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1

The effect of static physical work on the work safety

Jasik-Ślęzak Jolanta, Baryshnikova Natalia

System Safety : Human - Technical Facility - Environment

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2020

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Vol. 2, nr 1

47--54

EN

Physical activity is an inseparable sphere of human life, and is not rarely associated with work. Evolution has adapted man to perform various activities that meet their life needs. Man is created for walking, sitting, lying and standing. All these activities should take place in turns. Physical work should be varied in terms of dynamics and not limit people to stay in one position while performing work. The position changes, among others, to increase blood pressure, in addition, stimulates the heart and respiratory system, as well as improves the efficiency of both physical and mental work. In turn, taking only one position for a long time, which often occurs in static physical work, causes many health problems. For musculoskeletal disorders related to a non-ergonomic work position and a forced position at work, every fourth employee in Europe complains. In Poland, musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most common causes of absence at work. In Polish enterprises, the assumption that profit is the most important is still dominant. Man is rarely seen as the most important capital of an enterprise that needs to be taken care of. For many employers, all additional measures related to shaping safe working conditions are only costs, not investment and potential profit. This paper presents the effects of static physical work in relation to work safety in the light of publicly available reports and information. The review has been enriched with the results of research carried out in one of the production enterprises of the SMEs sector. The research results presented in the paper are pilot and constitute an introduction to a large research work.

2

Musculoskeletal disorders related to the professional work of academic teachers and the quality of their work

Niciejewska Marta, Kasian Serhii

Quality Production Improvement - QPI

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2019

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Vol. 1, Iss. 1

47--54

EN

The organization of space and working conditions is very important in terms of its effectiveness. Each professional work determines activities that support occupational safety and health at the workplace. Lack of proper working conditions but also the time of exposure to dangerous, burdensome or harmful factors has an impact on the effectiveness of the work performed. Lack of balance between work and leisure in turn results in a decrease in work efficiency. The scientific and didactic work of academic teachers is related to the occurrence of diversified occupational hazards with particular emphasis on those that are the cause of musculoskeletal disorders. In this elaboration, the research, analysis and evaluation of the work effectiveness of academic teachers have been carried out. A questionnaire and a direct interview have been used as a research method. In addition, the pain intensity in individual parts of the body has been assessed in the last 12 months depending on the age of research and teaching staff using the NMQ questionnaire (Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire). For the purposes of the study, the survey was supplemented with the VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) scale to assess the severity of pain. The purpose of the paper is to evaluate the frequency and severity of musculoskeletal pain in academic teachers with regard to the effectiveness of their work.

3

Problem bólów kręgosłupa u tancerzy zawodowych

Gorwa J.

Aktualne Problemy Biomechaniki

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2016

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z. 10

17--24

PL

W niniejszym opracowaniu opisano mechanizm powstawania dolegliwości bólowych kręgosłupa występujących wśród tancerzy zawodowych uprawiających trzy różne style taneczne. Przeanalizowano dane ankietowe zebrane od 71 tancerzy zawodowych: 29 tancerzy klasycznych, 14 tancerzy współczesnych oraz 28 tancerzy folklorystycznych. Z grupy liczącej 71 osób, aż 65 osób (91,6%) zgłosiło bóle kręgosłupa w różnych jego częściach i powiązało je z uprawianiem swojego zawodu. Tylko 6 osób (8,5%) nigdy nie miało dolegliwości bólowych w tym obszarze aparatu ruchowego.

EN

This study undertakes to explain the mechanism of back pain in professional dancers specialising in three styles of dance. In order to determine the topography of back pain data collected from 71 professional dancers were analysed: 29 classical dancers, 14 modern dancers and 28 folk dancers.. In the group of 71 participants as many as 65 (91.6%) reported back pain in various parts of the spine and linked it to their profession. Only 6 participants (8.5%) never experienced pain in this area.

4

Sharma R., Singh R.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2014

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Vol. 20, No. 2

363--373

EN

The main aim of this paper was to identify job stressors, gender responses and association of psychosocial work stressors with prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among foundry workers. The data were obtained with ergonomics checklist using Likert scale. The results of this study showed a high prevalence of MSDs among workers. The male workers were more prone to pain in neck while the female workers were more prone to MSDs in upper back and shoulders. Correlation analysis showed significant relationship of dimensions of work aspects with pain and discomfort. It proved that the work-related MSDs are the results of interaction of multiple stressors associated with work and work environment, and other personal factors. ANOVA indicated that the perception of work aspects as stressors differed significantly between male and female workers.

5

Variability of Musculoskeletal Strain on Dentists: An Electromyographic and Goniometric Study

Blanc D., Farre P., Hamel O.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2014

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Vol. 20, No. 2

295--307

EN

Introduction. Dentists and hygienists are strongly affected by musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). As workstation concepts are supported by subjective arguments only, the aim of this study was to use objective measurements to compare the variability of strain in various concepts: a dental chair equipped with a cart or an over-the-patient delivery system without an assistant, and Dr Daryl Beach’s concept with an assistant. Methods. Goniometric and electromyographic recordings were made on 8 subjects, during a scaling operation. The electrical activity of their trapezius and lumbar muscles was compared, as were their cervical and lumbar ranges of motion. Results. The results showed that there was a wide variability depending on the workstation. However, the Beach concept tended to reduce physical strain on most parameters: duration of left lumbar muscle activity (2% compared to 15% of time spent in >10% maximal voluntary contraction, MVC), time spent in cervical side bending (4% compared to 30%), cervical flexion of >20° (9% compared to 40%), and left trapezius activity (9% of time spent >10% MVC compared to 28%). Conclusion. Practitioners and students should adjust their workstations to reduce the prevalence of MSDs.

6

Participatory Video-Assisted Evaluation of Truck Drivers’ Work Outside Cab: Deliveries in Two Types of Transport

Reiman A., Pekkala J., Väyrynen S., Putkonen A., Forsman M.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2014

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Vol. 20, No. 3

477--489

EN

The aim of this study was to identify risks and ergonomics discomfort during work of local and short haul delivery truck drivers outside a cab. The study used a video- and computer-based method (VIDAR). VIDAR is a participatory method identifying demanding work situations and their potential risks. The drivers’ work was videoed and analysed by subjects and ergonomists. Delivery truck drivers should not be perceived as one group with equal risks because there were significant differences between the 2 types of transportation and specific types of risks. VIDAR produces visual material for risk management processes. VIDAR as a participatory approach stimulates active discussion about work-related risks and discomfort, and about possibilities for improvement. VIDAR may be also applied to work which comprises different working environments.

7

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Working Conditions Among Iranian Nursing Personnel

Arsalani N., Fallahi-Khoshknab M., Josephson M., Lagerström M.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2014

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Vol. 20, No. 4

671--680

EN

This study investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and associations with organizational, physical and psychosocial working conditions among 520 nursing personnel in Tehran, Iran. The results of the cross-sectional study on aids and different educational levels of nurses showed that the participants experienced 88% of MSDs in at least one body region during the past 12 months. The 3 most prevalent body regions were the low back (65.3%), knee (56.2%) and neck (49.8%). The participants reported inflexible work schedule, poor quality of devices for transferring patients, overexertion and job dissatisfaction. Physical and psychosocial exposure revealed an elevated odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of MSDs. The results showed a combination of high physical and psychosocial work demands along with low control over the work which increased work-related stress and enhanced the risk of MSDs. This study findings could help to understand work-related MSDs among nursing personnel in a developing country where the work situation and sociocultural context differ from other countries.

8

Chronic Musculoskeletal Disorders as Risk Factors for Reduced Work Ability in Younger and Ageing Workers

Bugajska J., Sagan A.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2014

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Vol. 20, No. 4

607--615

EN

Aims. The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence and intensity of musculoskeletal pain as a risk factor for reduced work ability. Methods. In total, 1449 workers participated in the study, 64% were younger workers (<45 years old, M 31.4); 36% were ageing workers (≥45 years old, M 50.3), Their health condition was established on the basis of (a) subjective feeling of health on a 5-point scale, (b) pain in 6 parts of the body in the past year; and (c) intensity of pain on a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). Work ability was assessed with the subjective work ability index (WAI). Results. The results of the study showed that although in the both groups, i.e., younger and ageing workers, the occurrence and intensity of pain in the hands/wrists, neck and lower back were a significant factor which decreased WAI, in ageing workers only the occurrence of pain in the lower back generated higher risk factors for reduced work ability (WAI < 37). Conclusions. Improving physical and psychosocial working conditions to reduce musculoskeletal complaints, and identifying individuals with such complaints are important in increasing workers’ work ability and thus extending their occupational activity.

9

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.

10

A System for Predicting Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Dental Students

Thanathornwong B., Suebnukarn S., Ouivirach K.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2014

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Vol. 20, No. 3

463--475

EN

Objective. This study aimed to develop a system for predicting work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) among dental students. Materials and methods. The system comprised 2 accelerometer sensors to register neck and upper back postures and movements, and software developed to collect and process the data. Hidden Markov models (HMMs) were used to predict the likelihood of WMSD in dental students by comparing their neck and upper back movement patterns with WMSD and non-WMSD HMMs learned from previous data. To evaluate the performance of the system, 16 participants were randomly assigned into a 2 × 2 crossover trial scheduled for each sequence of working: receiving feedback or no-feedback from the system. The primary outcome measure was the extension of the neck and upper back, before (pre-test) and after (posttest) receiving feedback or no-feedback from the system. The secondary outcome measure was the log likelihood of classifying the movements as WMSD. Results and discussion. The results showed that in the group that received feedback, the extension of the neck in the y axis and of the upper back in the y axis decreased significantly (t test, p < .05) on the post-test. Conclusion. The system for predicting and preventing WMSD aids the correction of the extension of the neck and upper back in the y axis.

11

Musculoskeletal Risk Assessment in Small Furniture Manufacturing Workshops

Nejad N. H., Choobineh A., Rahimifard H., Haidari H. R., Tabatabaei S. H. R.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2013

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Vol. 19, No. 2

275--284

EN

In Iran, furniture is mainly manufactured in small workshops, where most activities are performed manually. This study was conducted among workers of furniture workshops to determine prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and to assess ergonomic working conditions to identify major risk factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms. In this study, 410 randomly selected furniture workers participated. The Nordic questionnaire and an ergonomics checklist consisting of 6 sections were used as data collection tools. An index was calculated for each section of the checklist. Action categories indicating the priority of corrective measures were also defined. The highest prevalence of symptoms was reported in the knees (39%), lower back (35.6%) and wrists/hands (29.5%). It was found that manual material handling, poor workstation design and awkward working postures were associated with the reported symptoms in these regions (OR 1.77–4.52). Poor general working conditions and work organization showed association as well. Any interventional measures should focus on these areas.

12

Manual Material Handling Assessment Among Workers of Iranian Casting Workshops

Mohammadi H., Motamedzade M., Faghih M. A., Bayat H., Mohraz M. H., Musavi S.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2013

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Vol. 19, No. 4

675--681

EN

Manual material handling (MMH) tasks can be found in most workplaces and they may constitute a risk factor for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of WMSDs and to compare MMH loads with the acceptable weight and force limits among Iranian casting workers. Data were collected from 50 workers of casting workshops who performed MMH tasks. The Nordic musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire and the Snook tables were used as tools for data collection. Hand/wrist symptoms were the most prevalent problems among the workers (84%). The results of the Snook tables showed that the loads in lifting (84%), lowering (86%), carrying (66%), pushing with initial (43%) and sustained force (59%), and pulling tasks with initial (48%) and sustained force (93%) exceeded recommended limits. WMSDs occurred in high rates among the workers and, thus, ergonomics interventions should focus on decreasing WMSDs and redesigning MMH tasks.

13

Effects of Physical and Personal Risk Factors on Sick Leave Due to Musculoskeletal Disorders

Motamedzade M., Faghih M. A., Golmohammadi R., Faradmal J., Mohammadi H.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2013

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Vol. 19, No. 4

513--521

EN

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of physical and personal risk factors on sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders in an Iranian car company. In this cross-sectional study, 234 workers participated and all of them had sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders in the past year. A physical risk factor checklist and personal information questionnaire were used as data-gathering tools. There was no significant relationship between physical risk factors and sick leave (p > .05). Cigarette smoking (p = .045), body mass index >30 (p = .046) and age (p = .044) showed a significant relationship with sick leave. Workers with lumbar deviation of 20°–60° (OR 1.10) and >60° (OR 1.11) were at greater risk. The ratios for workers with repetitive work (OR 1.30) and workers with force exertion (OR 1.36) were greater than for other workers. Taking preventive actions to improve the ergonomic working conditions of assembly workers and their lifestyle seems crucial.