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1

Improving body posture while fueling with a newly designed pump nozzle

Sayyahi Z., Mirzaei R., Mirkazemi R.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2016

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Vol. 22, No. 3

327--332

EN

Background. Although petrol pumps are a very common and highly used simple technology, their design consideration for comfort and safety to prevent high-pressure load and musculoskeletal injuries to the body is a neglected area in many countries including Iran. Objectives. This study attempted to design a new pump nozzle, and to assess the differences in musculoskeletal load related to body posture when a price/volume display is mounted on the pump nozzle. Methods. For postural analysis, photographs recording the posture of 100 randomly selected customers while fueling at petrol pumps and the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) technique were used. Results. The results of this study showed that RULA scores improved significantly after the newly designed pump nozzle was used. Conclusion. The newly designed pump nozzle is useful in reducing load related to body posture while fueling.

2

Analysis of the selected optical parameters of filters protecting against hazardous infrared radiation

Gralewicz G., Owczarek G.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2016

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Vol. 22, No. 3

305--309

EN

The paper analyses the selected optical parameters of protective optic filters used for protection of the eyes against hazardous radiation within the visible (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) spectrum range. The indexes characterizing transmission and reflection of optic radiation incident on the filter are compared. As it follows from the completed analysis, the newly developed interference filters provide more effective blocking of infrared radiation in comparison with the currently used protective filters.

3

A dental stool with chest support reduces lower back muscle activation

Tran V., Turner R., MacFadden A., Cornish S. M., Esliger D., Komiyama K., Chilibeck P. D.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2016

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Vol. 22, No. 3

301--304

EN

Activation of back musculature during work tasks leads to fatigue and potential injury. This is especially prevalent in dentists who perform much of their work from a seated position. We examined the use of an ergonomic dental stool with mid-sternum chest support for reducing lower back muscle activation. Electromyography of lower back extensors was assessed from 30 dental students for 20 s during three conditions in random order: (a) sitting upright at 90° of hip flexion on a standard stool, (b) leaning forward at 80° of hip flexion on a standard stool, and (c) leaning forward at 80° of hip flexion while sitting on an ergonomic stool. Muscular activity of the back extensors was reduced when using the ergonomic stool compared to the standard stool, by 33–50% (p < 0.01). This suggests a potential musculoskeletal benefit with use of a dental stool with mid-sternum chest support.

4

Ergonomiczna analiza pozycji przy pracy w zakładzie produkującym długopisy

Lasota A. M.

Logistyka

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2015

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nr 6

213--217, CD

PL

Celem pracy było zbadanie pozycji przyjmowanych podczas pracy oraz poziomu narażenia na zaburzenia w układzie mięśniowo-szkieletowym (MSD). Badania przeprowadzono w zakładzie produkcji długopisów na stanowiskach: nadruk klipów (Klipy), formatowanie wyrobów z tworzyw sztucznych (Żywica). Zastosowano: wywiad, analizę zadań, metodę OWAS. Na stanowisku Klipy najczęstszą pozycją była pozycja o kodzie 2111 i stanowiła 63% wszystkich pozycji. Na stanowisku Żywica: pozycja 1121 (30%), 2121 (20%), 1231 (16%). Na stanowisku Klipy do kategorii działań (KD) KD1 zakwalifikowano 22% ocenionych pozycji, KD2 - 76%. Stanowisku Żywica: KDi -70%, KD2 - 29% pozycji. Na stanowisku Klipy operatorzy byli bardziej narażeni na MSD niż na stanowisku Żywica, jednakże ryzyko było niewielkie. Stwierdzono szereg nieprawidłowych pozycji segmentów ciała, które w dalszej perspektywie mogą powodować problemy zdrowotne u operatorów. Zaleca się rotacje pracowników na stanowiskach, reorganizację i przeprojektowanie stanowiska pracy i sposobu wykonywania pracy w celu ograniczenia nieprawidłowych pozycji. Wyniki badań mogą być wykorzystane przez praktyków w opracowaniu programów ergonomicznych skierowanych na poprawę warunków pracy.

EN

The aim of this study was to examine the postures adopted by operators during the work and the level of exposure to the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs,) The research was conclucted at the plant the production of pens on workstations: printed on the clips (Clips), formatting of plastic products (Plastic). An interview, analysis of the tasks, the OWAS method were used. On the Clips most frequent position was posture code 2111 and accounted for 63% of all postures. On the Plastic: posturę code 1121 (30%), 2121 (20%), 1231 (16%). On the Clips actions categories (AC) AC1 qualified 22% postures, AC2 - 76%. On the Plastic: AC1 - 70%, AC2. - 29% of the postures. Clips' operators were more likely to have MSDS than the operators of Plastic. however, the risk was low. It was observed plenty of non-neutral position of the body segments, which in the long term can cause health problems for operators. It is recommended: (ob rotation, reorganization and redesign of the workplace and way to perform tasks in order to reduce the awkward postures. These results can be used by practitioners in the development of ergonomic programs aimed at improving working conditions.

5

Lower back pain and absenteeism among professional public transport drivers

Kresal F., Roblek V., Jerman A., Mesko M.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2015

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Vol. 21, No. 2

166--172

EN

Drivers in public transport are subjected to lower back pain. The reason for the pain is associated with the characteristics of the physical position imposed on the worker while performing the job. Lower back pain is the main cause of absenteeism among drivers. The present study includes 145 public transport drivers employed as professional drivers for an average of 14.14 years. Analysis of the data obtained in the study includes the basic descriptive statistics, χ2 test and multiple regression analysis. Analysis of the incidence of lower back pain showed that the majority of our sample population suffered from pain in the lower back. We found that there are no statistically significant differences between the groups formed by the length of service as a professional driver and incidence of lower back pain; we were also interested in whether or not the risk factors of lower back pain affects the absenteeism of city bus drivers. Analysis of the data has shown that the risk factors of pain in the lower part of the spine do affect the absenteeism of city bus drivers.

6

Effects of carrying handles, postures, materials and distances on carrying capability

Lee T. H., Yeh Y.-C.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2015

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Vol. 21, No. 3

250--255

EN

This study recruited 14 industrial workers to examine the effects of carrying handles, postures, materials and distances on maximum acceptable weights of carrying (MAWC), and resulting heart rate and body rating of perceived exertion (RPE) for a 20 min intensive carrying task. This study showed that MAWC of carrying with bar handles, carrying with hands-and-body posture, solid materials and 4 m distance were significantly higher than that of carrying with groove handles, carrying with hands posture, liquid materials and 8 m distance, respectively. The resulting heart rates while carrying MAWCs of groove handles, hands-and-body carrying posture, solid materials and 4 m distance were lower than the resulting heart rates while carrying MAWCs of bar handles, hands carrying posture, liquid materials and 8 m distance, respectively. Most pair levels of independent variables resulted in similar body's RPEs except for the pair levels of carrying distance.

7

Worksheets for Computing Recommended Notebook Computer and Workstation Adjustments

Nanthavanij S., Udomratana C., Hansawad S., Thepkanjana J., Tantasuwan W.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2013

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Vol. 19, No. 2

259--274

EN

This paper discusses the design and development of worksheets for helping notebook computer (NBC) users to compute NBC and workstation adjustments so as to assume an appropriate seated posture. The worksheets(one for male users, the other for female ones) require the following information: body height, NBC screen size, work surface height, and seat height. The worksheets contain tables for estimating recommended NBC base angle, NBC screen angle, body–NBC distance, work surface height, and seat height. Additionally, they include flow charts to help NBC users to determine necessary adjustment accessories and their settings.

8

The Impact of Mobile Data Terminal Use on Posture and Low-Back Discomfort When Combined With Simulated Prolonged Driving in Police Cruisers

Gruevski K. M., McKinnon C. D., Dickerson C. R., Callaghan J. P.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2013

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Vol. 19, No. 3

415--422

EN

The introduction of mobile computing within a constrained vehicle environment has led to changes in the task demands of occupational groups such as professional drivers and law enforcement officers. The purpose of this study was to examine how mobile data terminal (MDT) use interacts with prolonged driving to induce postural changes or low-back discomfort. Eighteen participants (9 male, 9 female) completed two 120-min simulated driving sessions. Time-varying lumbar spine and pelvis postures, seat pan interface pressures and ratings of perceived discomfort were recorded at 15-min intervals. The introduction of a computer interface decreased pelvic posterior rotation by an average of 15° with respect to upright standing and increased peak average discomfort in the neck (5.9 mm), left shoulder (6.8 mm), midback (10.9 mm), low back (10.6 mm) and pelvis (11.5 mm) compared to driving alone. The incorporation of mobile computing warrants consideration in the design of vehicle work environments.

9

Postural Loading Assessment in Assembly Workers of an Iranian Telecommunication Manufacturing Company

Kamalinia M., Saraji G. N., Kee D., Hosseini M., Choobineh A

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2013

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Vol. 19, No. 2

311--319

EN

Background. Changes in industries and work practices have coincided with work-related musculoskeletal disorders(MSDs). This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of MSDs and to assess postural loading in assembly workers of an Iranian telecommunication manufacturing company. Methods. Data were collected from 193 randomly selected workers in 4 units of the company. The Nordic musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire and the UBC ergonomic checklist were used as data collection tools. Loading on the upper body assessment(LUBA) was used to assess postural loading. Results. Lower back symptoms were the most prevalent problems among the workers (67.9%). LUBA showed that most assembly workers (94.3%) had experienced considerable and high postural loading (postural load index, PLI > 5). Regression analyses revealed that lighting, rotation, contact stress, repetition, gender and age were factors associated with symptoms. Conclusion. Work-related MSDs occurred at a high rate among workers. Postural loading requires consideration. Any ergonomic intervention should focus on eliminating ergonomic factors associated with symptoms.

10

Postural and Muscular Responses While Viewing Different Heights of Screen

Lee T. H., Liu T. Y.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2013

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Vol. 19, No. 2

251--258

EN

This study aimed to examine the effects of visual display terminal (VDT) viewing angle on human postural angle and muscular activity. The participants’ neck, thoracic bending, and trunk inclination angles; and the activity of sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, splenius capitis, and erector spinae at 5 viewing angles (+400, +200, 00, –200, and –400) of a VDT screen were collected for 1 min. This study showed that neck and thoracic bending angles increased with viewing angle, while viewing angle did not significantly affect trunk inclination angle. In addition, the activity of trapezius and erector spinae increased when viewing a higher or lower VDT screen height compared with viewing a horizontal VDT screen height; however, the activity of splenius capitis decreased with viewing angle.

11

Effect of External Load at Varying Hand Positions on Perceived Discomfort

Kee D., Na S., Chung M. K.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2013

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Vol. 19, No. 3

397--408

EN

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of external load at varying hand positions on discomfort, and to provide a new classification of external load. An experiment was carried out in which 16 postures with an external load of 0, 1.5, 3 kg were tested. The postures were controlled by 2 independent variables of hand distance and hand height. The subjects were instructed to rate their perceived discomfort with magnitude estimation after holding a given posture for 1 min. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) exhibited that the main effects of the 3 independent variables were statistically significant for discomfort. Discomfort increased linearly with external load and hand distance. Hand height showed a quadratic relation with discomfort, which exhibited a slightly different trend from hand distance and external load. Based on the results, a new classification of external load was proposed with 3 classes grouped by perceived discomfort.

12

Analysis of Working Postures at a Construction Site Using the OWAS Method

Lee T. H., Han C. S.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

|

2013

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Vol. 19, No. 2

245--250

EN

This study used OWAS to analyze the working postures of construction workers on building the foundations of a log cabin. Three construction workers, with an average work experience of 40 years, participated in this study. Eight elementary jobs of building the foundations of a log cabin were videotaped at a construction site and analyzed later in the laboratory. For an overall distribution of trunk postures, OWAS identified that a bent and twisted trunk posture (34%), which fell into action category 3, was the major poor posture for construction workers. This study also identified that tying beams with steel bars, assembling column templates, and cement grouting of the ground were the 3 principal jobs in which workers building the foundations exhibited poor working posture. This article suggests ways to reduce and evaluate poor posture in a dynamic construction site.

13

An Ergonomics Evaluation of Certain ATM Dimensions

Al-Saleh K., Bendak S.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2013

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Vol. 19, No. 3

347--353

EN

Although millions of automatic teller machines (ATMs) are currently used all over the world, users of ATMs still have usability problems including inappropriate user-ATM interaction, display problems and others. Many developed countries already have standards in place for ATMs. However, this is not the case in many other countries. This paper aims to assess certain dimensions of ATM machines and their suitability for users in Middle Eastern countries using anthropometric measurements of the user population taking Saudi Arabia as a case study. Dimensions of all ATMs used in Saudi Arabia were measured and compared with recommended dimensions based on anthropometric measurements of the user population. Results show that there is a mismatch between the dimensions of ATMs used in Saudi Arabia and the recommended dimensions based on the user population. Practical recommendations are given as to improve the usability of ATMs in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries.

14

A Comparative Ergonomics Postural Assessment of Potters and Sculptors in the Unorganized Sector in West Bengal, India

Sahu S., Moitra S., Maity S., Pandit A. K., Roy B.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2013

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Vol. 19, No. 3

455--462

EN

Potters and sculptors perform their work in very awkward postures. The purpose of this study was to analyse these postures. The modified Nordic questionnaire was used to analyse musculoskeletal discomfort. Rapid entire body assessment (REBA) and rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) were used to evaluate the subjects' postures. There were no significant differences between times of discomfort and the group of subjects. However, there were significant differences in discomfort in different body parts. The analysis indicated that various body postures were harmful to the subjects and that there were profound deviations from natural curvature of various body parts due to awkward body postures. Ergonomics intervention was required to improve the quality of life.

15

A Comparison of Three Observational Techniques for Assessing Postural Loads in Industry

Kee D., Karwowski W.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2007

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Vol. 13, No. 1

3--14

EN

This study aims to compare 3 observational techniques for assessing postural load, namely, OWAS, RULA, and REBA. The comparison was based on the evaluation results generated by the classification techniques using 301 working postures. All postures were sampled from the iron and steel, electronics, automotive, and chemical industries, and a general hospital. While only about 21% of the 301 postures were classified at the action category/level 3 or 4 by both OWAS and REBA, about 56% of the postures were classified into action level 3 or 4 by RULA. The inter-method reliability for postural load category between OWAS and RULA was just 29.2%, and the reliability between RULA and REBA was 48.2%. These results showed that compared to RULA, OWAS, and REBA generally underestimated postural loads for the analyzed postures, irrespective of industry, work type, and whether or not the body postures were in a balanced state.

16

Computer Professionals and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Ali K. M., Sathiyasekaran B. W. C.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2006

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Vol. 12, No. 3

319--325

EN

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is an important problem among computer professionals. Hence the prevalence of CTS among computer professionals and risk factors were studied. 648 subjects were selected from 4,276 computer professionals from 21 companies with a simple random sampling method. CTS was diagnosed based on clinical features.The prevalence of CTS was found to be 13.1% (95% CI 10.5–15.7%). Subjects with over 8 years of computer work, over 12 hrs of work per day and system administrators were at a higher risk for CTS (OR 3.3, 4.9 and 2.5 respectively). Flexed or extended hand position had higher risk for CTS. Higher risk for CTS was found with higher exposure to computer work. Ergonomic considerations are important in facilitating proper positioning of hand while working with a computer. Further studies on CTS risk factors among computer professionals are essential for planning prevention.

17

Association Between Perceived Demands and Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Hospital Nurses of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences: A Questionnaire Survey

Choobineh A., Rajaeefard A., Neghab M.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2006

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Vol. 12, No. 4

409--416

EN

Excessive demands on nurses may result in high rates of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study was conducted among hospital nurses of Iran’s Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS) to determine the prevalence of MSDs and to examine the relationship between perceived demands and reported MSDs. In this study, 641 randomly selected nurses from 12 SUMS hospitals participated. The Nordic musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire and Job Content Questionnaire were used as collecting data tools.The results showed that 84.4% of the participants had experienced some form of symptoms of MSDs during the past 12 months. Lower back symptoms were found to be the most prevalent problem. Perceived physical demands were significantly associated with MSDs (OR = 1.5–2.7). No association was found between perceived psychological demands and reported symptoms. It was concluded that any intervention program for preventing MSDs among SUMS hospital nurses had to focus on reducing physical demands, particularly excessive postural demands.

18

Participatory Ergonomics and an Evaluation of a Low-Cost Improvement Effect on Cleaners’ Working Posture

Kumar R., Chaikumarn M., Lundberg J.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2005

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Vol. 11, No. 2

203--210

EN

Cleaning is a highly physically demanding job with a high frequency of awkward postures and working environments as contributing risk factors. Participatory ergonomics is a method in which end-users take an active role in identifying risk factors and solutions. The aim of this study was to apply the participatory ergonomics method to identify cleaning problems and to evaluate the effect of a low-cost improvement on cleaners’ working postures in an office environment. The results show that the cleaning problem was identified, and the low-cost ergonomics solution suggested by the cleaners was implemented. Thus an improved working environment reduced the number of awkward cleaning postures and the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) action category for floor mopping decreased. It can be concluded that working in an improved environment can lead to better working postures which, in turn, leads to the cleaners’ better health and better cleaning results.

19

Harmful Postures and Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Sanitation Workers of a Fish Processing Factory in Ghana: A Preliminary Investigation

Quansah R.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2005

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Vol. 11, No. 2

171--180

EN

This study investigated musculoskeletal symptoms among sanitation workers of a fish-processing factory. The methods used included administration of a questionnaire, walk through observation, interview, task analysis and future workshop. All 27 male participants answered and submitted their questionnaires. Of the 11 operations identified, all except one was considered safe. Bent back, bent legs, and heavy manual handling were observed to impose intolerable health risk on participants. This corresponds with questionnaire results in which musculoskeletal symptoms were mostly prevalent in the neck, the shoulder, the low back, the wrists/hands and the upper back regions. Poor psychosocial complaints were also made on the job. There was no significant correlation (p < .05) between musculoskeletal symptoms and age, working hours and length of service. Neither was any significant correlation observed (p < .05) between psychosocial work factors and musculoskeletal symptoms. Recommendations such as task redesign to eliminate high-risk elements in operations, workplace changes and worker training were suggested.

20

Harmful Postures and Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Fish Trimmers of a Fish Processing Factory in Ghana: A Preliminary Investigation

Quansah R.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2005

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Vol. 11, No. 2

181--190

EN

This study investigated musculoskeletal symptoms among fish trimmers (skinners and polishers) in a fish processing factory in Ghana. The methods used included administration of questionnaire, walk through observation, interview, task analysis and future workshop. All 50 female participants answered and submitted their questionnaires. Of the 11 operations performed by skinners only 1 was rated as low risk. Also of the 12 operations performed by polishers only 2 were rated as low risk. Neck side bending, neck flexion, prolonged standing, shoulder elevation, abducted arms, repetitious reaching forward and wrist deviation were observed in most operations. This corresponds with questionnaire results in which musculoskeletal symptoms were mostly prevalent in the neck, the shoulder, the low back, the wrist/hand and the knee regions. There was no significant correlation (p < .05) between musculoskeletal symptoms and age, working hours and length of service. Task redesign, workplace changes and worker training were suggested to improve the work.