Symptoms Of Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Articles

Ergonomics in work situations of Ayurvedic therapists working in Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College, Ollur, Trissur

Introduction: Ergonomics is defined as the process of designing or arranging workplaces, products and systems so that they fit the people who use them. Physical, organizational and cognitive are the three types of ergonomics. Aims and Objectives: To assess the prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) in Ayurvedic therapists working in, Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College, Ollur, Trissur. Materials and Methods: A Descriptive cross sectional study was done. 17 therapists in VACH Ollur were surveyed consecutively regarding symptoms of Musculoskeletal disorders mainly LBA, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain and heel pain. Data were collected by using questionnaires and were analysed using appropriate statistical methods. Results: Out of 17 therapists, 52.9 % were females. Highest frequency of MSD was seen in the age group of 46-55 years. 80 % of the therapists were working more than 20 years. 64.5 % were suffering from LBA, 29.4% were suffering from neck pain, 23.8% were suffering from shoulder pain, 41.2% were suffering from knee pain and 17.6 % were suffering from heel pain. Discussion: Present study shows that MSD are common among therapists. Improper posture for different procedure can be the reason. Adhering to the principles of physical and cognitive ergonomics can prevent risk factors of developing MSD.

Ergonomic Risk Assessment and Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Garment Manufacturing Workers in Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Ergonomic Risk Assessment and Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Garment Manufacturing Workers in Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Remote Work Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Health in Lagos, Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study

Remote workers are at risk of musculoskeletal disorders due to the sedentary nature of their work and ergonomic safety compliance is a necessary control measure. This work evaluated ergonomic compliance and work-related musculoskeletal disorders among fully remote workers in Lagos. Following approval, 371 remote workers were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional study. They responded to a Questionnaire, the main study tool, which biodata, work information, knowledge of ergonomics, workstation compliance, level of support offered by employer to aid ergonomic compliance, behavioral factors, musculoskeletal disorder symptoms and medical Information regarding past and present diagnosis/ treatment. To support data on workspace compliance, physical and virtual observations were carried out on 361 workspaces. Collated data were analyzed using descriptive tools. The data analysis showed that a large percentage of remote workers, about 66.31% had high knowledge on ergonomics. However, a relatively lower percentage, about 23.36% had highly compliant workspaces. Only 8% were highly compliant based on behavioral patterns as a larger 48% fell into the low category. The study showed that only 15.36% of employers gave a very high level of support to encourage ergonomic compliance. The Most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder amongst the population studies is the lower back pain, which has been suffered by 90.5% of respondents at varying durations and levels. This was closely followed by the upper back pain at 85.7% then eye pain at 47.1. The study shows a positive correlation between Employer support and: ergonomic compliance based on workspaces, ergonomic compliance based on behavioral patterns as well as knowledge on ergonomics at 0.26828222, 0.151881985 and 0.188086546 respectively. There is an urgent need to educate employees on ergonomic safety, create effective occupational health plans tailored specifically for the remote work model, develop feasible measures for compliance checks, and work with authorities to enact laws to protect the health and safety of remote workers in the long run.

A Survey on Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms among Radiographers in Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Alor Setar, Kedah

A Survey on Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms among Radiographers in Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Alor Setar, Kedah

Managing ergonomic risk assessment among assembly operators in the small‐scale fabrication sector

AbstractIn the small‐scale fabrication sector, employee health and safety are the most important aspects for improving productivity and quality. There is a lack of risk assessment and limited information on human handling and ergonomic approaches in the working environment of the small‐scale fabrication sector. This study aims to analyze the association of human handling risk factors with work‐related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) symptoms among assembly operators and to evaluate the proposed ergonomic intervention for a high‐risk work task using ergonomic risk assessment tools such as Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). A questionnaire survey and observation were conducted across seven work categories. The analysis using RULA and REBA revealed that cleaning, fitting, and assembling have a high‐risk level that requires ergonomic intervention. The virtual design of the proposed ergonomic workstation for high‐risk work tasks was created using CATIA software and evaluated using RULA and REBA analyses. Job and organizational factors were found to be the main contributors to WMSD, while individual factors, awareness levels, and ergonomic risk assessment had insignificant effects on WMSD. Based on RULA and REBA scores, the proposed ergonomic intervention significantly reduces risk by 30%–47%, improving overall health and safety for operators in diverse work activities.

Musculoskeletal Disorders Prevalence among Sewing Machine Operators of Sewing Workplaces in Kerman City

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are one of greatest occupational problems in industrialized and developing countries, and whereas becoming switches to major challenge between worker and employers. The aim of present study was determination the prevalence musculoskeletal disorders among sewing machine operators of sewing workplaces in Kerman. In this cross-sectional study, 297 workers that working in 170 sewing workplaces in Kerman as research population by census method were selected. Nordic Questionnaire was used for data collection. The data were analyzed using Chi-square statistical test under SPSS 16 software. In this study 50.5 percent of subjects in the past 12 months and 34.3 percent of them in during one week before the study had experienced discomfort or pain at least in one body part. Highest frequency symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders was observed in lower back, later than the lower back, knee, upper back, neck and ankles had highest frequent. Also, in this study a significant relationship between musculoskeletal disorders of lower back, shoulder, neck and tailors work experience were obtained. Results of this study did show that workplace is the most important cause of the incidence musculoskeletal disorders in tailors under research. Therefore, the interventional programs include optimizing the design of workstations and chairs used in sewing workplace and also providing ergonomic principles training courses for improving work conditions of workers that working in sewing workplaces should be considered.

Prevalence And Risk Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Discomfort among Vegetable Street Vendors

Background: The common health problem among workers is musculoskeletal disorders due to intensive manualwork(1). Pain, stiffness, swelling are the symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders(1)..High energy expenditures,heavy spinal loading during lifting and carrying, highly repetitive movements and crawling, stooping andother difficult work postures are require at field work and for material handling(14).Aim: To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with musculoskeletal discomfort among vegetablestreet vendors.Objectives: To find out prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort in vegetable street vendors by using NordicMusculoskeletal questionnaire.To find out correlation between personal factors, working factors and musculoskeletal discomfort.Materials and methodology: 125 Vegetable vendors were participated in this study. Age range between 18-60years. Subjects having more than 5 years of experience are included.They were given consent form ,screeningform and Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and the area of pain was marked by them on scale. The data wastaken on excel sheet and data analysis was done then results were calculated.Result: The prevalence of 69.60% was obtained in vegetable street vendors. The most body part involved arelower back 44.80% , ankle/feet 32% ,the least affected body parts are elbows and wrist/hands. The musculoskeletaldiscomfort is positively associated with gender, age and not associated with other factors such asBMI, work experience, working hours/day,working days/week, excessive repetition,sitting for long period atwork,etc.Conclusion: According to the present study there is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among vegetablestreet vendors in latur city. The commonly affected body region are lower back, ankle/feet and knees.

Measurement and Evaluation of Potential Ergonomic Hazards in the Packing Area of PT Tirta Investama Klaten Factory

PT Tirta Investama Klaten Factory is a company that produces bottled drinking water. Most production activities use machines, but there are still activities carried out manually, namely in the packing area during box lifting activities. Box lifting activities that are carried out repeatedly over a certain period can potentially cause occupational diseases, namely musculoskeletal disorders. After conducting initial interviews with workers, it was discovered that workers in the packing area felt pain and tingling in their bodies. Based on these problems, it is necessary to measure and evaluate potential ergonomic hazards to identify potential health and worker protection problems due to ergonomic hazards. The method used SNI 9011:2021, a tool for measuring and evaluating potential ergonomic hazards in the workplace, and used QEC (Quick Exposure Checklist) to measure posture load from two points of view. The research results showed that the box lifting activity had the worst percentage exposure value of 76.14% and the worst ERF score of 7 (hazardous conditions). Apart from having an awkward posture, the results showed that symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders experienced by workers were also caused by factors such as age and length of service.

제조업 근로자의 신체부위별 근골격계질환 자각증상에 영향을 미치는 요인

Objectives To identify risk factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) by locations in manufactur-ing factory workers.
 Methods 134 factory workers completed musculoskeletal disorders symptom assessment and general job stress questionnaire (Korean version of the NIOSH). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors associated with the occurrence of MSS by locations using SPSSWIN 26.0.
 Results Regarding significant risk factors associated with MSS by location, higher distress levels from a lack of a reward system from the current job were associated with higher odds of having MSS in the neck. However, hav-ing interpersonal conflict was associated with lower odds of having MSS in the neck. In shoulders, those who were unsatisfied with the reward system from the current job had 1.048times the odds of having MSS than those who were satisfied with the reward system from the current position. In arms and elbows, female workers had 3.712times the odds of having MSS than male workers. Having a higher workload was associated with higher odds of having MSS. Being female and unmarried was associated with higher odds of MSS in hands, wrists, and fingers. In the lower back, having more than 10years of work experience was associated with higher odds of reporting MSS than having less than 1-year work experience. In addition, those feeling unsatisfied with the reward system from the current job were associated with higher odds of reporting MSS in the lower back. In terms of the occurrence of MSS in legs and feet, female workers had 3.517times the odds of having MSS in legs and feet than male workers.
 Conclusions Our findings suggest that factors associated with MSS in manufacturing factory workers differ from symptom locations. These preliminary findings can be used to develop effective interventions for manufacturing workers to alleviate work-related MSS by sites.

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG NURSES WORKING AT A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN OMAN

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major cause of concern for workplace safety for healthcare workers. The prevalence of nurses with MSDs is particularly high. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and explore the associated factors of MSDs among nurses working in a tertiary hospital in Oman. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive correlational study was used to examine 125 nurses using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. Results: We sampled 125 nurses working in different units. We found that the main age group is between 31 and 40 years old (58.4%), mostly female (79.2%), majority are married (80.8%) and have children (76.8%). Nurses in this sample work at different departments, majority are working in the orthopedic unit (18.4%). The minimum years of experience was 1 year, and the maximum was 33 years. Upper back pain was the most reported complaint (7.2%). Out of the 125 nurses 87 had symptoms of MSDs at a prevalence of 0.696. Three factors were found to have a relationship with workplace-related MSDs: working in the same position for long periods of time ([Formula: see text] = 0.007), having lift-and-transfer-dependent patients ([Formula: see text] = 0.023), and being forced to work harder under the condition of staff shortage ([Formula: see text] = 0.062). None of the demographic and work-related characteristics were found to be related to MSDs. Conclusion: MSDs are very prevalent among nurses in Oman. The factors of developing MSDs are work related regardless of the demographic or workplace characteristics. Healthcare institutions shall implement preventive and rehabilitative measures to help nurses have better musculoskeletal health.

Prevalence of Work Musculoskeletal Disorder in Patients Handling Tasks Among Nursing Staff in Critical Care-Unit

Awkward postures imposed by nursing duties are a main source of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nursing staff. The purpose of this article is to describe the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among critical care nurses, in two patient handling tasks, transferring and repositioning of patients, and assess their training level and acquaintance of ergonomics rules and principles in patients’ handling tasks. Results of the study revealed a large number of nurses in intensive care unit exhibit musculoskeletal disorders symptoms. Nurses knowledge of safe patients handling technics are superficial and lacking basic human factors /ergonomics principles. The study recommended the immediate hiring of an adequate number of physically able nursing staff and providing the necessary work equipment to assist nurses perform patient handling tasks. In the near future, a human factors/ergonomics intervention program should be launched, incorporating a "Safe Patient Handling Training Program” for the critical care-unit staff

텍스트마이닝을 활용한 작업관련성 근골격계질환 연구동향 분석

Domestic musculoskeletal disorders have been on the rise since the 1997 IMF crisis, as rapid changes in work environments and practices, such as mechanization, automation, and specialization, have been implemented by various companies to enhance productivity. Furthermore, with increasing awareness and concern among workers, the government has been conducting harmful factor and causal investigations related to musculoskeletal disorders caused by burdensome work tasks through the amendment of Article 39 of the Industrial Safety and Health Act since 2003.
 To ensure the proactive prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and minimize work-related losses for workers' safety, there is a continuous need for systematic and comprehensive research. To address this, the present study conducted a trend analysis to explore new perspectives for preventing industrial accidents.
 The literature collection comprised a total of 653 domestic theses and academic papers from 2003 to 2022 that included the keyword 'musculoskeletal disorder,' gathered through search engines such as the Korean Citation Index (KCI) and the Research Information Sharing Service (RISS). The data were categorized into two periods: the first period from 2003 to 2012 and the second period from 2013 to 2022. Text mining was employed to analyze the frequency (TF) and network connections, which were subsequently visualized.
 The results revealed that the top keywords in work-related musculoskeletal disorder research throughout the entire period (2003 to 2022) were 'work,' 'musculoskeletal disorder,' and 'symptoms,' consistently recognized as essential research topics in both the first and second periods. In the first period, the most frequently discussed factors influencing workers' musculoskeletal disorders included 'posture,' 'physical condition,' 'environment,' 'job stress,' 'time,' 'age,' and the term 'survey' was prominent among the top keywords. In the second period, keywords like 'comparison,' 'development,' 'measurement,' 'method,' and 'investigation' emerged.
 N-Gram analysis indicated that the simultaneous occurrence of the 'musculoskeletal disorder-symptoms' keyword was the most frequent throughout the entire period, followed by high frequencies of 'musculoskeletal disorder,' 'pain,' 'awareness,' and 'burden.' In the first period, body part-related keywords like 'hand-wrist,' 'shoulder-back,' 'wrist-finger,' and 'back-leg' were prominent. In the second period, keywords such as 'workload,' 'safety-health,' 'factor-investigation,' 'risk-assessment,' and 'occupational accident-insurance' were observed.
 This study attempted the first analysis of theses and academic papers on work-related musculoskeletal disorders using text mining, a big data analysis method. The findings contribute to suggesting future research directions on work-related musculoskeletal disorders, holding significant implications for the field.

Preventing work-related musculoskeletal injuries among oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS) are continually required to adjust position and posture to access the limited surgical field in and around the head and neck, oral cavity, and oropharynx. Very limited data exists that quantifies the burden of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among OMS. This exploratory study seeks to address these literature gaps by assessing the prevalence of MSD among OMS. A 12-question survey was designed to investigate the prevalence of MSD for OMS, including residents in training, actively practicing surgeons, and retired surgeons. Seventy-six surveys were distributed and completed in person by surgeons attending professional conferences from September 2018-September 2019. Survey questions included the Baker-Wong Faces pain scale, years in practice, number of hours worked per week, job tenure, pain attributable to work, and age. The Nordic scale identified and delineated anatomic site of musculoskeletal complaints, duration and treatment sought. The most frequently cited sources and locations of pain attributable to occupation were shoulders, neck, and lower back. The risk of MSD symptoms was relatively two-fold [PR = 2.54, 95% CI = 0.90, 7.22] among OMS in practice for more than ten years compared to those in practice less than ten years. After adjusting for age and hours worked per week as potential confounders, the risk of MSD symptoms was higher among OMS in practice for more than ten years compared to those with less than ten years of experience, despite no statistically significant association. OMS are impacted by a high prevalence of MSD. The neck, shoulder, and lower back are the most frequently affected with discomfort and pain. This study found that practicing oral and maxillofacial surgery for more than 10 years is a potential risk factor for experiencing MSD.

Assessment of Pain Treatments in Disorders of Upper Limbs: A Qualitative Study Protocol Based on Patients' Experiences.

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is one of the most common symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and subacromial syndrome (SAS) are the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limbs. By collecting the opinions of patients with CTS and SAS, we aim to identify variables that could be introduced in the follow-up of CMP, and to detect barriers and facilitators of its treatments to improve their acceptance. This qualitative study is being conducted in Lleida, Spain, and explores the experiences and feelings of patients, and their acceptance of the standard of care. It follows the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) through focus groups, addressing issues with rigor and representativeness. By collecting patients' opinions, we expect to obtain valuable information to complement the set of variables previously used by health professionals in the follow-up of CMP, and to understand treatment barriers and facilitators.

The prevalence of low back pain and risk factors in academic teaching staff at King Abdulaziz University Jeddah:\\ A cross-sectional study.

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorder symptoms affecting adults' health in the workplace including academic settings. To estimate the prevalence of LBP among academic teaching staff at King Abdulaziz University, as well as to identify its socio-demographic and work-related risk factors. A cross-sectional study design was used to estimate the prevalence of LBP and the risk factors in 123 academic teaching staff members at King Abdulaziz University. Data on LBP history and disability using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), work-related and socio-demographic characteristics of study participants were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The prevalence of low back pain data was analyzed using frequency and percentage descriptive statistics, and Chi-square was used to identify group differences. A total of 123 academic teaching staff with a mean age of 37.5 years old of whom 79 (64.2%) were females and 44 (35.8%) were males completed a self-administrative questionnaire. Using a self-rating scale, approximately a quarter of academic teaching staff had moderate disability 25.2%; 4.9% had a severe disability; only one subject 0.8% was crippled. There has been a significant relationship between the number of years of experience and the extent of low back disability (P < 0.05). The Chi-square test revealed 56.3% of takes part with 11-15 years of experience have moderate disability relative to those with 0-5 years of experience (11.1%). There was a trend towards significance among academic teaching staff for the effect of the faculty stream on low back disability (P = 0.077, Chi-square test revealed teaching staff in the medical stream had the highest percentage of participates with minimal disability (78.7%) whereas in the scientific stream had the lowest percentage of minimal disability (52%). The findings of this study have shown that there is a major problem of low back pain among academic staff at King Abdulaziz University and that the situation in other higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia is changing.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Symptoms among Construction Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study in South China

Statistics showed that work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are the leading cause of productivity loss in the construction industry. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of WMSDs and associated factors among construction workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 380 construction workers in Guangdong Province, China. A demographic, work-related survey and the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire were used to collect the workers' data. Descriptive statists and logistic regression were used for the data analysis. The results showed that the overall prevalence of WMSDs symptoms among the participants in any body region during the last 12 months was 57.9%. Neck (24.7%), shoulder (22.1%), upper back (13.4%), and lower back (12.6%) showed the highest prevalence of WMSDs. Age, exercise, work experience, work position, and level of fatigue after work were significantly associated with the prevalence of WMSDs symptoms in different body regions. The findings of this study showed that the prevalence of WMSDs symptoms among construction workers in south China is still high and is associated with different body areas compared to previous studies. The prevalence of WMSDs and risk-associated factors vary by country and region. This indicates that further local investigations are needed to propose specific solutions to improve the occupational health of construction workers.

Comparative Ergonomic Study Examining the Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms of Taiwanese and Thai Workers in a Tape Manufacturing Factory.

This study surveyed 114 Taiwanese and 57 Thai workers in a tape manufacturing factory in Taiwan and evaluated their symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) and associated risk factors by using the revised Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Task-appropriate biomechanical and body load assessment tools were also employed to examine biomechanical and body load during four specified daily tasks. The results indicated that the prevalence of discomfort symptoms in any body part within one year was 81.6% for the Taiwanese workers and 72.3% for the Thai workers. The body part in which the Taiwanese workers most frequently experienced discomfort was the shoulders (57.0%), followed by the lower back (47.4%), the neck (43.9%), and the knees (36.8%); where the Thai workers most frequently experienced discomfort was the hands or wrists (42.1%), followed by the shoulders (36.8%) and the buttocks or thighs (31.6%). These locations of discomfort were associated with task characteristics. Heavy-material handling (>20 kg) more than 20 times per day was the most significant risk factor for WMSDs for both groups, and this task must thus be urgently improved. We also suggest that providing wrist braces for Thai workers may assist in alleviating their hand and wrist discomfort. The biomechanical assessment results indicated that the compression forces acting on the workers' lower backs exceeded the Action Limit standard; administrative controls must thus be instituted for two heavy-material handling tasks. In the factory, some tasks and workers' movements when completing these tasks must be assessed and improved immediately by using appropriate tools. Although the Thai workers were engaged in more physically demanding tasks, their WMSDs were milder than those of the Taiwanese workers. The results of the study can serve as references for the prevention and reduction of WMSDs in local and foreign workers in similar industries.

Ergonomic Risk Assessment and MSDs Symptoms Among Laboratory Workers Using SNI 9011-2021

Introduction: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) symptoms are experienced by 1.71 billion of the human population and are characterized by persistent pain that decreases the ability to work in almost all types of occupations, including laboratory workers. The various stages of work in laboratory can cause complaints due to repetitive motions, manual handling, static and awkward posture, as well as long-duration of work. Therefore, this study aimed to determine risk level of work ergonomic and MSDs symptoms among laboratory workers. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design involving 71 laboratory workers who were observed from 8 to 22 June 2022. The respondents were categorized into three Similar Exposure Group (SEG), namely administrative officers, analysts, and field workers. Risk level of MSDs symptoms and work ergonomic of each SEG was measured using the instrument of SNI 9011-2021, while individual factor was estimated through the questionnaire. Results: Out of the 71 respondents, the majority were males, aged &lt;35 years, and had &lt;5 years of work experience. The survey revealed that half of workers experienced MSDs symptoms with a high-risk level in analysts and field workers, particularly in the lower back. The highest MSDs symptoms in all SEG were neck, lower back, upper back, and right shoulder. Conclusion: Ergonomic risk level in laboratory was dangerous for analysts and field workers, and required further assessment by administrative officers. To reduce risk level of work ergonomic, particularly for analysts and field workers, engineering control and the use of manual handling equipment can be implemented.

The Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Symptoms During Work From Home Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic

BackgroundOnline teaching and learning extend the duration of using gadgets such as mobile phones and tablets. A prolonged usage of these gadgets in a static position can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). Therefore, this study aims to identify the risk factors related to musculoskeletal symptoms while using gadgets during work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodA cross-sectional survey with online-based questionnaires was collected from the University of Indonesia, consisting of lecturers, students, and managerial staff. The minimum number of respondents was 1,080 and was defined by stratified random sampling. Furthermore, the dependent variable was musculoskeletal symptoms, while the independent were age, gender, job position, duration, activity when using gadgets, and how to hold them. ResultMost of the respondents had mobile phones but only 16% had tablets. Furthermore, about 56.7% have used a mobile phone for more than 10 years, while about 89.7% have used a tablet for less than 10 years. A multivariate analysis found factors that were significantly associated with MSD symptoms while using a mobile phone, such as age, gender, web browsing activity, work, or college activities. These activities include doing assignments and holding the phone with two hands with two thumbs actively operating. The factors that were significantly associated with MSD symptoms when using tablets were gender, academic position, social media activity, and placing the tablet on a table with two actively working index fingers. ConclusionTherefore, from the results of this study it is necessary to have WFH and e-learning policies to reduce MSD symptoms and enhance productivity at work.

Determining the ergonomic risk factors affecting the musculoskeletal disorders of traffic enforcers in Manila City, Philippines.

Traffic enforcers are vulnerable to work accidents, injuries, and illnesses because they are commonly exposed to ergonomic risk factors while performing their tasks. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of environmental risk factors and postural risk factor to the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among traffic enforcers in Manila City, Philippines using binary logistic regression analysis. A total of 120 participants were included in the study. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) were utilized. In addition, several devices such as a noise dosimeter, digital air thermometer, and IAQ sensors were also utilized to measure the environmental exposure of enforcers during their work shift. The prevalence of MSDs among traffic enforcers was high, with 71% of the respondents reporting symptoms of MSDs in more than one part of the body for the past 7 days. The body part that has highest prevalence was upper back, followed by lower back, and legs/ankles. Logistic regression analysis revealed that awkward work posture (OR = 4.61, 95% CI = 2.17, 9.83), noise exposure (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.11, 1.82), heat exposure (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.85, 1.05), and pollution exposure (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.85, 1.05) were significant contributors for the prevalence of MSDs among traffic enforcers in Manila City. The prevalence of MSDs among traffic enforcers is caused by their work posture and exposure to psychosocial factors such as noise, heat, and poor air quality. Thus, to minimize the risk of MSDs, it is suggested to provide administrative controls, such as job rotation or shifting, and introduce frequent rest breaks. It is also recommended to provide enforcers with appropriate personal protective equipment, such as cooling vests, noise-canceling earplugs and N95 facemasks. This would help in uplifting musculoskeletal health for traffic enforcers and other workers in a similar field.