High Ergonomic Risk Research Articles

Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and exposure to Ergonomic risk factors among handicraft workers.

Objective:To determine the association of Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and Exposure to Ergonomic risk factors among handicraft workers.Methods:This cross-sectional survey was conducted in a 12 weeks’ duration i.e. from November 2018 till January 2019. Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to determine the frequency of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. Postural analysis was done using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Data was collected from 100 Handicraft workers and the type of work included Art work (n=18), Ada Work (n=7), botanical arrangement (n=11), Textile, fashion designing and stitching (n=38), Fine arts (n=20), embroidery and knitting (n=6).Results:The frequency distribution of Rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) score for exposure to risk factors showed that 47 participants were at a high risk and required implementation of change. Most of the participants (n=35) reported pain in neck and shoulder (n=29). The chi square test for association between pain in upper extremity and exposure to risk factors showed that only wrist pain had statistically significant association with overall RULA score (p-value<0.05).Conclusion:The study concluded that neck and shoulder are more frequently affected among handicraft workers. The frequency of workers who were at high ergonomic risk and required implementation of change in working conditions was high.

Analysis and prevention of ergonomic risk factors among dental students.

Dentistry is a high-risk profession for the development of work-related disorders. Dental students are also exposed to several risk factors. The goal of the study was to determine and localise musculoskeletal pain during dental work, afterwards to measure electromyography signals from the muscles groups mostly affected by the musculoskeletal pain. Study was done in order to provide possible suggestions for the most effective preventive measures of MS pain among dental students. In order to solve the objectives, the research was realised in two segments. In the first part of the study, specially designed questionnaires were used to determine the frequency of musculoskeletal pain, risk factors and preventive measures among students. The second part of the study included electromyography analyses of muscular activity of students during dental work. Inclinometers also were set up in the purpose of monitoring inclination of the spine. Results of the questionnaire study indicated that pain during work was frequent, 81.8% of all the subjects reported pain during work. The recorded muscle activity of the neck muscles indicated a high ergonomic risk, while the muscle activity of the shoulders and back muscles indicated a medium risk. Work with a back flexion of 20 degrees and more indicates that students are at risk. Dental students used to work in unnatural working position. High ergonomic risk occurred in neck muscles. Students should be aware of the potential risks during work and to learn how to prevent it. Regular physical activity is strongly suggested to the students in order to avoid ergonomic problems.

ASSESSMENT OF WORK POSTURES ON NON-MECHANICAL RICE HARVESTING (CASE STUDIES IN BANTUL AND SLEMAN DISTRICTS, DIY PROVINCE)

Rice harvesting is a high ergonomic risk due to the working position, an awkward posture, and the repetition activity. Rice harvesting causes body pain in the part of low back, hand, and wrist. This study aims to (1) identify the characteristics of non-mechanical rice harvesting; (2) determine the working posture of rice harvesters using the Ovako Working Assessment System (OWAS) method, Quick Exposure Checklist (QEC), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), Postural Ergonomics Risk Assessment (PERA); and (3) determine the best method to assess harvesters work posture. An observation was conducted to nine of healthy workers in Bantul and Sleman districts, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY) province. The questionnaire was set to collect respondent demographics data. Data for harvester body posture (neck, trunk, leg, wrist, lifting load, shoulder) repetition, duration and force were collected by observation in the field. A sickle was used to cut rice straw, while a manual gepyok and mobile hand thresher was used to threshing rice panicles. Four methods were applied to assess the work posture, i.e., OWAS, QEC, REBA, PERA methods. Based on observation, five workstations were identified: (1) cutting rice straw, (2) transporting rice straw, (3) threshing of panicles, (4) sorting, and (5) packaging and transporting. REBA and PERA showed a similar trend of the ergonomic risk, high to low risk took place in workstation transporting rice straw, packaging and transporting, cutting, and threshing. The assessment of work posture that is most suitable for non-mechanical harvesting methods was the REBA method with an accuracy of 92.9%.

Evaluation of scapular dyskinesis and ergonomic risk level in office workers

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between ergonomic risk level and scapular dyskinesis in office workers. Methods. This cross-sectional study included office workers aged 20–65 years. A lateral scapular slide test (LSST) was used to evaluate scapular dyskinesis, and the quick exposure check (QEC) method was used to analyze the ergonomic risk level. Results. In all, 37 (45.7%) participants were men and 44 (54.3%) participants were women. Of the participants with scapular dyskinesis in any of the three LSST positions, 10.3% had low, 20.6% had medium, 30.9% had high and 37.9% had very high ergonomic risk level (p = 0.001). A low, positive linear correlation was observed between ergonomic risk level and LSST-1, LSST-2 and LSST-3 values. Conclusion. These results indicate that patients with scapular dyskinesis have a high ergonomic risk level. We believe that our work will serve as a foundation for intervention studies assessing ergonomic risk management.

ERGONOMIC EVALUATION OF PACKAGING WORKERS’ POSTURE IN A FOOD MANUFACTURING COMPANY

This study conducted an ergonomic evaluation of the working posture of workers engaged in various processes in the packaging section of a food manufacturing company. Workers in the packaging section of the food manufacturing company were divided into operating, folding, packing, carton wrapping and palletizing. Forty of the workers in the packaging section were placed under observation through video recording of their daily activities for a period of three months to obtain their working postures. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was used to analyze the working postures in order to obtain their ergonomic risk levels. Computer codes for RULA were written for quick and easy evaluation of upper arm, lower arm, wrist, wrist twist, neck, trunk and leg postures. The results from RULA indicated that 25% of the workers in the operating and folding units were exposed to medium ergonomic risk level; 30% of the workers in the packing unit and 10% of the workers in the carton wrapping unit were exposed to high ergonomic risk level while 10% of the workers in the palletizing unit were exposed to a very high ergonomic risk level. The study concluded that workers in the packaging section of the food manufacturing company were exposed to between medium and very high ergonomic risk levels of working posture necessitating the need to change the conditions of their workstations.

Working tool redesign to reduce ergonomic risk of salt evaporation field workers based on RULA and REBA assessments using esMOCA Instrument

What are the ergonomic risks of Indonesian salt evaporation field workers especially in Madura? This problem has not been much noticed, though salt production from Madura is the largest contributor to national salt production. This study aims to assess the level of ergonomic risk of salt evaporation field workers in Madura. Conduct ergonomic risk analysis and reduce the level of ergonomic risk through redesigning work tools with the REBA and RULA approaches. REBA and RULA assessments are conducted with esMOCA instrument application. This research shows that five activities of salt evaporation field workers pose a high ergonomic risk with a REBA and RULA score above 6. These five activities are, chopping salt deposits on salt field, scraping salt deposits on salt field, collecting and pile up salt deposits, picking up salt to the carrying basket, and packing salt into sack. One of these five activities, picking up salt activity poses the highest ergonomic risk with REBA score 11. Efforts undertaken to reduce risk were made by replacing shovel tool with pan hoe tool, REBA score dropped to 5.

ERGONOMIC EVALUATION OF PACKAGING WORKERS’ POSTURE IN A FOOD MANUFACTURING COMPANY

&lt;p class="Els-Abstract-text"&gt;This study conducted an ergonomic evaluation of the working posture of workers engaged in various processes in the packaging section of a food manufacturing company. Workers in the packaging section of the food manufacturing company were divided into operating, folding, packing, carton wrapping and palletizing. Forty of the workers in the packaging section were placed under observation through video recording of their daily activities for a period of three months to obtain their working postures. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was used to analyze the working postures in order to obtain their ergonomic risk levels. Computer codes for RULA were written for quick and easy evaluation of upper arm, lower arm, wrist, wrist twist, neck, trunk and leg postures. The results from RULA indicated that 25% of the workers in the operating and folding units were exposed to medium ergonomic risk level; 30% of the workers in the packing unit and 10% of the workers in the carton wrapping unit were exposed to high ergonomic risk level while 10% of the workers in the palletizing unit were exposed to a very high ergonomic risk level. The study concluded that workers in the packaging section of the food manufacturing company were exposed to between medium and very high ergonomic risk levels of working posture necessitating the need to change the conditions of their workstations.&lt;/p&gt;

Ergonomic risk exposure and work ability among young dental professionals in China: A cross-sectional study.

BackgroundExposure to high ergonomic risk resulted in an increasing prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental professional. However, little is known about the high exposure risk impact on work ability among dental professionals.ObjectiveWe conducted a cross‐sectional study to examine the association between ergonomic risk exposure and work ability among young dental professionals in their early careers.MethodsA total of 230 dental professionals including dentists, dental assistants, and nurses were clustered sampled from three hospitals in Guangzhou, south of China. We used the Quick Ergonomic Check (QEC) to assess participants' ergonomic risk exposure and Work Ability Index (WAI) to evaluate their work ability. Demographics and other factors related with WAI were also included in the data collection. Multiple linear regression was applied to analyze the association between ergonomic exposure scores and WAI.ResultsA total of 218 participants (94.8%) had valid data and consent forms. The participants' average WAI was 39.6, of which the poor and moderate WAI composed 31%. High and very high ergonomic risk exposure level was 45.9% for the neck and 21.1% for the wrist/hand. In general, WAI decreased with higher ergonomic exposure level. With adjustment of other potential risk factors, the ergonomic scores for wrist/hand and total scores for the whole body were significantly associated with the decreased WAI.ConclusionHigh ergonomic risk exposure might risk in reducing work ability among young dental professionals. Intervention measures toward ergonomic risk should be taken to prevent WAI from decreasing in their early careers.

Working Hazards and Health Problems among Rubber Farmers in Thailand

This study aimed to investigate the working hazards and health problems among rubber farmers in the southern part of Thailand. A cross-sectional survey questionnaire was employed to identify the workers’ working hazards and health problems, workers’ postures, and the measurement of the intensity of light, lung function, and eye vision. Results indicated that 45.5 % of the rubber farmers were exposed to a chemical substance, 87 % were exposed to a scorpion, and 27.6 % had a high job strain. Furthermore, 43.8 % of the rubber farmers had a high ergonomic risk when collecting the rubber latex. However, the intensity of the headlamp had met the standard. Findings also revealed some common health problems among rubber farmers. These were musculoskeletal disorders (87.7 %), depression symptoms (15.7 %), and hand eczema (8.9 %). Additionally, nearly half of the Thai rubber farmers had an accident at work (45.1 %, while 22 % reported to have bitten by a poisonous animal. Lastly, 78.4 % of the rubber farmers had a low level of visual requirement and half of them had an abnormal lung function (57.2 %). These findings suggest a need for work process modifications to prevent health hazard in Thai rubber farmers.

Ergonomics Risk Analysis Of Public Transportation Drivers (Study Case: Public Transportation Drivers In Makassar City)

Complaints on occupational diseases experienced by many workers. one of the causes of this complaint is the lack of good work position of a worker, an unfavorable work position and carried out for a long period of time will have a painful effect on the muscles. Driver is a job that requires a person to sit for a long time in the same position. this causes some workers to feel pain at some point on their body, such as the back and legs. driver’s work area which is very limited to do the movement also makes the driver unable to stretch when in the car. This research will identify the level of ergonomic risk from the position of the driver of public transport in the city of Makassar using Nordic Body Map dan RULA method. This study involved 21 randomly selected drivers. The identification results using the Nordic body map method showed that the driver feels pain in some limbs such as the back, waist, hips buttock and legs. while the identification results using the RULA indicate that the current driving position has a very high ergonomic risk and must be change as soon as possible to avoid further injury in the future.

Application of genetic algorithm to job scheduling under ergonomic constraints in manufacturing industry

This research proposes a mathematical model of the problem of job rotation considering ergonomic aspects in repetitive works, lifting tasks and awkward postures in manufacturing environments with high variability. The mathematical model is formulated as a multi-objective optimization problem integrating the ergonomic constraints and is solved using improved non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm. The proposed algorithm allows the generation of diversified results and a greater search convergence on the Pareto front. The algorithm avoids the loss of convergence in each border by means of change and replacement of similar solutions. In this strategy, a single similar result is preserved and the best solution of the previous generation is included. If the outcomes are similar, new randomly generated individuals are proposed to encourage diversity. The obtained results improve the conditions of 69% of the workers. The results show that if the worker rotates starting from a high risk, his variation in risk always decreases in his next assignment. Within the job rotation scheme, no worker is exposed simultaneously to high ergonomic risk thresholds. The model and the algorithm provide good results while considering ergonomic risks. The proposed algorithm shows the potentiality to generate a set of quality of response (Pareto Frontier) in a combinatorial optimization problem in an efficient computational time.

Comparison of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms between male cameramen and male office workers

BackgroundPrevious studies have classified cameramen’s job as physiologically heavy work and identified the risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) in cameramen. However, those studies limited their research subjects to cameramen. In this study, we compared the frequency and severity of WRMDs between cameramen and office workers.MethodsA total of 293 subjects working in four broadcasting companies in Korea were recruited. A questionnaire survey was conducted for a month, starting in October 2016. The subjects were divided into cameramen and office workers according to their occupation. We compared the frequency and severity of WRMDs and ergonomic risk assessment results between the two groups.ResultsThe high-risk WRMD group had a higher proportion of cameramen than office workers. Moreover, the high ergonomic risk group also had a higher proportion of cameramen than office workers for WRMDs in the upper extremities and waist+lower extremities. In the multivariable-adjusted model comparing cameramen and office workers, the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for high-risk WRMDs was 3.50 (95% CI: 1.92–7.72) for the upper extremities and 3.18 (95% CI: 1.62–6.21) for the waist and the lower extremities. The ORs by body parts were 3.11 (95% CI: 1.28–7.57) for the neck, 3.90 (95% CI: 1.79–8.47) for the shoulders, and 4.23 (95% CI: 1.04–17.18) for the legs and feet.ConclusionsOur study suggests that cameramen are at high risk of WRMDs. Workplace improvements and management of the neck, shoulders, and lower extremities, which are susceptible to WRMDs, are necessary to prevent musculoskeletal disorders among cameramen.

High Ergonomic Risk of Computer Work Postures Among Iranian Hospital Staff: Evidence From a Cross-Sectional Study

Background and objectives: Non-ergonomic computer work has emerged as a significant cause of musculoskeletal disorders among employees of health care organizations. Given the negative impact of such disorders on quality of work life, safety, and performance of hospital staff, there is a need to evaluate the exposure of this staff to the ergonomic risks associated with the computer-based jobs. Methods: A sample of 150 computer user employees from two hospitals in Qom (Central Iran) was surveyed. Musculoskeletal disorder data was collected by standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). The postural states of the participants were assessed using Novel Ergonomic Postural Assessment Method (NERPA) and Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA). Data were summarized by descriptive statistical methods. The correlation between categorical variables was examined by Chi-square test. Findings: Among the total sample, 76.7% had administrative tasks, 20% were nurse and the rest were secretary of wards. Almost all participants (94%) reported work-related pain at least in one of their body limbs in the past year. Pain in neck was the most frequent (70%) musculoskeletal symptom, followed by pain in lower (62%) and upper back (55.3%), respectively. While most postures as assessed by NERPA were at medium level of ergonomic risk (left-hand, 74.7% and right hand, 69.3%), significant fraction of postures were highly risky (left-hand, 24% and right hand, 29.3%). Also ROSA recorded undesirable ergonomic score for 87.3% of the participants. Postures related to seat showed the higher frequency of undesirable scores (86.7%), followed postures associated with the use of peripherals (44%) and mouse/keyboard (26.7%), respectively. The highest frequency of inappropriate ergonomic postures as identified by both methods was observed among administrative staff. Statistical test found significant correlation between risky ergonomic postures and musculoskeletal problems (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study revealed the significant ergonomic risk associated with postural states of hospital employees working in computer workstations. Our results highlight the need for further large-scale studies to identify the extent of this occupational hazard throughout the country. Given the negative impact of musculoskeletal disorders on performance of hospital personnel and thereby patient safety, possible confirmation of widespread computer-related non-ergonomic postures will require urgent intervention.

An Ergonomics Approach towards Efficient and Productive Maintenance of Fluidized Bed Heat Exchangers (FBHEs) (Morupule B Power Station)

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders have been identified as one of the most costly and demanding illnesses across the world amongst the working population, with labour intensive industries largely affected. The situation is appalling in developing nations wherein there is high demand for energy and yet has limited energy systems and expertise to produce clean energy. Moreover, there is often a distressing lack of awareness on ergonomic issues, education and training initiatives. Erudite fellows have undertaken similar studies with reference to MSDs in power stations around the world and provided possible remedies. However, this study focused on the circulating fluidised bed boiler technology installed with fluidized bed heat exchangers (FBHEs). Since the commissioning of Morupule B power plant 4*150 mw units, the fluidized bed heat exchangers (FBHEs) proved to be a regular stop point for maintenance and operations team, hence a high ergonomic risk area for everyone working at the area. Methods: A Modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was chosen and used to examine the extend at which the Morupule B power plant employees are affected by their daily work. In addition to that, the job and environment analysis questionnaire was administered as well to evaluate their work load, management system, work area, vibrations and sound and lastly an anthropometric survey was conducted on employees directly working at the FBHEs. These set of surveys were administered to 257 employees at Morupule B power station. All participants answered the questions and the data was evaluated with SPSS 18 software. Results: The prevalence of MSDs are high amongst main plant workers especially Auxiliary Plant Operators (APO) and labourers at Morupule B power plant on almost all body parts listed on the Nordic Questionnaire i.e. neck, shoulders, hands, back, and knees. Conclusion: MSDs occurred at an alarming rate within the lower cadre workers working at the FBHEs

Riscos ergonômicos para trabalhadores de enfermagem ao movimentar e remover pacientes

Aim: to map the ergonomic risks for nursing workers when handling and moving adult patients in a university hospital. Method: cross-sectional study involving 123 hospitalized adult patients, between the months of February to April 2011. Data regarding sociodemographic characteristics were collected and the Scale of Risk Assessment in Patient Handling was applied. Excel® software was used for data organization and data analysis was developed on PASW Statistics, through descriptive statistics. Results: it was found that 55.3% of patients had moderate and high ergonomic risk. From the units evaluated, the Intensive Care Unit and the Intensive Cardiology Unit showed the greatest ergonomic risks, with 83.3% of patients classified as high risk. Conclusion: measures to reduce ergonomic risks should include training and capacity-building programs, as well as supply of materials and equipment to aid in patients handling

Ergonomics Risk and Neck Shoulder Back Pain among Dental Professionals

This research was conducted to assess the ergonomic risks, the prevalence and incidence of neck shoulder back (NSB) pain among dental professionals. Subjects were 193 dentists and dental nurses working in government hospitals in Thailand. Data were collected by BRIEF (Baseline Risk Identification of Ergonomic Factors)’s survey and interviewing with the structured questionnaires. Subjects were followed-up for six-month to identify the new case of NSB pain. BRIEF's survey indicated high risk from scaling (78.8%), filling (77.7%) and tooth extraction task. Neck, followed by back area was indicated for the highest proportion on high ergonomic risk from scaling and filling task. Back pain was the highest prevalence occupied in 58.5% of participants during the previous month before beginning the cohort study. Most workers had most complaint about combination of three sites (neck, shoulder, and back) for the onset of pain (36.3%). The cohort study indicated the highest incident shoulder pain in 1- and 3- month follow-up at 15.6% and 22.9%, respectively. For 6-month follow-up, back pain was shown to be the highest incident (42.1%), followed by shoulder pain. In conclusion, NSB pain was obviously musculoskeletal health problems as a group of pain symptoms among Thai dentists and dental nurses. Each scaling, filling task indicated high ergonomics risk predominantly located on neck and back areas. 6-month incidence of NSB pain could confirm the serious musculoskeletal health problems from exposure to ergonomics risk factors. Therefore, dentists and dental nurses should be aware of NSB pain development. The hospital should support workstations and dental tools with ergonomic designs to fit to individual and task.

Musculoeskeletal disorder related to the work of doctors who perform medical invasive evaluation

Experts in medical invasive evaluations, like colonoscopy, could be exposed to ergonomic risks during their work. Little attention has been given to these spectrum of occupational health. Its aimed to analyze possible clinical problems related to upper limb of physicians who perform those exams. Cross-sectional study in a health service in Sao Paulo, Brazil. For evaluation of the workplace of the colonoscopist physician were applied two tools: Couto's check list and Sue Rodgers Method. The results direct the potential risk to upper limb injuries. The procedure is done and the final report is issued. There are no mandatory pauses during workday. The dominant hand holds the tube insertion with pincer movement during the exam, digital prehension being necessary at times. For this activity the employee has to use some strength. Couto's check list indicates a significant biomechanical factor. Sue Rodgers's Method states high ergonomic risk for dominant hand/wrist/fingers. The main risk for the development of health disorders are associated with the use of force and repetitive movements of hands. The adoption of regular breaks to recover most of the structures required is recommended.

Índice de levantamento da equação do NIOSH e lombalgia

Este estudo tem por objetivo avaliar a relação entre o Índice de Levantamento obtido mediante a aplicação da Equação de Levantamento do NIOSH e a incidência de lombalgia entre quarenta e oito trabalhadores envolvidos nas tarefas de levantamento manual de cargas. Aplicou-se a equação em onze tarefas e realizou-se entrevista com os trabalhadores. As condições mais desfavoráveis apresentavam-se no destino do levantamento. As variáveis da tarefa que mais contribuíram para os valores inadequados do Índice de Levantamento foram: a distância horizontal, a frequência de levantamentos e a distância vertical; além do peso elevado da carga. A incidência de lombalgia nos últimos doze meses foi de 19%, enquanto que a incidência da lombalgia relacionada ao trabalho, no mesmo período, foi de 10%. Em 72,7% das tarefas avaliadas o Índice de Levantamento Composto foi superior a três, sendo consideradas como de alto risco ergonômico.

Infrared Thermography Based on Artificial Intelligence as a Screening Method for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis

This study further evaluated a computer-based infrared thermography (IRT) system, which employs artificial neural networks for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) using a large database of 502 thermal images of the dorsal and palmar side of 132 healthy and 119 pathological hands. It confirmed the hypothesis that the dorsal side of the hand is of greater importance than the palmar side when diagnosing CTS thermographically. Using this method it was possible correctly to classify 72.2% of all hands (healthy and pathological) based on dorsal images and > 80% of hands when only severely affected and healthy hands were considered. Compared with the gold standard electromyographic diagnosis of CTS, IRT cannot be recommended as an adequate diagnostic tool when exact severity level diagnosis is required, however we conclude that IRT could be used as a screening tool for severe cases in populations with high ergonomic risk factors of CTS.

Ergonomic and psychosocial factors affect daily function in workers' compensation claimants with persistent upper extremity disorders.

Pain and other symptoms associated with work-related upper extremity disorders (WRUEDs) can lead to significant distress, lost function, and disability. Identifying factors associated with decreased upper extremity function may lead to the development of more effective interventions. In this study, participants were 165 government employees (127 female, 38 male) with an accepted workers' compensation claim (< 90 days from claim filing) for a WRUED who were unable to perform their normal work. Participants completed baseline measures of upper extremity functional limitation, symptoms, general health status, problem solving orientation, pain coping, and workplace factors. After controlling for pain and gender in a multiple regression analysis, greater functional limitation was further explained by: (1) upper extremity symptoms other than pain (e.g., sleep disturbance, numbness and tingling), (2) symptoms in one or both hands, (3) feeling overwhelmed by pain, (4) low confidence in problem solving abilities, and (5) higher ergonomic risk factor exposures at work. The final model accounted for 47.4% of the variance in upper extremity function, F(7157) = 4.33, P < 0.05. Mental health status was related to functional limitation in univariate, but not multivariate analyses. These results suggest that improving function in this population may require: (1) pain coping techniques and active problem solving to overcome functional barriers, and (2) reduction of workplace ergonomic risk exposure.