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1

Prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among Myanmar migrant workers in Thai seafood industries

Soe K. T., Laosee O., Limsatchapanich S., Rattanapan C.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2015

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Vol. 21, No. 4

539--546

EN

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with self-administered questionnaires among 368 Myanmar migrant workers to investigate the prevalence of and to determine the risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the Thai seafood industry. The results showed the prevalence of MSDs was 45.1% occurring in the last 7 days. Marital status, number of dependents, other health problems, working hours, repetitive hand movements, awkward posture of wrists, prolonged standing, and manual handling of heavy loads were found to be associated with MSDs. Multiple logistic regression indicated that the workers who were married, had more than two dependents, and had more exposure to awkward wrist postures were at significantly increased risk of MSDs. The study findings suggest the need for adequate knowledge of ergonomics and for awareness campaign programs focusing on prevention of MSDs, especially low back pain, to be initiated in industries for earlier detection of symptoms among seafood processing workers.

2

Investigation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among male kitchen workers in South India

Subramaniam S., Murugesan S.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2015

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Vol. 21, No. 4

524--531

EN

Objective. This study aims to quantify the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and risks among male kitchen workers in the catering industry. Method. Data were collected with the help of the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and by direct observations. Results. In total, 114 male kitchen workers from various hostels of a college in South India were considered for this study. The average age and mean years of employment of the workers are 26.4 (SD 7.7) and 7.8 respectively. The statistical analysis carried out reveals that 67.5% of male kitchen workers reported MSDs during the past 12 months. The highest prevalence rate has been found in the lower back (65.8%) and shoulder region (62.3%). Among different categories of kitchen work analyzed, it is evident that chief cooks suffer more from MSDs (79.2%) than assistant cooks (74.3%) and kitchen aides (30.0%). Workers in the older group, i.e., ≥41 years, and workers with 6–10 years of experience suffer with higher risk of MSDs, i.e., 93.9% and 87.5%, respectively. Conclusion. The male kitchen workers who participated in this research were found to possess both MSDs and ergonomic hazards.

3

Educational intervention for reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders and promoting productivity

Abareshi F., Yarahmadi R., Solhi M., Farshad A. A.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2015

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Vol. 21, No. 4

480--485

EN

Background and objectives. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are the main causes of pain, suffering, absenteeism, disability and reduction in productivity. This research aims to determine the role of training intervention based on protection motivation theory in reducing WMSDs and promoting productivity. Methodology. The conducted study was based on a quasi-experimental design (control) that was carried out on 158 employees of the Kabl Khodro factory which were divided into two groups of 79 people. After splitting the 158 workers, an experimental and control group was formed. The data collection instruments were made up of two questionnaires and were analysed using a quick exposure check (QEC) method. Result.Before intervention in both the experimental and control groups, there were no significant differences among the average protection motivation theory constructs, productivity and QEC scores (p < 0.05). However, following training intervention there was a significant increase in these factors within the investigated group apart from the perceived response costs and efficacy. Conclusion. The conducted study shows that ergonomic training based on the protection motivation theory is effective in reducing musculoskeletal risk factors and that increased knowledge of the subject can lead to an increase in productivity.

4

Associations Between Worker Characteristics, Workplace Factors, and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study of Male Construction Workers in Nigeria

Ekpenyong C. E., Inyang U. C.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2014

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Vol. 20, No. 3

447--462

EN

Objective. This study assessed the association between worker characteristics, workplace factors, and workrelated musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in Nigeria’s construction industry. Methods. A cross-sectional site-by-site survey was conducted in 5 existing construction companies in Uyo, Nigeria. The subjects (n = 1200 males), aged 18–55 years, filled in the semistructured Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and the job content questionnaire on demographics, work and lifestyle characteristics, and workplace risk factors for WMSDs. Results. The overall prevalence of WMSDs was 39.25%. Differences in age, race, weight, body mass index (BMI), education status, and employment status were significantly associated with the prevalence of WMSDs. Prevalence according to trade was as follows: ironworkers highest at 49% and administrative staff lowest at 31%. Ironworkers (55.7%), administrative staff (53.3%), and security staff (38.7%) scored higher on physical, psychosocial, and individual risk factors, respectively. Workplace factors with increased odds for WMSDs were psychological demands and mental workload, age, BMI, low work experience, low education status, awkward movement of head and arms, working against force or vibration, fast work pace, and race. Conclusion. The recorded high prevalence was multifactorial in etiology; hence, multi-intervention strategies are required.

5

Validity and Reliability of a Job Factors Questionnaire Related to the Work Tasks of Physical Therapists

Shimabukuro V. G. P., Alexandre N. M.C., Coluci M.Z.O., Rosecrance J. C., Gallani M. C. J. B.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2012

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Vol. 18, No. 1

15--26

EN

Physical therapists engage in work tasks that expose them to occupational risk factors related to musculoskeletal disorders. Due to the gap in the literature on instruments focused on those workers, this study adapted a job factors questionnaire to physical therapists, and assessed its psychometric properties. The questionnaire was adapted and its content validity was established. The psychometric properties were evaluated among 142 physical therapists. Reliability was verified using the temporal-stability design and internal consistency. Construct validity was assessed with the known-groups technique. Test–retest results demonstrated intraclass correlation coefficients between .82 and .90 (p < .001). Cronbach’s α of .91 verified the reliability of the questionnaire. The known-groups technique demonstrated a statistically significant difference on the scores of the items when physical therapists were compared to office workers. The results indicated that the adapted questionnaire had acceptable psychometric properties for assessing problematic job factors among physical therapists working in hospitals.

6

Neck–Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Workers in the Telecommunications Company at Mansoura City

El-Bestar S. F., El-Mitwalli A. A. M., Khashaba E. O.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2011

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Vol. 17, No. 2

195--205

EN

Objectives. This study was to determine the prevalence and work-related risk factors of neck–upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among video display terminal (VDT) users. Methods. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted; there were 60 VDT users and 35 controls. The participants filled in a structured questionnaire, had electrophysiological tests and an X-ray of the neck. Results. The prevalence of MSDs was higher (28.3%) among VDTs users compared to controls (14.3%) with no statistically significant difference. The prevalence of cervical disorders with or without radiculopathy (18.3%) was the most common disorder followed by carpal tunnel syndrome (6.6%). The mean (SD) age of MSD cases (51 ± 7.2 years) was statistically significantly higher than of the controls (42.8 ± 9). Physical exposure to prolonged static posture (OR: 6.9; 95% CI: 0.83–57.9), awkward posture (OR: 5.5; 95% CI: 0.6–46.4) and repetitive movements (OR: 5.5; 95% CI: 0.65–46.4) increased risk of MSDs with a statistically significant difference for static posture only (p < .05). VDT users experienced more job dissatisfaction, work-overload and limited social support from supervisors and colleagues. Conclusion. VDT use did not increase the risk of neck–upper extremity MSDs. The risk increased with older age and static posture.

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Work Ability and Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Workers From a Public Health Institution

Monteiro M. S., Alexandre N. M. C., Ilmarinen J., Rodrigues C. M.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2009

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Vol. 15, No. 3

319--324

EN

Objective. The study investigated the associations between diagnosed musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), work ability and demographics, work and lifestyle characteristics in a public health institution with a variety of occupations. Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out in a public health institution in Brazil. The subjects (n = 168) aged 20–69 answered a questionnaire on demographics, work, lifestyle characteristics and the work ability index. Results. A univariate regression analysis was carried out with the presence of MSD as a dependent variable. Association was found in relation to the age group, type of work demand, tenure at the institution, body mass index, work in the nutrition and laundry sectors, being a maid in the previous job, auxiliary service and auxiliary maintenance occupations, work ability in relation to physical and mental demands, estimated work impairment due to diseases, sick leave in the past year, own prognosis of work ability in 2 years’ time and mental resources: enjoying daily activities, being active and alert, being full of hope for the future. Conclusion. The presence of MSD affected several aspects of work ability.

8

Ergonomic Program Effectiveness: Ergonomic and Medical Intervention

McSweeney K. P., Craig B. N., Congleton J. J., Miller D.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2002

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Vol. 8, No. 4

433--449

EN

The implementation of a successful ergonomic and medical intervention program designed to reduce the number and severity of injuries and illnesses and the associated levels of discomfort in the workplace is presented. Because of the recent activity concerning the on-again-off-again Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Ergonomic Program Standard questions have been raised as to the value and effectiveness of an organization’s ergonomics program. In light of these concerns, the immense cost associated with work-related injury and illness, and the related pain and suffering associated with such injuries and illnesses, it is important to present a workable and effective ergonomic and medical intervention program. The results of this applied study demonstrate that through the application of an ergonomic and medical intervention program, workplace-related injuries and illnesses can be reduced or eliminated.