to shifted right or left. Survey results showed participants favored exercises that immediately brought relief of tension. A decrease in postural deviations associated with NME in both cohorts demonstrates NME as a potential mechanism to protect surgeon musculoskeletal health and improve well-being. Survey results demonstrate areas of refinement for NME protocol design.

Ergonomic benefit using heads-up display compared to conventional surgical microscope in Japanese ophthalmologists.

Occupational musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent in ophthalmic surgeons and can impact surgeons' well-being and productivity. Heads-up displays may reduce ergonomic stress compared to conventional microscopes. This cross-sectional, non-interventional study compared ergonomic experience between heads-up display and conventional ocular microscopes. The study protocol was approved by the independent ethics committee and nonprofit organization MINS Institutional Review Board. An online questionnaire was distributed to a sample of ophthalmic surgeons in Japan with experience operating with heads-up display. The questionnaire captured surgeon-specific variables, the standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and custom questions to compare heads-up display and conventional microscope and understand long-term impacts of musculoskeletal disorders. Analysis was conducted on responses from 67 surgeons with a mean 25 years of practice and 2.7 years using heads-up display. Many surgeons agreed or strongly agreed that heads-up display reduced the severity (40%) and frequency (40%) of pain and discomfort, improved posture (61%), and improved overall comfort (61%). Of respondents who experienced asthenopia (n = 59) or pain/discomfort during operation (n = 61), 54% reported improvement in asthenopia and 72% reported feeling less pain/discomfort since using heads-up display. Overall, 69% reported preference for heads-up display. This study provides novel data on musculoskeletal disorders and the long-term impacts of ergonomic strain reported by ophthalmologists building on existing literature demonstrating ergonomic and other advantages of heads-up display. Future studies with objective ergonomic assessment are warranted to validate these findings.

Deep enteroscopy - what's new and what works best?

We aim to review the types of device-assisted deep enteroscopy endoscopes, tips for a successful procedure as well as areas for improvement. Deep enteroscopy allows for diagnostic and therapeutic intervention of the small bowel and can be used as an adjunct to video capsule endoscopy to improve the yield and management of small bowel lesions. Our top tips for deep enteroscopy success include reviewing patient history and prior imaging, utilizing CO 2 insufflation or water exchange, verifying quality measures and emphasizing ergonomics. With these, endoscopists can optimize patient outcomes while minimizing occupational risks. New aspects of deep enteroscopy equipment focus on high-resolution imaging, a larger working channel, and enhanced scope angulation. Proposed improvements include developing innovative technology to optimize the color and clarity of the high-resolution imaging, minimizing the number of staff required for the procedure, and decreasing ergonomic strain.

In-house part supply logistics optimisation based on the workforce's ergonomic strain and environmental considerations

In-house part supply logistics optimisation based on the workforce's ergonomic strain and environmental considerations

Impact of dental operative microscopes on precision in minimally invasive dental restoration procedures.

To evaluate the effect of dental operative microscopes on precision in minimally invasive dental restoration procedures. This retrospective analysis included patients who underwent minimally invasive dental restoration procedure at Nanjing Stomatological Hospital from March 2018 to December 2019. Patients were categorized into two groups, an observation group treated with microscope-guided provisional restorations, and a control group treated using conventional methods. Clinical indices, including implant survival rates over five years, were compared between the groups. Multivariate analysis was employed to identify independent risk factors for implant failure. After treatment the observation group exhibited significantly lower labial vertical marginal discrepancies and absolute marginal discrepancies, as well as improved labial gingival indices and periodontal probing depths compared to the control group (all P<0.001). Additionally, the observation group scored significantly higher in efficiency, accuracy, and overall quality of tooth preparation (all P<0.001). Clinicians using microscopes demonstrated significantly lower mean Rapid Upper Limb Assessment scores, indicating reduced ergonomic strain (P<0.001). Higher age, worn tooth defects, poor oral hygiene, and non-use of a microscope were identified as independent risk factors for implant failure at the five-year mark. Dental operative microscopes significantly enhance the precision, efficiency, and ergonomic comfort in minimally invasive dental restorations for both clinicians and patients. Widespread adoption of this technology is strongly recommended.

The Bent Ring Handle Spike: A Simple Technique in Optimizing Exposure in Shoulder Surgery

The traditional use of the Trethowan bone lever when providing superior retraction in open shoulder surgeries can result in obstructed views, limited light exposure, and ergonomic strain on assistants. We describe a simple modification of the ring handle spike that addresses these issues, allowing for maximal exposure and improved ergonomics. The curvature of a bent ring handle spike provides superior retraction without obstructing the surgeon's view and keeps the assistant's hand away from the operative field. This modification of the bone lever offers a simple and effective solution to a common problem, enabling adequate visibility to perform shoulder surgery safely and ergonomically.

In-house part supply logistics optimisation based on the workforce’s ergonomic strain and environmental considerations

In-house part supply logistics optimisation based on the workforce’s ergonomic strain and environmental considerations

Patient Factors Affect Ergonomic Strain of Endoscopists During Colonoscopy.

Endoscopic procedures place a great deal of muscular strain on providers, especially over the span of their careers. In this study we quantitatively analyzed the effects of patient factors such as age, body mass index, and sex on the ergonomics of endoscopists performing colonoscopies. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to measure ergonomic strain of physicians while performing colonoscopies in several key muscle groups. The percent of the maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC) was used as a measure of muscular strain. Data was then analyzed based on the patient characteristics above. Endoscopists performing colonoscopies on female patients (n = 47) experienced significantly higher ergonomic strain in their right trapezius and right posterior forearm muscle groups when compared to colonoscopies performed on males (n = 35) (%MVC R-trapezius: Male: 8.2; Female: 8.9; p = 0.048); (%MVC R-posterior forearm: Male: 10.4; Female: 11.6; p = 0.0006). Operators experienced greater strain in the same muscle groups when performing colonoscopies on patients with BMI ≤ 25 (n = 25) when compared to patients with BMI > 25 (n = 57) (%MVC R-trapezius: BMI < 25: 9.7; BMI ≥ 25: 8.2; p = 0.0002); (%MVC R-posterior forearm: BMI < 25: 11.9; BMI ≥ 25: 10.8; p = 0.0001). Physicians experienced greater ergonomic strain when performing colonoscopies on female patients and on patients with a BMI < 25. We believe that these factors potentially impact the tortuosity of the colon and therefore influence the difficulty of navigating the endoscope. These results may aid physicians in gauging the anticipated difficulty of colonoscopies based on patient factors. Increased awareness of their posturing and ergonomics during challenging cases will alleviate musculoskeletal injuries in the long run.

Ergonomic Assessment of Surgeon Characteristics and Laparoscopic Device Strain in Gynecologic Surgery

To evaluate whether surgeon characteristics, including sex and hand size, were associated with grip strength decline with laparoscopic advanced energy devices. Prospective cohort study. Ergonomic simulation at an academic tertiary care site and the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons 47th Annual Meeting. Thirty-eight participants (19 women and 19 men) were recruited. Surgeon anthropometric measurements were collected. Each participant completed a 120-second trial of maximum voluntary effort with 3 laparoscopic advanced energy devices (LigaSure, HALO PKS, and ENSEAL). Grip strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer. Subjects completed the NASA Raw Task Load Index scale after each device trial. Grip strengths and ergonomic workload scores were compared using Student t tests and Wilcoxon rank sum tests where appropriate. Univariate and multivariate models analyzed hand size and ergonomic workload. Women had lower baseline grip strength (288 vs 451 N) than men, as did participants with glove size <7 compared with ≥7 (231 vs 397 N). Normalized grip strength was not associated with surgeon sex (p=.08), whereas it was significantly associated with surgeon glove size (p <.01). Grip strength decline was significantly greater for smaller compared to larger handed surgeons for LigaSure (p=.02) and HALO PKS devices (p <.01). The ergonomic workload of device use was significantly greater for smaller compared to larger handed surgeons (p <.01). Surgeon handspan significantly predicted grip strength decline with device use, even after accounting for potential confounders (R2=.23, β=.8, p <.01). Surgeons with smaller hand size experienced a greater grip strength decline and greater ergonomic workload during repetitive laparoscopic device use. No relationship was found between surgeon sex and grip strength decline or ergonomic workload. Laparoscopic device type was also identified as a significant main effect contributing to grip strength decline. These findings point toward ergonomic strain stemming from an improper fit between the laparoscopic device and the surgeon's hand during device use.

ERGONOMIC RISK ASSESSMENT IMPLEMENTATION IN A TEXTILE COMPANY

İş ortamının ergonomik açıdan yetersiz olmasının sonucu olarak, çalışanların kas iskelet sistemi rahatsızlıklarına yakalanma olasılığı artmaktadır. Kas iskelet sistemi rahatsızlıkları meslek hastalıklarının önemli bir bölümünü oluşturur. Kas iskelet sistemi rahatsızlıkları bir defa ortaya çıktıktan sonra tedavisi oldukça zaman alıcı ve masraflıdır; ayrıca çalışanın devamsızlığına yol açar. Dolayısıyla, işletmelerin insan kaynağını verimli bir şekilde kullanarak üretkenliğini arttırması için çalışma ortamındaki ergonomik risk seviyesini belirli bir kabul edilebilir seviyenin altında tutması gerekir. Bu kabul edilebilir risk seviyesini belirlemek amacıyla bilimsel yazında çeşitli ergonomik risk değerlendirme teknikleri kullanılmaktadır. Bu teknikler temelde analizcinin, iş sırasında operatörün vücut uzuvlarının duruş pozisyonlarını incelemesine ve bir sınıflandırma ile değerlendirmesine dayanır. Bu çalışmada, bir tekstil işletmesindeki ergonomik risk faktörlerini belirlemek amacıyla REBA, NIOSH ve OCRA teknikleri kullanılmıştır. Bu üç farklı risk değerlendirme tekniğinin kullanılmasının sebebi, her bir tekniğin analiz ettiği vücut bölümlerinin farklı olmasıdır. Böylelikle, çalışanın ergonomik zorlanma seviyesi bütüncül olarak belirlenebilir. Yapılan çalışma sonucunda, çalışanın ergonomik olarak uygun olmayan koşullarda çalıştığı tespit edilmiştir. İleride çalışanda ortaya çıkabilecek kas iskelet sistemi rahatsızlıkları ve buna bağlı olarak işletmede yaşanabilecek iş gücü ve verimlilik kayıplarının önüne geçebilmek için çalışma ortamında acilen düzenlemeler yapılması gerekliliği açıklanmış ve bir takım çözüm önerileri sunulmuştur.

Investigation of the Association between Surgeon Sex and Laparoscopic Device Ergonomic Strain in Gynecologic Surgery

To assess whether female compared with male sex is associated with greater ergonomic strain with the use of 4 advanced energy laparoscopic devices (LigaSure, HALO PKS, ENSEAL, and Harmonic scalpel). Online survey distributed by e-mail using the REDCap platform (Vanderbilt University). All responses were anonymous. Nationwide survey in the United States. Gynecologic surgeons were surveyed through the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons listserv and 4 obstetrics and gynecology departmental listservs. The survey was distributed between May 1, 2020, and November 1, 2020. The primary outcome was the presence of physical complaints owing to laparoscopic devices. Descriptive statistics compared surgeon characteristics and ergonomic symptoms. Logistic regression was performed, adjusted for surgeon characteristics. The response rate was 39%, comprising 149 women (78%) and 41 men (22%). Women compared with men had a significantly younger age (mean, 34 vs 44 years; p <.01), had smaller glove size (mean, 6.5 vs 7.5; p <.01), had shorter height (median, 66 vs 71 inches; p <.01), and were less frequently in practice for >10 years (19% vs 49%; p <.01). Women significantly more often reported physical complaints related to the use of laparoscopic devices (79% vs 41%; p <.01). Women reported that all devices had too large a fit for appropriate use (p <.01). Women were found to have 5.37 times the odds of physical complaints attributed to the use of laparoscopic instruments (crude oods ratio, 5.37; 95% confidence interval, 2.56-11.25); with adjustment for glove size, age, and laparoscopic case volume and duration, this was no longer significant (adjusted odds ratio, 2.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-6.93). Women significantly more often report physical complaints and inappropriate fit of the LigaSure, HALO PKS, ENSEAL, and Harmonic scalpel. Female sex is associated with 5-fold greater odds of physical complaints with laparoscopic device use. Further investigation of the surgeon factors underlying device-related strain is a critical next step to understanding and reducing surgeon ergonomic injury.

Introduction: Occupational Hazards to the Joint Replacement Surgeon

Introduction: Occupational Hazards to the Joint Replacement Surgeon

Assessment of ergonomic problems and prevalence of pain among low wage hotel housekeepers in Orlando

All companies in the lodging industry require hotel housekeeper cleaning services, which vary depending on the type of business. Overall, hotel cleaners are predominantly women, immigrants, and minorities working under difficult conditions, including long hours, ergonomic strain, chemical exposure, poor pay, low job control, job insecurity, and a wide array of other physical and mental health risks. Hotel employees have higher rates of occupational injuries and sustain more severe injuries than most other service workers. The current research on occupational injuries and illness suggests that very little scholarly work has been published in the domain of hotel housekeepers’ health and safety to date. Firstly, the study examined the relationship between the time taken to clean rooms and ergonomic problems, and it was found that ergonomic problems cause maximum time taken by housekeepers to clean rooms. Secondly, the study finds a relationship between the prevalence of pain and race. The applied implications of the research findings are provided.

Smaller hands and less experience are associated with greater ergonomic strain during endoscopic procedures.

Up to 89% of physicians who routinely perform endoscopy experience some type of musculoskeletal pain. In this study, we sought to quantitatively analyze provider factors that influence ergonomic strain during live endoscopic procedures. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to measure ergonomic strain on physicians while performing upper and lower endoscopies. EMG data were normalized to a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) recording for each muscle group, yielding a %MVC value. Subgroup analyses were performed based on glove size, physician training level, specialty, and handedness. A total of 165 upper (n = 68) and lower (n = 97) endoscopies were recorded. Endoscopists with small hand sizes had significantly higher ergonomic strain in the left anterior and posterior forearm muscle compartments as compared to endoscopists with medium or large hands (%MVC L-anterior: small: 9.1 ± 1.1; medium: 6.4 ± 1.2; large: 5.9 ± 1.6; p < 0.001); (%MVC L-posterior: small: 12.0 ± 0.8; medium: 9.4 ± 1.3; large: 8.8 ± 1.4; p < 0.001). Additionally, upper body muscle groups had significantly higher ergonomic strain in endoscopists with less lifetime endoscopic experience (%MVC R-trapezius: expert: 8.4 ± 1.2; novice: 9.3 ± 1.2; p < 0.05); (%MVC R-deltoid: expert: 6.1 ± 1.4; novice: 8.5 ± 1.3; p < 0.001). There were no significant ergonomic differences between surgeons or gastroenterologists and no differences between right- and left-handed dominant individuals. Endoscopists with small hands experienced great ergonomic strain in their left forearm. Our data support the widely held belief that "one size does not fit all" and will hopefully spark change in the design of future endoscopes by device manufacturers. Our data also support that the experience level of the endoscopist contributed significantly to ergonomic performance, likely due to postural differences leading to decreased upper body strain. Therefore, it remains critically important to educate young proceduralists on strategies for ergonomic relief early in his or her endoscopic training program that can ameliorate ergonomic strain that accrues over the lifetime of a physician's career.

Investigation of the Association between Surgeon Sex and Ergonomic Strain with Laparoscopic Device Use

<h3>Study Objective</h3> To determine if surgeon sex is associated with amount of grip strength decline with use of 3 advanced energy laparoscopic devices. <h3>Design</h3> Observational cohort study. <h3>Setting</h3> Ergonomic simulation performed at an academic tertiary care site. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> 20 participants (sex and academic role matched) were recruited from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology between 2/2021-3/2021. <h3>Interventions</h3> Anthropometric measurements were collected. Baseline grip strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer. Subjects performed 120-second trials of rapid repetitive use of the LigaSure, HALO PKS, and ENSEAL. Order was randomized with 5 minutes rest between trials. Grip strength at 0, 60, and 120 seconds and after 5 minutes rest was normalized to each participant's baseline grip strength. Participants completed a NASA Raw Task Load Index (RTLX) scale to assess workload for each device. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> Using one-way ANOVA, the intervention was confirmed to result in grip strength decline, with up to 18% loss of grip strength after 120 seconds of exertion and recovery to baseline after rest. Grip strength decline was not significantly dependent on sex or device type using two-way repeated measures ANOVA, although there was a trend towards an effect of device type (p=0.05). Using linear regression, no significant association was found between hand length and grip strength decline. Female and male participants reported similar levels of physical discomfort, muscle fatigue, and RTLX workload for each device. Participants of smaller versus larger glove size reported greater cumulative discomfort (p=0.02) and RTLX workload (p=0.04). <h3>Conclusion</h3> This experiment adequately captured participant grip strength decline over time with laparoscopic device use. No associations between participant sex or hand size and grip strength decline were demonstrated, although participants of smaller glove size reported greater perceived workload. Future evaluation using electromyography in an operating room setting will continue to explore predisposing characteristics to ergonomic strain.

Dental ergonomics

Ergonomics is much broader than preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The successful application of ergonomics assures high productivity, avoidance of illnesses and injuries, and increased satisfaction among workers. Unsuccessful application, on the other hand, can lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This article sets forth broad important background information on ergonomics so that the dental practitioner can have a general awareness of ergonomic risk factors as well as some basis for understanding the ongoing dialogue about ergonomics, its diagnosis, treatment, and regulation. This article provides alternatives to be considered by the practitioner in light of the practitioner’s own circumstances, experiences and goals. Dentists are often exposed to occupational health hazards such as stress, high workload, and ergonomic and mental strain. However, there are limited studies focusing on occupational health and factors associated with working conditions. The aim of this study was to identify possible gender differences and factors associated with a high workload.

06 Investigation of the association between surgeon sex and laparoscopic device ergonomic strain in gynecologic surgery

Laparoscopic instruments are known to contribute to the ergonomic injury of surgeons. Laparoscopic devices have largely been designed as one-size-fits-all, however, women surgeons have reported an increased odds of physical strain from use of these devices. Our objective was to assess if female sex is associated with greater reported ergonomic strain with use of 4 advanced energy laparoscopic devices in gynecologic surgery (Ligasure, HALO PKS, ENSEAL, and Harmonic scalpel).

Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Farmers and Ranchers in the U.S. Central States

ABSTRACT Agricultural work involves ergonomic and psychosocial strain, which contribute to musculoskeletal conditions. The aim of this study was to assess if specific ergonomic, psychosocial, and preventive factors are linked to musculoskeletal pain or discomfort symptoms (MSS) in farmers and ranchers. We analyzed data from the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health survey that was conducted in 2018 in a seven-state region of the central United States. MSS were assessed with questions from the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. The survey included questions on demographic, ergonomic, psychosocial and preventive factors. Farm production variables were added from the Farm Market iD database. We analyzed the data using Generalized Estimating Equations. The overall prevalence of MSS for all body sites combined was 59% among 4,354 farmers and ranchers who responded (19% response rate). After controlling for age, sex, and operator status, three factors (high stress level, sleep deprivation, and exhaustion/fatigue) showed the strongest associations with MSS in any body site, with adjusted odds ratios (OR) ranging from 4.8 to 5.6. Forceful exertions, repetitive tasks, awkward postures, frequent manual labor, and vibration were also significantly associated with MSS, with adjusted ORs ranging from 1.8 to 3.3. Recommended preventive techniques were not protective for MSS. New effective strategies are needed to reduce the high burden of musculoskeletal outcomes among farmers and agricultural workers.