Identification Of Ergonomic Hazards Research Articles

Manual Material Handling Training for Workers in The Furniture Industry

The work processes in the furniture industry starts from wood transportation, construction, sanding, assembling, and finishing. One of the potential hazards that always exist in every work process in the furniture industry is ergonomic hazards. The risks of Manual Material Handling (MMH) that includes lifting and lowering, pushing and pulling, rotating, carrying, and holding against an object adversely affect both the company and workers. This study aims to determine potential ergonomic hazards and control efforts to reduce risk of ergonomic hazards and injuries to furniture industry workers by providing training Occupational Safety and Health and proposed work system during Manual Material Handling activities. The method used to identify is the Hazard Identification Risk Assessment Control (HIRAC) technique. HIRAC used to help provide an understanding of the hazards that exist in each work process to minimize the occurrence of adverse Occupational Diseases. This research is qualitative research with observation and interview data collection techniques. Analysis techniques in this research included data reduction, data presentation, conclusions, and verification. Results of the evaluation showed that the identification of ergonomic hazards in the furniture industry was found in all furniture work processes from wood cutting to finishing.

Development of an ergonomics management model in the workplace: Introduction of the TUGA ergonomics management and analysis model (TEMA).

Conducting practical studies in ergonomics requires attention to all aspects of ergonomics with a comprehensive approach and focus on continuous improvement cycles. This study aimed to develop and present an ergonomics management model in the workplace. This study was performed using a three-stage Delphi study with 30 experts and a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process. According to the literature review and experts' opinions, the general cycle of the ergonomics management system with eight steps was developed. New methods were formed in two of these eight steps: the 3rd step (developing an ergonomic evaluation method) and the 5th step (creating a cost-benefit evaluation method). The eight implementation steps of the TEMA were determined as follows: 1) Performing task analysis (TTA), 2) Ergonomic hazard identification, 3) Estimating the ergonomic index, 4) Determining control measures, 5) Evaluating cost-benefit parameter, 6) Implementing control measures, 7) Continuous monitoring, and 8) Evaluating the effectiveness of control measures. The Delphi study revealed that the number of deleted parameters includes one item (burnout), and the remaining parameters were 16 items. The mean CVI and CVR values were 0.92 and 0.80, respectively. Cronbach's alpha values for each of the physical, environmental, and cognitive components and the entire model were 0.91, 0.87, 0.85, and 0.89, respectively. Using the mentioned management model can be a practical step towards properly evaluating the most critical dimensions of ergonomics in the workplace and optimal planning to implement control measures to establish a dynamic management system to reduce ergonomic risk factors in the workplace.

Impact of Load on Craniovertebral Angle in Construction Workers: A Correlational Study

Introduction The angle between a horizontal line passing through C7 and a line extending from the ear tragus to C7 is known as the craniovertebral angle. This angle is a reliable measure for the identification of head and neck position. For CV angle measurement the electronic head posture instrument EHPI is used. Its measuring scale is accurate to the first decimal place and the angle is read automatically by the electronic sensor.Objectives The aim of this study was to find if there exists a relationship between load and craniovertebral angle in construction workers.Methodology The craniovertebral angle was measured and weight-correlated. Using an electronic head posture instrument the angle was measured. It consists of three components a transparent plastic frame an electronic angle finder and a camera tripod stand. On the transparent plastic frame the angle finder is placed and attached to the tripod stand. The distance to the middle of the tripod from the subjects shoulder is 0.3 m and the distance between the operatorrsquos eye and the tripod is 0.5 m. The placement was done using a measuring tape. The spinous process of C7 is palpated and an adhesive pin is placed onto it. Another adhesive pin is placed on the left ear tragus. Photograph was taken from a distance of 0.5 m until the line on the transparent plastic base was aligned with the pin markers.Result The meanplusmnstandard deviation of CV angle of male construction workers 42.21plusmn4.41 was significantly lower than the mean CV angle in female construction workers 46.09plusmn4.50. The average load kg carried by women 40.22 plusmn6.82 was lower than that carried by men 47.23plusmn5.30. The Karl Pearson method was used in order to determine if a linear relationship exists between the load kg and CV angle and an inversely proportional relationship was observed but was not significant in men r -0.049 NS and r-0.089 NS women construction workers.Conclusions To avoid problems and to prevent musculoskeletal disorders the amount of overhead load has to be minimized. Many of the musculoskeletal issues can be avoided by improving the quality of workplace environment minimizing exposure to external loads acting on the body improving job procedures coordinating work as well as educating training workers in the identification of ergonomic hazards teaching problem solving skills and enabling them to find suitable solutions.

Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Stone, Sand and Gravel Mine Workers and Associations with Sociodemographic and Job-Related Factors.

Stone, sand and gravel mining (SSGM) constitutes the vast majority of mining operations in the United States. Despite musculoskeletal disorders being one of the most common occupational health problems across several industries, limited research has examined the extent of reported musculoskeletal symptoms or disorders among actively employed SSGM workers. To address this knowledge gap, cross sectional data were collected from 459 SSGM workers in the Midwestern United States to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms. Sociodemographic and job-related factors were examined to identify possible risk factors in SSGM. Musculoskeletal symptoms of the low back (57%), neck (38%), shoulder (38%) and knee (39%) were highly prevalent among SSGM employees. The results, among other findings, showed that working more than 60 h a week increased the likelihood of musculoskeletal symptoms at the low back (OR: 4.7 95% CI: 1.9–11.5), neck (OR: 5.1, 95% CI: 2.2–11.8) and knee (OR: 4.5, 95% CI: 2.0–10.3). Working as a mechanic/maintenance worker increased the likelihood of low back (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1–4.2) and knee (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1–4.6) musculoskeletal symptoms. Intervention measures aimed at improving ergonomic hazard identification for various job tasks as well as administrative controls limiting hours worked may help reduce the burden of musculoskeletal problems in the SSGM industry.

G3-3 Ergonomic Hazard Identification on Musculoskeletal Discomfort among Electronic Workers in Thailand

G3-3 Ergonomic Hazard Identification on Musculoskeletal Discomfort among Electronic Workers in Thailand

Reducing ergonomic injuries for librarians using a participatory approach

This study utilized a participatory ergonomics approach to examine the ergonomic hazards and reduce musculoskeletal symptoms for librarians in the East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library. A variety of research activities were conducted, including: ergonomics training and tests, observations, work environment and health questionnaires, and focus group discussions. A total of 39 employees from 9 different divisions in the Library participated in the study. The results of pre- and post-training ergonomics knowledge tests indicate significant improvement of librarians' understanding of ergonomics principles. The questionnaire responses for both 2-month-post- and 8-month-post- ergonomics training compared against those before the training have shown positive improvements in ratings of the presence and severity of a majority of the musculoskeletal symptoms, the design of computer workstations and manual material handling tasks, as well as perceived control over the work environment. With the identification of ergonomic hazards through RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) and REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) observations as well as focus group discussions, the study findings accomplished the project's overall objective of assisting librarians with improvement of ergonomics in the workplace. The results of this study provide a necessary foundation for future long-term study of participatory ergonomics to reduce musculoskeletal injuries and disorders for librarians. Relevance to industryLibrary work entails prolonged use of computers and other electronic tools, as well as repetitive handling of books, boxes, and other materials, which has exposed librarians to a significant risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. A participatory ergonomics approach might be effective in improving librarians’ understanding and application of ergonomics principles, and subsequently reducing musculoskeletal symptoms.

Ergonomic hazard identification of workers engaged in brick making factories

This study was done with the aim to identify the specific ergonomic risk factors in the workplace affecting the both male and female workers while doing raw brick making activities and to analyze the pain/discomfort related to it. Twenty male and twenty female workers from the raw brick making unit were randomly selected and a detailed ergonomic risk factors were analyzed with the help of NIOSH Ergonomic Hazard Identification checklist. The questions were based on the primary job responsibility of the workers. Data revealed that nearly 8 percent males and 10 percent females were in ‘usually’ category, 25 percent males and 28 percent females in ‘sometimes’ and approximately 18 percent male and 13 percent females who never performed the task were kept in the category ‘never’. It was found that all the male and female workers usually require exerting force with their hands and used the hand tools to do the task. About 8 percent males and 5 percent females were usually, 15 percent male and only 10 percent female were sometimes and 28 percent males and 35 percent female were never stood continuously for a period of more than 30 minutes. On the whole all the male and female respondents were lifting or lowering the objects between floor and waist height or shoulder height and most of the workers were becoming exposed to the vibration while performing the task and they were carrying the weight more than 50 lb. The study indicates that the majority of the activities are in the high risk category and demands immediate ergonomic intervention in the form of tool, workstation and process design.

Effect of systematic ergonomic hazard identification and control implementation on musculoskeletal disorder and injury risk

This study aimed to examine the effect of an ergonomic hazard control (HC) initiative, undertaken as part of a company ergonomics standard, on worker injury risk. Using the company's ergonomic hazards database to identify jobs with and without ergonomic HC implementation and linking to individual job and injury histories, injury risk among person-jobs with HC implementation (the HC group) was compared to those without HC (NoHC group) using random coefficient models. Further analysis of the HC group was conducted to determine the effect of additional ergonomic hazards controlled on injury risk. Among 123 jobs at 17 plant locations, 347 ergonomic hazards were quantitatively identified during the study period. HC were implemented for 204 quantified ergonomic hazards in 84 jobs, impacting 10 385 persons (12 967 person-jobs). No HC were implemented for quantified ergonomic hazards in the remaining 39 jobs affecting 4155 persons (5046 person-jobs). Adjusting for age, sex, plant origin, and year to control for any temporal trend in injury risk, the relative risk (RR) for musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) was 0.85 and the RR for any injury or MSD was 0.92 in the HC compared to NoHC group. Among the HC group, each ergonomic hazard controlled was associated with risk reduction for MSD and acute injury outcomes (RR 0.93). Systematic ergonomic HC through participatory ergonomics, as part of a mandatory company ergonomics standard, is associated with MSD and injury risk reduction among workers in jobs with HC implemented.

Transforming a hospital safety and ergonomics program: a four year journey of change

The conception of "Patient Safety" being the number one priority at Hospitals can reduce the emphasis on overall employee safety and health. This review examines a hospital's need to improve 24/7 active (i.e., not reactive) coverage, regulatory compliance, as well as the frequency and severity of employee injury losses. It also discusses a journey to integrate and improve safety and ergonomics to achieve these goals. Three approaches used by the ergonomist to create the transformation included: 1) adoption of the safety and ergonomic hazard identification; 2) safe patient handling; and 3) implementation of a 5S program. The results of the four (4) year effort at the not for profit, 637 bed, full service, acute-care hospital has shown a steady decline in frequency, reduced waste, and improved housekeeping. Ergonomists can have a key role in transforming Hospital Safety and Ergonomic Programs.

Prevention of musculoskeletal disorders at work: Validation and reliability in a multicenter intervention study

During the years 1986–1989 The Finnish Work Environment Fund initiated a multicenter, intervention study (programme) to prevent musculoskeletal disorders at work. The programme consisted of four different projects comprising methodological, epidemiological, and interventive themes. The main results were as follows: (1) More than half of the occupational physiotherapists and physicians involved in the project felt that they did not have adequate training for testing the performance capacity of the musculoskeletal system. Several of the most commonly used musculoskeletal tests had either poor validity in predicting future musculoskeletal troubles or had poor reliability. (2) A controlled intervention study showed that active training of neck-shoulder muscles can prevent musculoskeletal troubles, even more than ergonomic actions. (3) It is possible to reduce sick-leave due to low-back disorders by intervention measures directed toward both the work (environment, tools) and the workers (working methods, positive attitude to work, preparedness to keep fit). (4) The identification of ergonomic hazards with the help of teamwork proved to be feasible. The practical improvements, however, were difficult to implement in the prevailing conditions. Some of the improvements increased the work load and the stress of the workers. This aspect needs further consideration.

A method assigned for the identification of ergonomic hazards — PLIBEL

A checklist is presented for the identification of ergonomic hazards, with relevance to different body regions. Literature on the association between certain work characteristics and occupational musculoskeletal disorders was studied, and relevant items were chosen for the checklist. The method was tested for validity through workplace observations performed with the checklist and a well documented method (AET). The agreement between matching items was considerable. The inter-observer reliability yielded kappa values expressing a fair to moderate agreement. The applicability of the method is demonstrated through references to studies where it has been used.