Factors Of Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Articles

Long-Term Prevalence and Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders among the Schoolteachers in Hail, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are affecting up to 95% of teachers and are considered a primary occupational health hazard leading to absenteeism, early retirement, and lower quality of life and teaching quality. Aim The current study is aimed at exploring the prevalence and risk factors of MSDs among the schoolteachers in Hail, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted online among the teachers in Hail City using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Teachers were randomly selected from randomly selected high schools. Teachers with at least 1 year experience were recruited for the study. Descriptive statistics, Cochran's Q test, and binominal regression were used to investigate the prevalence of MSDs among such teachers and to determine if the percentage of MSDs differed by anatomical region and risk factor (one hundred forty-five males and 106 females filled out the questionnaires). Results The prevalence of MSDs in the last 12 months was 93.63% (235 of 251 teachers). Interestingly, 91% of the affected participants (214 of 235 teachers) complained of MSDs in more than one anatomical region. The most affected site was the lower back (183 of 251 teachers, 72.91%), followed by the shoulders (168 of 251 teachers, 66.93%), and the least affected sites were the elbows (45 of 251 teachers, 17.93%). The females showed a higher prevalence of MSDs than the males. Only gender was a significant risk factor for shoulder and neck MSDs (p < 0.02). Conclusion Overall, the findings of the current study suggest a high prevalence of MSDs among teachers, especially in the lower back and shoulders. The affected teachers should learn more about biomechanics and ergonomics and should engage in exercise to improve their health. Future studies should focus on identifying the biomechanical and ergonomic risk factors of MSDs and on designing MSD prevention programmes to reduce the burden of MSDs.

Technical field measurements of muscular workload during stocking activities in supermarkets: cross-sectional study

Multiple studies have reported high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among supermarket workers. Technical field measurements can provide important knowledge about ergonomic risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders in the physical working environment, but these measurements are lacking in the supermarket sector. Therefore, using wearable electromyography and synchronous video recording in 75 supermarket workers, this cross-sectional study measured muscular workload during stocking activities in six different types of general store departments and during the thirteen most common work tasks across five different supermarket chains. Our results showed that muscular workload varies, especially for the low-back muscles, across (1) supermarket chains, (2) departments, and (3) specific stocking activities. Highest workloads of the low-back and neck/shoulders were seen in the fruit and vegetables department and during heavy, two-handed lifts of parcels (especially without using technical aids). In conclusion, physical work demands during supermarket stocking activities differ between chains, departments, and work tasks. These results can be used by company representatives and work environment professionals to specifically address and organize the stocking procedures to reduce the muscular workload during supermarket stocking.

Study of Biomechanical Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Bakery Business Based on ART and OCRA Index

Background:Bakery workers, Beacause of their nature, are at risk of musculoskeletal disorders caused by ergonomic factors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders in bakery workers. Methods: In the current study, all tasks of sangak, taftoon, and lavash bakery in Gonabad were selected based on the census method. Next, Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) method was used for task analysis, and the job was degraded to tasks, actions, and movements. For the following step, the ART and OCRA method was implemented to identify common risk factors in repetitive tasks that can contribute to developing musculoskeletal disorders of upper limbs. Analysis of the results in this study was performed using SPSS 17. Results: According to the results study, the ART and OCRA index score for shater and chonegir tasks for all three kinds of bakeries is at high risk (red zone). In ART index score of arm movements, repetition, force, head/neck posture, and back posture for shater and choonegir task in lavash and taftoon bakery and shater task in sangak bakery is in its maximum levels. This reflects the level of red risk and indicates that in these tasks, fast arm movements, repetition, force, head/neck posture, and back posture are recognized as major occupational risk factors in these tasks. Conclusion: The results showed that the risk of musculoskeletal disorders owing to repetitive tasks is relatively high in the bakery and ergonomic interventions are required to redesign the job. This study shows the use of the ART method as a practical, applicable, easy, and convenient method for evaluation and ergonomics interventions in repetitive work tasks.

Pilot Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Adult ICU Nurses Versus Neonatal ICU Nurses in the United States

ObjectivesThe purpose of this pilot descriptive survey was to evaluate occupation-related MSDs in nurses in the adult intensive care unit (ICU) compared to those in neonatal intensive care unit nurses (NICU).BackgroundNursing research has focused on heavy patient handling however; there is a gap in the literature that examines musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among neonatal intensive care nursesMethodsThe survey utilized Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. This survey was disseminated to members of Academy of Neonatal Nursing and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. It was a convenience sample but with low response rate. The inclusion criteria consisted of critical care nurses working or have worked full time.ResultsA total of 38 responders completed the survey. General demographics among groups were similar. Risk factors for MSDs in each group were similar with the exception of a history of depression which was more common among NICU nurses, (p = .0052). Knee problems seem more common among adult ICU nurses, (p = .0002). Ankle/foot problems seem more common among NICU nurses, (p = .0202). Sixty-three percent of adult ICU nurses reported that MSDs were definitely related to work versus, 47.4% of NICU nurses.ConclusionBoth groups of nurses experienced MSDs, with adults experiencing lower extremity MSDs and NICU nurses experiencing upper extremity MSDs. These pilot results need to be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size. Depression, stress, and ethical dilemmas were more prevalent in the NICU nurses which may a contributing factor for MSDs Both groups expresses a need for additional staffing and a need for improving the quality of work/life issues.

Agricultural Risk Factors Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Older Farmers in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand

ABSTRACT Background Agriculture is one of the most hazardous jobs in terms of occupational illness, especially musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This paper is a cross-sectional study designed to identify agricultural risk factors related to MSDs among older farmers. Methods A convenience sampling method was used to select 481 older farmers from the Nong Suea district in Pathum Thani province. A three-part questionnaire generated data that included demographics, work conditions, and environment, and self-reported MSDs. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for MSDs. Results The results indicated the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the past 7 days and 12 months were 87.9% and 88.9%, respectively. The three body parts with highest prevalence rates of MSDs were lower extremities (65.4%), lower back (42.6%), and shoulders (29.9%). Factors significantly associated with reporting MSDs during the past 12 months (p value <.05) were women (adjusted odds ratio = 2.52: 95% CI; 1.19–5.36), using agricultural tools (adjusted odds ratio = 4.40: 95% CI; 1.18–13.79), prolonged static postures (adjusted odds ratio = 3.81: 95% CI; 1.05–13.82), and lifting >10 kg (adjusted odds ratio = 2.87: 95% CI; 1.22–6.82). Conclusions Study results revealed older farmers had high prevalence of MSDs and various related risk factors. Occupational ergonomic issues for promoting safety awareness of agricultural risk factors among elderly farmers should be considered.

The Comparison of Risk Factors Caused by Musculoskeletal Disorders in Female Assembly Workers utilizing MFA and NERPA Methods

Background: Occupational injuries and work-related disabilities are among the most factors contributing to the creation of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in industry. Improper workstation and poor posture increase fatigue load and, eventually, the appearance of MSDs. In addition to reducing physical strength, MSDs mitigate accuracy, augment the accidents, and reduce job productivity. Hence, the purpose of this research was to assess the risk factors for MSDs in electrical devices assembly workers utilizing Muscle Fatigue Assessment (MFA) and Novel Ergonomic Pos­tural Assessment (NERPA). Methods: This study was one cross-sectional descriptive study in the year … and was conducted in one electrical device manufacturing workshop in Khuzestan province along with 84 female workers. 13 jobs and 32 postures were selected in this workshop. Nordic Questionnaire was used to determine the frequency of MSDs. Then, the risk levels were specified in the studied individuals with the use of MFA and NERPA. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS software version 16. The statistical methods applied in this study were mean, standard deviation, frequency, frequency percentage, t-test of two independent samples, and correlation coefficient assessment. Furthermore, the significance level of statistical tests was considered to be P&lt;0.05. Results: Findings obtained from MFA exhibited that the right wrist and waist were with 66.7%, neck and right shoulder were with 60% of workers and NERPA method results mentioned that the right wrist with 67.3% and the waist with 65.4% and neck with 61.3% and the right shoulder with 60.8% were at “very high” level of corrective actions priority, which these actions must be taken immediately. Also, statistical results indicated that there was a significant correlation between the results of Nordic, MFA, and NERPA questionnaires (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Concerning the kind of activity and misuse of support, the highest percentage of risk was evident in the right wrist, waist, and neck. So, a proper design of workstation and implementation of managerial actions were proposed to minimize muscle fatigue. These two methods also had similarities. MFA method was preferred when it was required to assess all body parts. On the other hand, NERPA was applied to determine more details.

Effect of an Ergonomic Intervention on Reduction of Musculoskeletal Disorders; A case study on employees of Bandar Abbas zinc Production Company

Introduction: Musculoskeletal discomfort is one of the most important causes of occupational injury and disability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic intervention in order to reduce them.&#x0D; Methods: This analytic-descriptive study was conducted on 116 employees of Bandar Abbas Zinc Production Company. The Nordic questionnaire and QEC method were used to collect data before and after the interventions. An intervention program was conducted to reduce the workers' load weight, change their work level height, job rotation, and training. Finally, the collected data were analyzed using SPSS 23.&#x0D; Results: During the last year, the highest frequency of musculoskeletal disorders were 65.52% in the lower limbs, 43.10% in the shoulder, and 43.10% in the knees. According to Cochran test, a significant difference was found between the discomfort before and after the intervention in the organs.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results revealed a significant reduction in musculoskeletal discomfort 3 months after the intervention. As a result, it can be deduced that integrated use of engineering and management interventions in a simple, practical, and cost-effective manner can reduce these diseases. Furthermore, continuous monitoring over appropriate implementation of these interventions over a long period of time along with commitment of the management and employee participation may reduce the musculoskeletal disorders.

A study of nurses' performance relative to the risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders associated with patient mobility in the teaching hospitals across Kermanshah

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) associated with patient mobility are one of the most common occupational hazards to which the nursing staff are exposed. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate nurses’ performance relative to the risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders associated with patient mobility in the Teaching Hospitals across Kermanshah in 2018. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 270 nursing staff were studied in 2017. As for data collection, the valid questionnaire of nurses’ performance was used. Then, after data collection, the data were entered into SPSS Statistical Software Version 16.0 and analyzed using the descriptive and inferential statistics such as chi-square, independent t-test, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation coefficient. The results of the present study revealed that the average working time per week was 54.14 ± 13.17 h, regardless of the promotion and productivity rules. It was also found out that the most painful parts of the body identified by the nursing staff were the lumbar spine and neck. The mean score of nurses’ performance relative to the risk factors for musculoskeletal and skeletal disorders associated with patient mobility was 7.75 out of 18. Given the level of nurses’ performance relative to the risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders associated with patient mobility, it is necessary to carry out further studies so as to figure out how to prevent and reduce such disorders.

Determination of Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Disorders and Corrective Priorities to Perform the Work in Dental Careers by Posture Analysis Using REBA in Shahrekord

Background and aims: Nowadays, work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the most common occupational diseases. The prevention of these disorders requires a posture analysis during work and the improvement of working conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders and corrective priorities to perform the work by conducting postures analysis using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the posture of dentists during working was analyzed using the REBA software. The incidence rate of musculoskeletal disorders was investigated by the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In this applied study, the incidence rates of the pain in neck, waist, shoulders, and wrists were reported to be 68%, 55%, 41% and 28%, respectively. The above-mentioned values were higher in women than in men. The pain in thigh and leg was related to work and the pain in ankle and sole was related to body mass index (BMI). The relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and occupational postures of dentists was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Training the principles of ergonomics and anthropometrics, the correct methods and principles of performing work, and the ways of using the instruments are necessary for the studied population. Occupational postures require ergonomic intervention and correction.

Prevalence and associated factors of musculoskeletal disorders among Chinese healthcare professionals working in tertiary hospitals: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are prevalent in working populations and could result in a number of detrimental consequences. In China, healthcare professionals (HCP) in large hospitals may be likely to suffer from MSDs considering the facts of shortages in medical staff, the large Chinese population base, the aging of the population and patients’ inclination to go to large hospitals. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with MSDs among HCP working in tertiary hospitals.MethodsA self-administered questionnaire incorporating the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was conducted among 14,720 HCP in eight tertiary hospitals selected by random cluster sampling in Shandong, China. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to quantify the association of psychological, ergonomic, organizational and individual factors with MSDs.ResultsThe 12-month period prevalence rate of experiencing an MSD in at least one body region for at least 24 h, experiencing an MSD for at least three months, and seeking health care for this condition were 91.2, 17.1 and 68.3%, respectively; these rates were highest for the lower back (72.8, 14.3, 60.3%) and knees (65.7, 8.1, 46.7%), followed by the shoulders (52.1, 6.2, 38.9%), neck (47.6, 4.8, 32.6%), wrists/hands (31.1, 3.2, 23.1%), ankles/feet (23.6, 1.9, 13.4%), upper back, hips/thighs and elbows.MSDs were associated with workload (work hours per week, break times during workday), psychological factors (psychological fatigue, mental stress), employment status and ergonomic factors. Regarding the ergonomic factors, lower back MSDs were associated with bending the trunk frequently, heavy or awkward lifting, and bending or twisting the neck; knee MSDs were associated with walking or standing for long periods of time; and shoulder MSDs were associated with maintaining shoulder abduction for long periods of time and bending or twisting the neck.ConclusionsMSDs among HCP in tertiary hospitals in Mainland China were highly prevalent. The many factors listed above should be considered in the prevention of MSDs in HCP.

Effect of individual and work parameters on musculoskeletal health of manual agriculture workers

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major work-related issue for farmers. The aim of the current research is to find out the occurrence and risk factors for MSDs in the manual agriculture workers. A sample of Indian workers was surveyed (N = 138). An information theory method was investigated to determine the comparative feature of mathematical models for a specified group of data collected on MSDs, individual and work parameters. The result from the Akaike information criterion analysis used further to select a model of the extreme fit. Risk Factors associated with MSDs in the final model with 95% bootstrap contained age (40.5%), gender (24.5%), education (5.2%), income satisfaction (10.6%), tool satisfaction (8.4%) and smoking (10.8%). Problem attentions to MSDs are identical in developed and newly industrialised countries. However, factors are not exact similar. Interventions targeted at manual activities for degrading risk factors that furnish to MSDs are necessary.

A Review on Prevalence and Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders (Msds) Among VDT Users

This review aims to to identify the prevalence of computer work related to musculoskeletal disorders among Video Display Terminal users.The association between risk factors and musculoskeletal disorders was also identified. Data from 1990 until 2015 was retrieved using electronic databases. The review was done based on computer work, office risk factors, musculoskeletal disorders, working posture, office components and office environment. Epidemiology studies show that physical exposure has a moderate and to strong association with Computer Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders. Sixteen risk factors for office workstation swith significant associations with body part exposure outcomeswere identified. Through the studies, it was found that computer-related risk factors correspond with Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) including awkward postures, long duration of computer use, work involving repetitive processes and the office environment

Development and Test of a Short Message on Manual Materials Handling Hazards and Controls in Small and Micro Businesses

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Small and micro businesses generally face challenges during occupational health and safety processes such as hazard identification and control, often more so for hazards related to musculoskeletal disorders. ‘Store it off the Floor’, a message based on mitigating a major risk factor for development of low back pain, was well received by owners and managers in 40 small businesses. Conceptual and instrumental knowledge utilization was demonstrated following the distribution of a dual-purpose poster/toolbox talk handout containing the noted message. Such an approach has the potential to reduce a major hazard for developing or aggravating low back pain in large numbers of workers. This dissemination method may also be applicable to reduce other risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders and improve working conditions.TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: To reduce the substantial burden of low back pain, there is a need to identify workplace hazards, evaluate them, prioritize tasks for intervention, and develop and implement appropriate controls. Small and micro businesses often face challenges during hazard identification and control processes, particularly for hazards related to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD). Purpose: To determine the efficacy of a simple message (‘Store it off the Floor’) to facilitate knowledge increase, which is the first step towards mitigating a major risk factor for development of low back pain. Methods: Surveys along with probing questions were employed in a cross-sectional qualitative study design with a single follow-up time point. Knowledge utilization was evaluated following distribution of a dual-purpose toolbox talk handout/poster in 40 small businesses. Results: The message was well received by the small business owners and managers, and conceptual and instrumental knowledge utilization was demonstrated. Overall, 37% of participants indicated that they were already aware of the issue, while 63% responded that after reviewing the poster, their method of thinking about lifting changed. A substantial proportion of participants (32%) spoke to somebody about potential changes. A subset (28%) of businesses described some form of use, while six businesses (15%) stated that they had already made changes. Conclusions: This approach has the potential to increase knowledge and its utilization about a major lifting hazard and the selection of controls other than lift training. The dissemination method used here may also be applicable to reduce other risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders and improve working conditions.

Dental Students' Perceptions of Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Disorders: Adapting the Job Factors Questionnaire for Dentistry.

The aims of this study were to adapt the Job Factors Questionnaire to the field of dentistry, evaluate its psychometric properties, evaluate dental students' perceptions of work/study risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders, and determine the influence of gender and academic level on those perceptions. All 580 students enrolled in two Brazilian dental schools in 2015 were invited to participate in the study. A three-factor structure (Repetitiveness, Work Posture, and External Factors) was tested through confirmatory factor analysis. Convergent validity was estimated using the average variance extracted (AVE), discriminant validity was based on the correlational analysis of the factors, and reliability was assessed. A causal model was created using structural equation modeling to evaluate the influence of gender and academic level on students' perceptions. A total of 480 students completed the questionnaire for an 83% response rate. The responding students' average age was 21.6 years (SD=2.98), and 74.8% were women. Higher scores were observed on the Work Posture factor items. The refined model presented proper fit to the studied sample. Convergent validity was compromised only for External Factors (AVE=0.47), and discriminant validity was compromised for Work Posture and External Factors (r2=0.69). Reliability was adequate. Academic level did not have a significant impact on the factors, but the women students exhibited greater perception. Overall, the adaptation resulted in a useful instrument for assessing perceptions of risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. Gender was found to significantly influence all three factors, with women showing greater perception of the risk factors.

THE INTER-RATER AND INTRA-RATER RELIABILITY ANALYSIS OF WORKPLACE ERGONOMIC RISK ASSESSMENT

Observation tools have found wide application in ergonomic assessment of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) because of their ease of use, ability to be used by multiple users with less specialised training and less operation time. However, their major challenge remains the reliability of their findings. Since MSD is a multidisciplinary problem, there is need for observation tools to be precise when used by practitioners from different professions. This study therefore, investigated the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of workplace ergonomic risk assessment (WERA) observation tool. Thirteen ergonomics and safety stakeholders, from four different professions were trained and thereafter, independently asked to carry out risk assessment of ten different videos-captured work activities. WERA was used to evaluate the participants’ exposure to six physical risk factors of MSDs in six body regions, so as to determine their risk level. The assessment was repeated after two weeks. The interclass reliability analysis was carried out using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with the two-way mixed model and absolute agreement as the preferred types. Two of the tasks, tyre extraction and quay crane operation were rated as high risked with an exposure rating greater than 60%, while the remaining eight were medium-risked. The body regions with high probability of MSD exposure were the neck (70%), leg (60%), wrist (60%) and back (50%). Inter-rater reliability (ICC) of the activities by the professionals ranged between 0.97 and 0.99 while intra-rater reliability of the participants ranged between 0.81 and 1.0. The reliability analysis demonstrated consistency among the different professionals using WERA. Therefore,there is a need to urgently redesign the tasks and carry out ergonomic interventions in the work activities assessed.

Physical working conditions as covered in European monitoring questionnaires

BackgroundThe prevalence of workers with demanding physical working conditions in the European work force remains high, and occupational physical exposures are considered important risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), a major burden for both workers and society. Exposures to physical workloads are therefore part of the European nationwide surveys to monitor working conditions and health. An interesting question is to what extent the same domains, dimensions and items referring to the physical workloads are covered in the surveys. The purpose of this paper is to determine 1) which domains and dimensions of the physical workloads are monitored in surveys at the national level and the EU level and 2) the degree of European consensus among these surveys regarding coverage of individual domains and dimensions.MethodItems on physical workloads used in one European wide/Spanish and five other European nationwide work environment surveys were classified into the domains and dimensions they cover, using a taxonomy agreed upon among all participating partners.ResultsThe taxonomy reveals that there is a modest overlap between the domains covered in the surveys, but when considering dimensions, the results indicate a lower agreement. The phrasing of items and answering categories differs between the surveys. Among the domains, the three domains covered by all surveys are “lifting, holding & carrying of loads/pushing & pulling of loads”, “awkward body postures” and “vibrations”. The three domains covered less well, that is only by three surveys or less, are “physical work effort”, “working sitting”, and “mixed exposure”.ConclusionsThis is the fırst thorough overview to evaluate the coverage of domains and dimensions of self-reported physical workloads in a selection of European nationwide surveys. We hope the overview will provide input to the revisions and updates of the individual countries’ surveys in order to enhance coverage of relevant domains and dimensions in all surveys and to increase the informational value of the surveys.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Rubber Tappers: A Case Study in Phatthalung Province, Thailand

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Rubber Tappers: A Case Study in Phatthalung Province, Thailand

Contradictory individualized self-blaming: a cross-sectional study of associations between expectations to managers, coworkers, one-self and risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders among construction workers

BackgroundWithin work sociology, several studies have addressed construction workers’ practices of masculinity, class, economy, safety risks and production. However, few studies have investigated room for agency in relation to bodily pain or musculoskeletal disorders and even fewer have made a quantitative approach. Accordingly, by means of a questionnaire, we examined the association between construction workers’ room for agency and physical exertion, bodily and mental fatigue, and lower back pain.MethodsA total of 481 Danish construction workers who responded to a multifaceted questionnaire were included. Drawing on previous studies and a Foucauldian inspired concept of agency, agency was quantified through specially crafted questions and examined in relation to established measures on physical exertion, physical and mental fatigue and pain in the lower back. Associations were tested using analyses of variance (general linear models) and controlled for age, gender, job group, lifestyle and depression.ResultsWhen asked about options for agency reducing the burden of work, few workers believed themselves to be prime agents of such practices. When asking about their view on performing alternative agency implying caring for the body, 39–49% expected negative reactions from management, and 20–33% expected negative reactions from colleagues. In contrast, only 13–18% of the participants stated that they would give a negative reception to such alternative practices.Using the expected reception outcomes (positive, neutral, negative) to alternative practices as predictors, the statistical regression analyses showed that negative expectations to management were associated with higher levels of physical exertion 0.62 (95% CI = 0.14–1.09) (scale 0-11), bodily fatigue 0.63 (95% CI = 0.22–1.04), mental fatigue 0.60 (95% CI = 0.07–1.12), and low back pain 0.79 (95% CI = 0.13–1.46) (scales 0-10).ConclusionIn our study, construction workers answered questions about work and MSD. The answers indicated a contradiction between perceived responsibility and room for agency.Based on the study, a number of target areas could fruitfully be addressed in aiming to reduce MSD among construction workers. To change workers’ expectances to the reception of lowering work pace if needed to take care of the body, their expectances to the reception of sickness absence as a result of pain, of discussing physical exertion in work and of demanding appropriate technical assistive devices are such examples. Our results emphasize that management plays an important role in this.

Ergonomic analysis of working postures using OWAS in semi-trailer assembly, applying an individual sampling strategy

In semi-trailer assembly, workers are exposed to several physical risk factors. Awkward working postures have not yet been investigated in semi-trailer assembly, although they are known to be a major risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders. We therefore conducted a comprehensive ergonomic analysis of working postures using the Ovako working posture analysing system (OWAS), with an individual sampling strategy. The postural load in semi-trailer assembly was assessed on the basis of 20,601 observations of 63 workers executing a representative set of nine work tasks. According to the OWAS, the postural load of various working postures and body part positions may have a harmful effect on the musculoskeletal system. We therefore give examples of corrective measures that could improve awkward working postures. Applying an individual sampling strategy was revealed to have advantages over a collective strategy, so this is recommended for future ergonomic analyses.

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Agricultural Risk Factors Among Korean Farmers

ABSTRACTFarming is a strenuous occupation with various health risks, with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) being some of the most common. The risk factors for MSDs among Korean farmers are not well understood. Data were obtained from the Korean Farmers’ Occupational Disease and Injury Survey (2012), which interviewed 16,113 participants regarding their demographic profiles, self-reported MSDs, and agricultural characteristics. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for MSDs. Subjects reported MSDs in the neck or upper extremities (5.89%), lower extremities (19.62%), and back (26.9%). Working in animal husbandry significantly increased the risk of MSDs in the neck/upper extremities, compared with irrigation farming (odds ratio: 1.837, 95% confidence interval: 1.130–2.987). The risk of MSDs increased significantly with number of years of farming, after adjusting for age and sex (neck/upper extremities, P for trend = .0002; lower extremities, <.001; back, <.001). Agriculture type, years of farming, and ergonomic factors increased the risk of MSDs among Korean farmers.