Workers In Manufacturing Industry Research Articles

An Empirical Study on the Skill Enhancement of Manufacturing Industry Workers from the Perspective of Continuing Education—From the Perspective of Ningbo

An Empirical Study on the Skill Enhancement of Manufacturing Industry Workers from the Perspective of Continuing Education—From the Perspective of Ningbo

Impact of air quality on the health of present-day workers in an Asbestos roof manufacturing industry, Sri Lanka.

The study's objective was to determine the air quality in an asbestos-related industry and its impact on current workers' respiratory health. Seventy-seven air and 65 dust samples were collected at 5-day intervals in an asbestos roofing sheets production factory in Sri Lanka having two production facilities. Sampling was performed in ten sites: Defective sheets-storage, Production-plant, Pulverizer, Cement-silo, and Loading-area. A detailed questionnaire and medical screening were conducted on 264 workers, including Lung Function Tests (LFT) and chest X-rays. Asbestos fibres were observed in deposited dust samples collected from seven sites. Free chrysotile fibres were absent in the breathing air samples. Scanning Electron Microscopy confirmed the presence of asbestos fibres, and the Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis revealed Mg, O, and Si in depositions. The average concentrations of trace metals were Cd-2.74, Pb-17.18, Ni-46.68, Cr-81.01, As-7.12, Co-6.77, and Cu-43.04mg/kg. The average Zn, Al, Mg, and Fe concentrations were within 0.2-163g/kg. The highest concentrations of PM2.52.5 and PM1010, 258 and 387µg/m3, respectively, were observed in the Pulverizer site. Forty-four workers had respiratory symptoms, 64 presented LFT abnormalities, 5 indicated chest irregularities, 35.98% were smokers, and 37.5% of workers with abnormal LFT results were smokers. The correlation coefficients between LFT results and work duration with respiratory symptoms and work duration and chest X-ray results were 0.022 and 0.011, respectively. In conclusion, most pulmonary disorders observed cannot directly correlate to Asbestos exposure due to negligible fibres in breathing air, but fibres in the depositions and dust can influence the pulmonary health of the employees.

An Empirical Study on the Skill Enhancement of Manufacturing Industry Workers from the Perspective of Continuing Education—From the Perspective of Ningbo

An Empirical Study on the Skill Enhancement of Manufacturing Industry Workers from the Perspective of Continuing Education—From the Perspective of Ningbo

Dental Erosion-An Occupational Hazard among Battery Manufacturing Industry Workers in Hyderabad, India.

Dental erosion is a condition that results from exposure of the enamel and dentin to non-bacterial acids of extrinsic and intrinsic origin, causing mineral loss on the surface of the tooth. Occupational exposure to sulfuric acid fumes has been described in association with dental erosion in battery manufacturing industry workers. Hence, this study aimed to assess the dental erosion among battery factory workers in HBL Power Systems Ltd, Hyderabad. The sample consisted of 90 battery factory workers (62 males and 28 females). Demographic data with regard to age, gender, and length of exposure were recorded. Clinical examination was done to assess dental erosion using the tooth wear index given by Smith and Knight. Data were statistically analyzed by using Fisher exact test. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Among 90 workers examined, 43.3% showed prevalence of erosion with higher occurrence rate in females (54%) than males (38.7%). 66.6% of affected workers had erosion score of 1, and 33.4% showed erosion score of 2 and 3. We also observed statistically significant highest prevalence and increased severity of dental erosion in workers with prolonged duration of employment (>11 years). The present study revealed increased prevalence of dental erosion among battery factory workers. Hence, it highlights the importance of protective measures with efficient surveillance and monitoring in the workplace environment.

Implementation of ergonomics and lean manufacturing principles to improve work environment and performance of soccer ball production line

Value addition and performance improvement are important to deal with increasing local and global market competitiveness. Interventions and automation based on Lean and ergonomics principles have strong influence on performance improvement of the production systems. This study focuses on implementation of lean manufacturing and ergonomics principles to improve work environment and performance of the soccer manufacturing production line. Work visualization and value stream mapping (VSM) techniques were employed to identify the opportunities for improvements. Time of value and non-value-added activities is recorded using time study method. Working postures and associated risk factors are evaluated using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method. Lean manufacturing principles are employed to minimize wastes and non-value added activities. Similarly, improvements in work environment are made through ergonomics interventions. Various models comprising different levels of lean and ergonomics interventions were evaluated through simulation before actual implementation. The results of the finalized model in terms of decrease in cycle time (8.64 to 7.018 seconds), increase in daily production (20505 to 24176 soccer balls), and improved work environment are evident of performance improvements in all aspects. The integration of lean and ergonomics principles leads to improve the productivity and working environment for workers in soccer ball manufacturing industry.

Changes in serum TIM-3 and complement C3 expression in workers due to Mn exposure.

Mn (Manganese, Mn) is an essential trace element involved in various biological processes such as the regulation of immune, nervous and digestive system functions. However, excessive Mn exposure can lead to immune damage. Occupational workers in cement and ferroalloy manufacturing and other related industries are exposed to low levels of Mn for a long time. Mn exposure is one of the important occupational hazards, but the research on the effect of Mn on the immune system of the occupational population is not complete, and there is no reliable biomarker. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the immunotoxicity of Mn from the soluble immune checkpoint TIM-3 (T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin containing protein 3, TIM-3) and complement C3. A total of 144 Mn-exposed workers were recruited from a bus manufacturing company and a railroad company in Henan Province. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer was used to detect the concentration of RBC Mn (Red blood cell Mn, RBC Mn), and ELISA kits were used to detect serum complement C3 and TIM-3. Finally, the subjects were statistically analyzed by dividing them into low and high Mn groups based on the median RBC Mn concentration. We found that Mn exposure resulted in elevated serum TIM-3 expression and decreased complement C3 expression in workers; that serum TIM-3 and complement C3 expression showed a dose-response relationship with RBC Mn; and that the mediating effect of complement C3 between RBC Mn and TIM-3 was found to be significant. The above findings indicate that this study has a preliminary understanding of the effect of Mn exposure on the immune system of the occupational population exposed to Mn, and complement C3 and TIM-3 may be biomarkers of Mn exposure, which may provide clues for the prevention and control of Mn occupational hazards.

Comparative Study of Ergonomics among Manufacturing Industry Workers in Rural and Urban Industries

Comparative Study of Ergonomics among Manufacturing Industry Workers in Rural and Urban Industries

Yoga for musculoskeletal pain, discomfort, perceived stress, and quality of sleep in industry workers: a randomized controlled trial.

Work-related musculoskeletal pain and discomfort are due to repetitive, unnatural, continuous movements and postures. Yoga therapy is beneficial for pain and disability in occupational settings. The current study aims to investigate the effect of yoga on musculoskeletal pain, stress, and sleep quality among industry workers. The study was conducted as a parallel randomized controlled open-label trial. An allocation ratio of 1:1 was followed for randomization. A health survey was used to recruit 90 male workers in machinery manufacturing industries from Bengaluru. A specially designed yoga module was administered five days a week for eight weeks to yoga group. The waitlisted control group received lifestyle suggestions. Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were administered at baseline, at the fourth week and eighth weeks. Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (RM-ANOVA) was conducted to elicit the group*time interactions. Ninety participants (Yoga = 45, Control = 45) with age 40.57 ± 6.85 were randomized. Significant interactions were found in CMDQ, VAS, PSS and PSQI scores. Further, between group comparison demonstrate significant difference between the groups at the end of 8weeks for CMDQ, VAS and PSS scores. Yoga can be used to reduce musculoskeletal pain, discomfort, perceived stress and improve sleep quality among industry workers. CTRI/2022/03/040894.

Analisis Beban Kerja Pekerja Wanita di Industri Manufaktur Kota Batam

The manufacturing industry in Batam City is increasingly developing with the supporting factor being the availability of both female and male workers. The role of female workers in the Batam City manufacturing industry is quite significant, because female workers are chosen because of their thoroughness and discipline. The impact of this reason is that female workers have no restrictions and control over workload for female workers. This research aims to analyze the workload of female workers in the Batam City manufacturing industry. This research was conducted using descriptive analysis methods. The population of this research is female manufacturing industry workers in Batam City. Based on the results, it is known that the average pulse rate before work is 81.53, while after work it is 104.82. This shows an increase in heart rate after work, which indicates a significant increase in physical activity. This also shows that female workers in the manufacturing industry experience an increase in physical workload during work. Based on these data, it can be concluded that female workers in the manufacturing industry experience quite a high mental workload. The mental workload dimensions including MD, PD, TD, OP, EF, and FR show an average number above 70, which indicates a significant level of mental workload. Based on this research, it can provide implications for policy formulation regarding the management of female workers in the manufacturing industry in Batam City in particular and in Indonesia in general.

Assessment of Occupational Heat Stress in A Selected Indonesian Steel Mill

Introduction: Workers in the Indonesian steel manufacturing industry are subject to many heat stress risk factors, ranging from the equatorial climate to physically demanding work tasks which may result in heat- related illnesses and reduced worker productivity. Hence, a study was conducted at Steel Mill X to assess the level of heat stress among its workers, determine the association of related factors and to provide meaningful recommendations. Methods: This study uses a descriptive cross-sectional method to assess workers’ heat risk level and its association with individual, occupational and heat stress symptoms. An online questionnaire was used to collect primary data yet WBGT monitoring data were provided by Steel Mill X as secondary data. Results: The heat stress risk level score ranged from 48 to 140 (M=89.8, SD=±31.0). 122 workers were in the very high-risk category (75.8%). Occupational factors which had a statistically significant association with heat stress risk category includes: work area, length of exposure, air movement, hot surfaces, confined space, clothing factors and WBGT; while heat stress-related symptoms which were associated include headache, fatigue, profuse sweating, extreme thirst and increased body temperature. The absence of significant association between individual factors and heat stress risk category eliminates it as a confounding factor, suggesting occupational factors was the main variable. Conclusion: Control measures such as improving the supply of drinking water and maintenance of cooling systems should be implemented as soon as possible to prevent heat stress among workers.

An Economic Perspective of Labor Law in Manufacturing Sector (Liquor Industry) : a Comparative Study among the States of India

This article aims to provide insight into the fixing of minimum wages and how the economic aspects such as the cost of living index, consumer price index, and demand and supply of products play an essential role in it. This article focuses on the manufacturing sector, narrowing it down to the liquor manufacturing industry workers. The data on minimum wages were collected from the official websites of each government (labor commission). It is found that most of the states mostly focus upon the consumer price index and do not provide minimum wages industry wise and only few states fix minimum wages different for each type of industry. The Occupational wage survey identifies this issue and the productivity level of industries to be taken as a factor suggested for better welfare of workers.

Исследование самооценки качества жизни работающего населения Российской Федерации

The commonality of the goals of occupational health and safety and medicine is to ensure working conditions that contribute to the preservation of the employee health. For professions, in which it is not possible to exclude the possibility of a negative impact of occupational hazards and harmfulness, timely detection of health disorders and medical restrictions on the performance of certain types of work help to preserve the worker health. However, in the occupational medicine, little attention is paid to the subjective assessment of the health of industrial employees. The purpose of the study is to establish the degree of influence on the psychosomatic state of the mining and processing plant underground workers of working conditions associated with the profession, experience, the presence of an assigned preferential pension, as well as comparison with similar indicators for workers in other manufacturing industries. The analysis of the subjective assessment of the quality of life of miners was carried out using the Russian version of the SF-36 questionnaire, according to the results of which the self-assessment of the quality of life of miners admitted by the medical commission to work exceeds 50 points, for those who did not pass the medical commission (23.28 % of the total) subjective indicators of physical and mental health are less than 50 points. There is a trend towards a decrease in the quality of the life indicators with an increase in length of service to the minimum values by 35 years of work, which is noted in the published questionnaire studies of the highly-skilled workers of the enterprises in other branches of industry. In the group of highly-skilled workers over 36 years, the majority of whom are pensioners (less than 60 years, according to the legislation of the Russian Federation) of pre-retirement age, the workers with physical and mental health indicators comparable to the self-assessment of the quality of life of miners who worked at the enterprise for less than 20 years remain in the profession. A review of studies at other enterprises with harmful and hazardous working conditions allows to judge that the decrease in the physical and mental tone of the quality of life of the highly-skilled workers is aggravated by the presence and severity of the diseases received, as well as the level of industrial potential of the enterprise. The obtained results of the objective and subjective dynamics of the health status of workers in harmful and hazardous working conditions can form the basis for the development of preventive measures to reduce occupational risks.

Meta-Analysis the Effect of Excessively Loud Sounds on Noise Induced Hearing Loss in Manufacturing Industry Workers

Meta-Analysis the Effect of Excessively Loud Sounds on Noise Induced Hearing Loss in Manufacturing Industry Workers

Analysis of occupational health examination status of people exposed to vinyl chloride

Objective: To investigate the detection of occupational health for vinyl chloride workers in Tianjin. Methods: In this study, we have collected data from 7 companies with vinyl chloride hazards in 16 districts of Tianjin. Finally, the occupational health surveillance data of 478 vinyl chloride-exposed workers were included in the analysis. Quantitative data was tested for normality. If the data conforms to the normal distribution, using the Mean±SD for statistical description, and t test for statistical analysis. If the data does not conform to the normal distribution, using Median (Q(1), Q(100)) for statistical description, rank sum test for statistical analysis. The qualitative data was described by composition ratio, and the chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. The logistic regression was used to assess the impact on suspected occupational disease and occupational contraindication from personal general conditions, occupational history, company information. Results: The abnormal detection rate of vinyl chloride monomer workers in Binhai New Area was higher than that in other areas (χ(2)=5.20, P=0.023). The abnormal detection rate of vinyl chloride monomer workers in non manufacturing industries was higher than that in manufacturing industries (χ(2)=7.74, P=0.005). The abnormal detection rate of vinyl chloride monomer workers in domestic enterprises was higher than that in foreign invested enterprises (χ(2)=22.38, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group of vinyl chloride monomer workers, the abnormal group of workers was older and had longer working years, The difference was statistically significant (Z=-3.32, -3.54, P=0.001, <0.01). The employer of vinyl chloride monomer workers is in Binhai New Area, the economic type is domestic funded enterprise, the industry is classified as non manufacturing industry, the age is more than 40 years old, and the length of service is more than 20 years old, which is the influencing factor for workers to detect abnormalities (OR=1.875, 95%CI: 1.279~2.749; OR=1.657, 95%CI: 1.071~2.563; OR=3.562, 95%CI: 2.057~6.170; OR=2.166, 95%CI: 1.245~3.768; OR=1.968, 95%CI: 1.345~2.879, all P<0.05) . Conclusion: To protect the health of workers and prevent occupational diseases, the management of vinyl chloride exposure on production process, especially in domestic enterprise, should be improved. Also, better occupational health surveillance should be provided to female workers.

Vulnerable Factors Affecting Urinary N-Methylformamide Concentration among Migrant Workers in Manufacturing Industries in Comparison with Native Workers in the Republic of Korea (2012-2019).

Background: Occupational studies on N-N-dimethylformamide (DMF) exposure among migrant workers in Korea are scarce. We determined the urine concentration of N-methylformamide (NMF) among migrant workers with DMF exposure and compared the data with those of native workers. Methods: Data were collected from Workers’ Special Health Examination and Work Environment Monitoring databases during 2014–2019. Workers aged ≥20 years were eligible to participate in the special health examination for DMF exposure. Urine concentrations of NMF were determined and compared between migrant and native workers. We also evaluated the factors affecting the difference in the urine concentration of NMF between the migrant and native workers. Multiple logistic regression was performed by adding confounders step by step. Results: Among 9259 subjects, 504 (5.2%) were migrant workers. The mean urinary concentration of NMF was 6.73 mg/L in migrant workers, which was significantly higher than that in native workers (2.06 mg/L, p < 0.001). The odds of a urine concentration of NMF > 30 mg/L were significantly higher in migrant workers than in native workers after adjusting for sex and age (odds ratio [OR] = 7.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.66–11.45). However, the odds between the native and migrant workers were not significantly different when fully adjusted for confounders (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.65–1.94). Conclusions: The excessive exposure to DMF among migrant workers was attributed not to differences in biological characteristics but to their work environment. Workers must have awareness of the use of protective equipment and knowledge of hazardous chemicals that they may be exposed to, especially at the workplace.

Elbow-Height Handle and Staggered Stance Exhibited Greatest Force in Pushing and Pulling: A Study among Malaysian Adults

Introduction: Pushing and pulling activities are common in daily life and industrial workplaces. These activities are potentially contributing to muscle fatigue in the back and shoulder if not managed ergonomically. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify the maximum strength of Malaysian adults in horizontal symmetrical two-handed pushing and pulling with different handle heights and stances. Methods: Forty-seven participants of 24 males and 23 females were recruited in pushing and pulling experiments. The participants were assistant engineers and postgraduate students of a technical university. The dependent variable was the magnitude of push/ pull force. The independent variables consisted of action, handle height and stances. The experimental design was set for 2 actions, 3 handle heights and 2 stances, yielding 12 variables combinations. Results: Key findings of this study revealed that combination of pull action, handle height at elbow level and staggered stance exhibited greatest force. On the contrary, combination of push action, handle height at knuckle level and parallel stance resulted in lowest force. In pushing test, both male and female participants obtained greatest force of 233.3 N and 121.7 N, respectively, when the handle height was at elbow level and staggered stance. Similarly, in pulling test, males and females obtained highest force of 242.9 N and 152.4 N, respectively. Conclusion: This study concluded that handle height at elbow level and staggered stance exhibited greatest force in pushing and pulling activities. This study provides information to individuals who involved in pushing and pulling tasks with least force exertion to minimize muscle fatigue in the back and shoulder. Future studies should consider the following recommendations: 1) Participants of study should involve manufacturing industry workers. 2) To study the effect of pushing and pulling tasks on muscle activity.

Sustainability of Local Labour Market in South Africa: The Implications of Imports Competition from China

Using South African manufacturing and non-manufacturing industry employment, imports from China, growth in manufacturing and non-manufacturing industry, and workers’ earning data, we examined the impact of imports from China, growth in manufacturing and non-manufacturing industry on manufacturing and non-manufacturing industry employment and workers’ earnings. This study employed a Bayer and Hanck cointegration test to examine the cointegration among the variables, which found the existence of cointegration. In addition, the ARDL approach was employed to ascertain the long-run effect of the import from China, growth in manufacturing and non-manufacturing industry on the manufacturing and non-manufacturing industry employment and workers’ earning, while “Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square (FMOLS)”, “Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (DOLS)”, and “Canonical Cointegrated Regression (CRR)” estimators were employed for robustness. We found a negative long-run effect of imports from China on manufacturing sectors’ employment and workers’ earnings, while a positive of its effect was found on service industry employment. Moreover, growth in the manufacturing industry was found to have a positive long-run effect on manufacturing industry employment and workers’ earnings, while it has a negative long-run effect on service industry employment. As for the growth in the service industry, it was demonstrated to have a negative and positive long-run effect on manufacturing industry employment and non-manufacturing industry employment.

A study of morbidities among food manufacturing industry workers in Goa, India

A study of morbidities among food manufacturing industry workers in Goa, India

Prevalence and influencing factors of hearing status for workers with different subjective perception of hearing in Wuhan City from 2017 to 2019

Objective To investigate the hearing status and influencing factors of hearing among people with different subjective perception of hearing in Wuhan City from 2017 to 2019. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted to select some automobile manufacturing workers who underwent physical examination in Wuhan Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Disease from Jan 2017 to Dec 2019 as the research subjects. Questionnaire survey and pure tone threshold test were conducted. After excluding individuals with missing information, a total of 15 594 individuals were finally included for analysis and research. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of hearing status for workers with different subjective perception of hearing. Results Among the 15 594 male workers in automobile manufacturing industry, the proportion of subjective feeling of hearing for good, general and poor was 45.86% (7 152/15 594), 51.75% (8 070/15 594) and 2.39% (372/15 594), respectively. In terms of speech frequency, the proportion of hearing loss of the workers with good subjective hearing was 3.45%. In terms of high frequency, the proportion of hearing loss of workers with good subjective hearing was 18.47%. Age≥40 (OR=4.53, 95% CI=3.34-6.14, P Conclusion Some people with good subjective perception of hearing still have hearing loss, and risk factors of hearing loss among people with different subjective perception of hearing are different.

Hearing Loss and Associated Factors Among Noise-Exposed Workers in Palm Oil Mills.

IntroductionAlmost 90% of the reported occupational diseases in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo were due to hearing loss. The manufacturing industry was the main contributor to this problem. This study aims to identify the prevalence and associated factors for hearing loss among workers in the palm oil manufacturing industry in Sabah.Material and MethodsA cross-sectional study was done among 312 respondents from five palm oil mills in Sabah from January to April 2019. Audiometric tests, validated questionnaires and sound level meters were used. Chi-square test and independent t-test were conducted to determine the associated factors for hearing loss.Results75% (n = 234) of the respondents were diagnosed with hearing loss. Most of them were male (96.2%) with a mean age of 44.4 (SD 9.8) years, mean duration of employment of 16.2 (SD 9.7) years and mean noise exposure of 96.1 (SD 4.8) dB(A). The significant factors associated with hearing loss were older age (p = 0.001), married (p = 0.001), blue-collar jobs (p = 0.003), smoking (p = 0.001), works with noisy machinery (p = 0.005), lower level of noise exposed (p = 0.015), longer duration of employment (p = 0.001), and longer overtime hours per week (p = 0.001).ConclusionThe prevalence of hearing loss among workers in the noise-exposed palm oil industries was high. Annual audiometry testing and job rotation from noise-exposed workstations were recommended. A smoking cessation program may help but reduction of noise from the source by engineering control is still the best method.