Ergonomics Program Research Articles

Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Disorders in Nursing Personnel and Prevention Strategies

"Objectives: Health professions such as nursing are at high risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs). This study aims to present the most common WRMSDs that occur in nursing personnel, investigate the risk factors associated with their occurrence, and identify preventive and therapeutic strategies. Material and Methods: A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was performed using keywords, until May 2021, while the results reported by various authors were summarized. Results: Low back discomfort (30% to 60%), neck disorders (30% to 48%), and shoulder disorders (43 to 53%) are the most common WRMSDs in nursing personnel. The major risk factors are classified as demographics and job characteristics, physical, psychosocial, and workplace organizational factors, which often co-exist and act together. WRMSDs have serious consequences such as absenteeism, reduced productivity, increased morbidity, health costs as well as lower quality of life. To reduce the incidence of WRMSDs, it is crucial to implement prevention strategies, such as ergonomic measures and training programs in high-risk nursing departments as well as immediate therapeutic approaches, where required. Organizational interventions are also required to improve the working environment in terms of assigning tasks among nursing staff, setting working hours, keeping a positive attitude, and conducting medical examinations. Conclusion: Early identification of risk factors concerning WRMSDs among nursing personnel and immediate treatment is needed to maintain their productivity as well as to provide quality nursing care, followed by evidence-based ergonomic and organizational intervention strategies for their safety and health protection. "

Implementation and evaluation of an ergonomic training program and stretch exercises among welders in the informal sector in three urban centres in Zimbabwe

Implementation and evaluation of an ergonomic training program and stretch exercises among welders in the informal sector in three urban centres in Zimbabwe

Ergonomic Hazards of Low Back Pain among Ambulance Workers in Kelantan, Malaysia

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common occupational health problems affecting the working adult population. The study aimed to identify the ergonomic factors associated with LBP among ambulance workers in emergency departments. This cross-sectional study of 143 ambulance workers was conducted in 10 government hospitals. An English version of the questionnaire, including a Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and an LBP Risk Factor Questionnaire, was distributed to each respondent. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the results. The overall response rate was 85%. The majority of respondents who experienced LBP were aged 30 to 39 years (48.4%), male (69.9%), and of Malay ethnicity (98.5%). Handling difficult-to-grip objects (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.12; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02, 0.55; p-value: 0.007) and carrying heavy loads (adjusted OR: 17.44; 95% CI: 2.00, 151.69; p-value: 0.010) were associated with the occurrence of LBP among ambulance workers. The results highlighted the potential risks for ambulance workers in terms of carrying difficult-to-grasp and heavy loads. Hence, preventive measures, such as an ergonomic awareness programme, should be undertaken to increase awareness of proper ergonomic techniques in order to reduce the risk of LBP among ambulance workers.

The Work-related Stress and Awareness of Ergonomics Principle among Call Center Workers

Background and purpose: Work related stress is the response people may have when presented with work demands and pressures that are not mastered to their knowledge and abilities which challenge their ability to cope. Work related stress can be caused by poor work organization (the way they design jobs and work system, and the way we manage them), by poor work design. Aim: The aim of the study is to know the stress level among the call center workers and how ergonomic principles help relieve them. Method: 80 subjects of age group of 20-40 years were picked from a random call center and their stress level was calculated with the help of work place stress scale. Ergonomic exercises were advised and a six-week training were enabled to them. The outcome measure was evaluated by calculating the change in the stress level after the ergonomic program. Result: Result of this study was analyzed in terms of reduced score of Work place stress scale. Paired Sample‘t’ test was used to analyze the pre and post differences for stress level of work place stress scale. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05 for all tests. This showed extremely significant improvement in stress scoring after giving ergonomic interventions Conclusion: The study concludes that a work place exercise that is ergonomics are useful in reducing the stress of workers in call centers. The study showed significant improvement in the quality of stress from severe to mild or calm state.

Top tips for implementing an endoscopy ergonomics program

Top tips for implementing an endoscopy ergonomics program

Umor očiju korisnika terminala za videoprikaz i njegov odnos s poremećajima spavanja

Visual display terminal (VDT) work has become a major part of operation in majority of workplace. This study aimed to eye fatigue in video display terminal users and its relation to sleep disorders. This cross-sectional study was done on 209 computer users who work more than one year in this field. All participants completed a questionnaire about their age, sex, BMI, years of experience, and hours of daily computer use. A standardized visual fatigue questionnaire was used for detection presence and severity of eye strain. Sleep quality was used to assess Pittsburg Sleep Quality Questionnaire (PSQI) , and the Epworth Sleepiness Questionnaire (ESS) to assess daytime sleepiness in participants. Insomnia was assessed by Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). The most common eye symptoms including eye fatigue (65.5%), eyelid heaviness sensation (69.4%), eye irritation (67.2%), dry eye (67.8%), blurred vision (68.5%), and tearing (68.1%) were significantly higher in participants who were working more than 8 hours with DVT in day. There was a significant correlation between scores of eye fatigue and insomnia severity (Rho=0.32, P<0.05). According to results, the prevalence of eye symptoms particularly eyelid heaviness sensation and blurred vision was high. However, eye fatigue was more affected insomnia severity in VDT users. Therefore, it is needed to protect computer users from the adverse effects of VDT. Implementing proper ergonomic programs to the workplace are important for achievement to good physical and mental health among VDT users.

Innovative Macroergonomic Approaches: Responsibilities, Opportunities, and Challenges

Since the early 1980s, human factors professionals have leveraged macroergonomic approaches to build and design complex systems. Macroergonomics is of increasing relevance and interest to modern human factors experts working to address societal and organizational problems. New questions within existing domains necessitate development of new macroergonomic methods. Additionally, modern research needs drive the development of novel approaches in new domains. In this session, panelists will provide expert perspectives on the dynamic evolution of systems analysis, innovative implementation of participatory ergonomics programs, new hazard recognition approaches based on cognitive mnemonics, new applications of improvisation that enhance team performance, and a synthesized method seeking to elucidate micro to macro systems components. After each panelist has presented, we will then facilitate a discussion with the audience and panelists about the responsibilities and opportunities to derive human factors tools and methods that address the challenges and limitations of modern macroergonomics.

Using Peer Mentorship to Foster Growth and Interest in Human Factors

Academic programs benefit from the addition of a formalized peer mentorship program to help undergraduate and graduate students achieve academic success, social and psychological wellbeing, and career development. This article describes a peer mentorship program developed in the Human Factors and Ergonomics (HF/E) program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) where students study human factors at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. We describe the steps taken to develop, maintain, and evaluate the program, along with lessons learned.

A systematic review of working conditions and occupational health in home office.

BACKGROUND:In times of the COVID-19 pandemic, employees around the world may be practicing part-time telework at home. Little is known about the working conditions at home and its impact on the employee’s occupational health.OBJECTIVE:This systematic review examines the working conditions at employees’ homes, the work-related disorders associated with working from home, organizations’ perceptions of ergonomics at home and how they support their teleworkers.METHODS:A search of electronic databases (Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, Google Scholar, Open Grey, Pedro, PsychInfo, PubPsych, Scopus and Web of Science) was performed. Twelve studies were included in this review.RESULTS:The findings highlight the lack of ergonomic working conditions for home-based teleworkers. Furthermore, the results underline organizations’ lack of awareness regarding home-based policies, ergonomics programs and the health-related consequences associated with the absence of ergonomic support.CONCLUSION:These findings suggest that home-based teleworkers have increased health risks. This assumption is substantiated by the fact that most of the included studies reported teleworkers who have experienced musculoskeletal issues. These results underline the necessity for implementing ergonomic design recommendations, especially for working at home. Further research is needed to understand the impact of ergonomics programs and workplace design for working at home.

Impact of Ergonomic Training Programs on the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Nurses: A Comprehensive Study

Objective: This study evaluated the impact of an ergonomic training program on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among nurses. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest approach was used. Two hundred nurses from a tertiary care hospital participated in the study. The ergonomic training program included educational workshops, personalized ergonomic assessments, and follow-up sessions. Data on MSD prevalence and ergonomic knowledge were collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and an Ergonomic Knowledge and Practices Survey at baseline and six months post-intervention. Results: Post-intervention, there was a significant reduction in the overall prevalence of MSDs from 68% to 50% (p < 0.001). Specific reductions were observed in the lower back (from 45% to 30%, p < 0.01), neck (from 30% to 20%, p < 0.05), and shoulders (from 25% to 15%, p < 0.05). Ergonomic knowledge and adherence to ergonomic practices significantly improved (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: The ergonomic training program effectively reduced the prevalence of MSDs among nurses and improved their ergonomic knowledge and practices. These findings support the implementation of similar training programs in healthcare settings to enhance nurse well-being and reduce work-related MSDs.

‘Just Right’ job design: A conceptual framework for sustainable work in rail driving using the Goldilocks Work Paradigm

Excessive physical demand at work has traditionally been connected with adverse health outcomes, but excessive sitting is now also being recognised as an occupational hazard and emerging work-related risk. Traditional preventive occupational health and ergonomics programs are useful but limited through reliance on individual behaviour change and time-diversion from productive work. A new ‘Goldilocks Work Paradigm’ aims to optimise health and productivity by using movements of productive tasks. Using rail driving as a specific case of a highly sedentary and inflexible working environment, we construct a conceptual framework for designing better jobs, arguing that a theoretical amalgamation of the new Goldilocks Work Paradigm with System Thinking, Participatory Ergonomics, and a Risk Management Framework, is needed, for establishing a unified, strategic approach—a ‘just right’ job design model. We extend this by outlining a practical process of designing better jobs with tools that can be used to achieve it.

Improvements in musculoskeletal symptoms, mental workload and mental fatigue: Effects of a multicomponent ergonomic intervention among call center workers

Call center workers are highly susceptible to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) as well as mental stress. Nonetheless, there has been a surprising paucity in the body of the research regarding interventions among call center workers. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of a multicomponent ergonomic intervention program on mental workload, mental fatigue and WRMSDs of call center employees. A non-randomized interventional study with a single group pretest-posttest design was conducted among 84 call center workers of a private telecommunication company in the city of Tehran, Iran. At the baseline, data regarding WRMSDs prevalence, mental workload and mental fatigue were collected by means of standard Nordic, NASA-TLX and SOFI questionnaires, respectively. Then, subjects participated in a multifaceted intervention program including comprehensive office ergonomic training, work layout improvement, supervised on-site face to face visits, and provision of quality break time encompassing regular exercise program. Follow-up assessment was carried out after 6 months. After the intervention, prevalence of WMSDs in the neck (10%, P = 0.022), lower back (8.4%, P = 0.04), and knees (9.5%, P = 0.02) decreased significantly, while improvements in other body areas remained insignificant. Results also showed a significant decrease in overall score of mental demand (P = 0.000) as well as three of its subscales including performance (P = 0.02), effort (P = 0.001), and frustration (P = 0.025). Additionally, positive effect of the intervention was also observable on overall mental fatigue of call center workers (P = 0.016). As for its subscales, Lack of energy was reported to decrease meaningfully (P = 0.007) while lack of motivation did not change significantly (P = 0.240). Although the primary focus of many ergonomic interventions has remained to measure physical outcomes of the work place, our findings show that multicomponent interventions are indeed capable of boosting cognitive aspects of the work as well. The future studies should consider investigating such outcomes.

2SAFE: a health belief model-integrated framework for participatory ergonomics

Initiating ergonomics interventions in a business environment requires changes in the behaviour of relevant actors. When participating in an intervention, researchers need to collect and share information with practitioners to help them make better behaviour-related decisions. This paper describes the five-step 2SAFE (Surveillance, Screening, Assessment, Framing, and Evaluation) planning framework, which can be used to guide research-practice collaboration in participatory ergonomics programmes. This framework combines the understanding of work-related musculoskeletal disorders with the principles of the health belief model. This theoretical synthesis empowers the framework to address the following critical challenges: (1) how to make data collection processes attuned to the nature of ergonomic injuries; and (2) how to transform the data collected into immediately usable information for practitioners to change their behaviours. The framework is interdisciplinary and can facilitate transfer of knowledge between ergonomics and health behaviour science. The framework can enhance the ability of researchers to collaborate with practitioners and bring participatory ergonomics programmes closer to success. In the long term, we hope that this framework can lead to more high-quality interventions that are able to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders in various industrial settings.

Effects of an ergonomic intervention program based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model for reducing work-related health problems and exposure risks among emergency medical dispatchers.

To evaluate the effectiveness of an ergonomic intervention program based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model in terms of improving exposure risks and work-related health problems in emergency medical dispatchers. This quasi-experimental study used an interrupted time series design. Participants were 55 employees working in an Emergency Medical Communications Center in Iran. The intervention program was based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model and included five face-to-face training sessions and installing auxiliary equipment according to best ergonomic principles. Direct observations of the emergency medical dispatchers' working postures using the Rapid Office Strain Assessment and a survey which included a modified Nordic Questionnaire, Work Ability Score, Visual Fatigue Questionnaire, and a Behavioral Factors Questionnaire were used at three time points: baseline, 1 month post-intervention, and 3 months post-intervention. The modified Nordic Questionnaire showed significant reductions in pain intensity scores for neck, lower back, knee and ankle after the ergonomic intervention program. In addition, there were considerable post-training improvements in behavioral factors (knowledge and enabling factors) and working postures. No significant changes were observed in Work Ability Scores, or visual symptoms. An ergonomic intervention program based on a systematic framework such as the PRECEDE-PROCEED model and on-site interventions can be effective in improving and enhancing the working conditions of emergency medical dispatchers. Therefore, it is suggested that ergonomic interventions be implemented based on standard and valid behavioral change models such as PRECEDE-PROCEED model in other work environments in which musculoskeletal pain and digital eye strain are common.

Improved Cell Design using Digital Ergonomic Tools

Work related Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) such as back pain, erroneous body postures, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, eye strain are exacerbated mainly due to the intensity of work and working environment. These Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) are cumulatively called monotonous injury or overuse injury. These injuries arise due to various reasons such as lifting of bulk load, vibrations, surrounding noise, bending, stretching, awkward posture in the workplace. This results in discomfort among the workers and decreases the productivity rate. Poor ergonomics disrupts the working environment of the employee and may cause partial paralysis. Hence application of ergonomic solutions is necessary to overcome difficulties including muscle exhaustion, tiredness, boredom among the workers because of tedious processes for a long time. This journal is concerned with the improvement of assembly cell design using digital ergonomic tools. This study was based on the workers and working environment of the manufacturing industries. The objective of the work is to analyse and simulate the discomforts faced by the workers in the assembly cell using a software named DELMIA. The purpose of this ergonomic program is to eradicate work related Musculoskeletal Disorder and to reduce stress level, so that employee performance is enhanced. This improves the production efficiency in an assembly cell

Interdisciplinary Approach to Biological and Health Implications in Selected Professional Competences.

Everyday life’s hygiene and professional realities, especially in economically developed countries, indicate the need to modify the standards of pro-health programs as well as modern hygiene and work ergonomics programs. These observations are based on the problem of premature death caused by civilization diseases. The biological mechanisms associated with financial risk susceptibility are well described, but there is little data explaining the biological basis of neuroaccounting. Therefore, the aim of the study was to present relationships between personality traits, cognitive competences and biological factors shaping behavioral conditions in a multidisciplinary aspect. This critical review paper is an attempt to compile biological and psychological factors influencing the development of professional competences, especially decent in the area of accounting and finance. We analyzed existing literature from wide range of scientific disciplines (including economics, psychology, behavioral genetics) to create background to pursuit multidisciplinary research models in the field of neuroaccounting. This would help in pointing the best genetically based behavioral profile of future successful financial and accounting specialists.

The Path from Survey Development to Knowledge Activism: A Case Study of the Use of a Physical Loads Survey in a Retail Workplace.

Workers at a multi-site retailer were concerned that they were experiencing higher than anticipated work-related musculoskeletal disabilities (MSDs). They approached union leadership and academic researchers and a Participatory Action Research (PAR) project was developed which culminated in a targeted online Physical Loads Survey (PLS). The goal was to initiate discussions to design a preventative collaborative ergonomic program. Survey results confirmed that during a shift, workers had significant exposure to standing, carrying loads of more than 25 lbs, pushing and pulling loads greater than 225 lbs, and repetitive arm and hand movements. The successful survey was the first step in the development of a proactive health and safety program. The union proceeded without management participation and was able to move beyond knowledge creation to knowledge activism and change.

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.

Assessment of serum CK-MM level as a bioindicator for work-related musculoskeletal injuries among Emergency hospital workers.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are considered a growing problem among healthcare personnel, especially service workers. The emergency room (ER) service workers are highly exposed to work-related risk factors which predispose them to MSDs. A cross-sectional study was performed on 78 ER workers. Full medical and occupational histories were taken. The Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) was used for the assessment of musculoskeletal symptoms. Clinical examination was done with special emphasis on the locomotors system, and serum levels of muscle enzymes, including creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MM), were measured. The study aims to detect the prevalence of occupational musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among ER workers at University hospitals, and assessment of CK-MM as a biomarker used in the early detection of MSDs. We found that 71.8% of the participants were complaining of musculoskeletal disorder in the last 7days before the study, while only 34.6% were complaining of musculoskeletal disorder in the last 12months before the study. The knee joint was the most commonly affected site in the past 7days, by 39.7%. On the other hand, the highest prevalent disorder in the last 12months was for the ankle joint (17.9%) with significantly high levels of serum CK-MM. In conclusion, musculoskeletal injuries are a common complaint among healthcare occupations, especially among ER service workers that need regular health education and ergonomic training programs. Monitoring of serum CK-MM level with cut-off value 90ng\ml could be used as a novel approach for the early detection of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Action inquiry and vocal ergonomics: A pilot study with sports coaches.

Coaches critically rely on voice for occupational functioning, which has associated risks to vocal health. However, vocal occupational health and safety (OHS) and vocal ergonomics are not typically considered for, by, or with coaches. This study piloted a participatory approach to vocal ergonomics, aiming to collaboratively (i) understand coaches' vocally reliant occupational participation, and (ii) consider vocal ergonomic factors. This research was undertaken at an international tournament for floorball (also known as 'Innebandy', 'Salibandy', or 'Unihockey'). Three national coaches (n = 3) and the lead researcher undertook cooperative action inquiry. This piloted a participatory vocal ergonomics programme. Action inquiry methods included fieldnotes, interviews, observations, a workshop, ergonomics approaches, and a focus group. Multi-level analyses supported the findings, including categorical aggregation, direct interpretation, and reflexive thematic analysis. Participants identified vocal ergonomic factors present at the tournament; including personal, activity, physical environmental, and organisational factors. Participants developed four vocal ergonomic approaches responsive to factors. These were: (1) player consultation, (2) ongoing feedback discussions, (3) movement and postural change, and (4) specific task adaptation. Approaches 1-2 directly supported coaches' voices. Coaches posited limitations to other strategies, but made recommendations for future use. Coaches also reflected that this collaboration provided actionable voice insights and opportunities to address vocal ergonomics. They advocated for extended engagement with coaches, increased focus on vocal health, and inclusion of early career coaches in future programmes. These findings support engagement of coaches, and other vocally reliant workers, in addressing voice use and vocal health at work.