Work - Volume 43, issue 4

Authors: Gangopadhyay, Somnath

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1475

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 399-401, 2012

Authors: Bhattacharyya, Nandita | Chakrabarti, Debkumar

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Women workers constitute one of the most vulnerable segments of the country's labour force. They often face different workplace health challenges than men do. They are engaged in a range of work that extends from heavy, monotonous, repetitive jobs, which are in many times experienced with low-paid and involves in long hours of work. Women's workplace health problems are frequently compounded by getting more of the same at home – the "double jeopardy" of domestic work …[1]. Specific issues to improve the workers motivation leading to enhancement of productivity and improving occupational health and safety were addressed. Context specific application of ergonomics principles were studied in the process of designing of work related equipment of local fruit processing units, as well as in tea industry, covering 180 subjects selected purposively. Ergonomic risk factors prevailed among the workers associates productivity and relevant health issues were quantified using QEC, RULA. NMQ was used to gather data on prevalence of CTDs among the workers. Pineapple peeling, tea leaves plucking were found highly labour intensive, done manually. Postures scores found were very high. WRMSDs were prevalent among the workers. Scope for ergonomic design intervention was observed to improve productivity and occupational health. Show more

Keywords: Fruit processing, ergonomic intervention, productivity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1476

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 403-409, 2012

Authors: Borah, Ruplekha | Kalita, Mira

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Pounding of rice for the preparation of indigenous food items is a regular food processing activity in rural Assam. The traditional tool used by the rural women for pounding is called 'Dhenki'. Objectives: An attempt was made to assess physical fitness of participants, to determine physiological workload involved in pounding of rice with this traditional tool, and to ascertain muscular and postural stress involved in the activity. Participants: Twenty subjects in the age of 21–45 years …were purposively selected. Methods: A stepstool technique was adopted for assessing physical fitness of the participants. Heart rate was recorded with Polar Heart Rate Monitor (Polar Sports Tester – PE 4000) and angle of deviation in lower lumber region was measured with Dual Inclinometer during the operation. Results: The average resting heart rate values of participants was 80 b.min^{ -1} . Average working heart rate values in pounding activity was 118.18 b.min^{ -1} and average energy expenditure was 10.04 kJ/min. Physiological workload of pounding of rice on the basis of heart rate and Energy Expenditures was found to be 'Moderately Heavy'. Perceived exertion of participants in pounding activity (RPE) was rated 4.1 in 5 point scales. Conclusions: Ergonomic interventions through redesigning of traditional tool will improve work performance and enhance productivity of farm women. Show more

Keywords: Dhenki, physiological workload, RPE

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1482

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 411-416, 2012

Authors: Dasgupta, Priyadarshini Sengupta | Fulmer, Scott | Jing, Xialou | Buchholz, Bryan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The study was conducted to assess the physical/ergonomic exposures that may lead to musculoskeletal injuries of Pile Drivers. Participants: Pile Drivers in the Greater Boston area. Methods: A hierarchical taxonomy for pile driving work was developed with tasks and activities defined within each of seven main pile driving operations. Exposures were characterized for the pile driving work with the PATH (Posture, Activity, Tools, and Handling) method. Data on working posture were collected for three main …body parts: legs, arm and trunk. Results: A total of 8,301 observations were made on 29 Pile Drivers, on a total of 6 work sites. The lagging operation had the highest percentage of observations with non-neutral trunk (46.8%), and leg (41.0%) postures, as well as one of the lowest percentages for working on stable ground (9.0%) as observed during the lagging operation. The bracing operation had the lowest percentage for working on stable ground (0.3%). The slurry wall operation also had a low percentage of work on stable ground (6.0%). Compared to the awkward trunk and leg postures, the arm postures were less frequently observed as being awkward or non-neutral. Conclusion: The results indicate of significant exposures that could lead to musculoskeletal injuries of the back and legs for the Pile Drivers. The unstable ground conditions seemed to be one of the main concerns for this job. Show more

Keywords: MSDs, construction, occupational MSD exposure for Pile Drivers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1459

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 417-425, 2012

Authors: Ghosh, Tirthankar | Gangopadhyay, Somnath

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: One of the main activities of the goldsmiths is Blowing Pipe. The blowpipe is to expand and shape the gold beads by means of positive pressure produced by careful, controlled oral expiration. Objective of this study was to assess the effect of ergonomic intervention on facial muscle fatigue and respiratory stress of goldsmiths to continue their work. Participants: For this current study 100 male goldsmiths were selected from the Davangere District of Karnataka. Methods: This …study used the questionnaire, Examination of Pulmonary Function, Measurement of peak expiratory flow rate and electromyography of three major facial muscles. Three primary types of ergonomic interventions were provided to the goldsmiths. Subjects were interviewed at the end of each week to ascertain intervention acceptance. From the analysis of subject's preference, the hand air pipe was selected by. Results: A large number of goldsmiths complained of respiratory symptoms in this industry. Reduced lung volumes and peak expiratory flow rates of goldsmiths was found, presumably from heavy pressure generated by using blow pipe. This work habit also increases the fatigue of facial muscles, at the end of the day. Conclusion: It was found that, by implementing the ergonomic intervention can reduce facial muscle fatigue and respiratory stress of goldsmiths. Show more

Keywords: Physical stress, EMG, hand air pipe

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1483

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 427-435, 2012

Authors: Mishra, Wricha | Amitabha, De | Iqbal, R. | Gangopadhyay, S. | Chandra, A.M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: To develop a framework for evaluating the work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). Participants: The proposed framework was tested on 15~jewellery manufacturing workers working at Chinchpokhli region in Mumbai, India and on 15 students studying in a management institute of Mumbai, India. Methods: The framework has been broken into three phases. Phase 1 – Ergonomic-risk evaluation; Phase~2 – Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) evaluation and Phase 3 – Clinical examination. Ergonomic-risk evaluation determines the …relationship between work relatedness and musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) evaluation tries to assess the presence of discomforts/disabilities in different body regions, through subjective evaluation tools. Ergonomic-risk evaluation involved QEC, PLIBEL and posture analysis by RULA. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) evaluation involved administration of self reported questionnaires. Clinical examination involved muscle grading by a physiotherapist and back strength measurement. Results: The framework suggested that ergonomic risk evaluation techniques, self reported body part questionnaires and physical measurement of physiological/biomechanical transients may have a relationship and can be used for the evaluation of work related musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusion: The proposed integrative approach will help in developing stage wise intervention strategies for work related musculoskeletal disorders. Show more

Keywords: Framework, ergonomic-risk, clinical examination

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1460

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 437-446, 2012

Authors: Pandey, Vasundhara | Chakraborty, Tania | Mukhopadhyay, Suman

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The study aimed to explicate the levels of physical activity, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and the perceived quality of life in construction site managers. Participants: Twenty two site managers working at a site in National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE), Mumbai were selected for the study. Methods: The participants responded to Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the World Health Organization's (WHO), Quality of Life (QOL), and General Physical Activity …(GPAQ) Questionnaires. Results: In Quality of Life (QOL), 55% of the participants fell under 'good' psychological domain, while 55% categorized their work environment as 'poor'. Among musculoskeletal problems, low back pain and upper back pain was predominantly reported by the managers. Total physical activity was observed to be 836 Metabolic Equivalent of Task-minutes/week (MET-minutes/week). Conclusion: Although the Construction managers were not involved in any kind of rigorous work at the workplace, they were observed to be suffering from musculoskeletal problems of the back. 'Poor' category of environmental domain suggested that the working conditions needed to be improved and could be a reason for their ailment. Show more

Keywords: Well-being, work related musculoskeletal disorders, body mass index

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1461

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 447-451, 2012

Authors: Parimalam, P. | Premalatha, M.R. | Padmini, D.S. | Ganguli, A. K.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The 'saree' worn by women in India and many South Asian countries is dyed using a tub, usually in small scale units employing low capital and a small number of workers. While using these tubs, workers adopt awkward postures over long periods of time which results in severe discomfort in the neck, shoulders and lower extremities. The purpose of the study was to redesign the dyeing tub using a participatory approach and to study the impact …of the newly designed tub on the reported body discomfort and rate of production. Methods: Redesigning of the dyeing tub was carried out using three parallel participative processes – (1) eliciting the views of workers who use the tub, (2) interacting with the proprietors of the small scale dyeing units (the employers) and the tub manufacturers, and (3) iterative prototype tub development based on inputs from the first two processes. These processes facilitated involvement of the stake-holders and the acceptance of change. The final prototype was tested by nine workers for a period of three months to evaluate the reduction in body discomfort and increase in rate of production (output). Results: Studies on the impact of the new tub showed a reduction in discomfort level from 'severe' to 'moderate', and a mean increase of 7.9% in the output, confirming the benefits of the participative approach to ergonomics intervention. The involvement, trust and credibility generated by the participative process facilitated the acceptance of the final design. Show more

Keywords: Productivity, discomfort, low back pain, neck pain

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1462

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 453-458, 2012

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1486

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 459-459, 2012

Authors: Chan, Yetta Wai Yin | Chew, Natalie Jin Lin | Nasron, Leila Ilmami Binte | Fook-Chong, Stephanie Man Chung | Ng, Yee Sien

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: This study examined the rate of return to work, and to find demographic, clinical and functional factors associated with successful re-employment after in-patient rehabilitation. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional cohort study of Singaporeans aged 15 and above who underwent inpatient rehabilitation in a Singapore hospital between 2000 and 2007. Phone interviews were conducted in 2007 to 2008, via a structured questionnaire to evaluate factors of return to work. Results: Four hundred and eight patients met with the …inclusion criteria, and 123 participants completed the questionnaire. Forty-five (44.7%) participants successfully returned to work with a mean time of 7 months post-discharge. Statistical significant differences were found between the "return to work" group and "non-return to work" group based on age group (p=0.04), education level (p=0.001), pre-morbid job category (0.013) and functional status (p<0.0005) as determined by Functional Independence Measure scores. Cox regression analysis controlling the period between discharge and survey indicated that higher FIM scores and higher education level predicted successful re-employment. Conclusion: This result re-affirmed the importance of functional status to the success of return-to-work in Singapore. Further qualitative studies might be useful in exploring the social or environmental factors affecting return-to-work outcomes. Show more

Keywords: In-patient rehabilitation, re-employment factors, return-to-work rate, employment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1374

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 461-468, 2012

Authors: Falkenberg, A. | Nyfjäll, M. | Hellgren, C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this longitudinal study is to investigate how different aspects of social support at work and in leisure time are associated with self rated health and sickness absence. Participants: The 541 participants in the study were representative for a working population in the public sector in Sweden with a majority being woman. Methods: Most of the variables were created from data from a questionnaire in March – April 2005. There were four independent …variables and two dependent variables. The dependent were based on data from November 2006. A logistic regression model was used for the analysis of associations. A separate model was adapted for each of the explanatory variables for each outcome, which gave five models per independent variable. Results: The study has given a greater awareness of the importance of employees receiving social support, regardless of type of support or from whom the support is coming. Conclusion: Social support has a strong association with SRH in a longitudinal perspective and no association between social support and sickness absence. Show more

Keywords: Environmental health, occupational health, sickness absence, social support

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1381

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 469-474, 2012

Authors: Glavare, Maria | Löfgren, Monika | Schult, Marie-Louise

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: This study explored and analysed how patients experienced possibilities for, and barriers to, work return after participation in a multi-professional pain-rehabilitation program followed by a coached work-training program (CWT). Participants: Eleven informants (8 women/3 men) with long-term musculoskeletal pain who had participated in the CWT program for 4–21 months (mean=11) comprised the study. Methods: A qualitative emergent design was used. Data collected with interviews were analysed using the constant comparison method …of grounded theory. Triangulation in researchers were used. Results: The analyses of the interviews resulted in the development of a three-category theoretical model, which was named "a way back to work". The main category "Experience of a way back to work" consisted of the informants' experience during the process between unemployment and employment. The category "Support" describes the help the informants received from various actors, and the category "Negative response" describes negative responses from the actors involved, which was an important barrier in the process between unemployment and employment. Conclusion: Professional individualised support, participants feeling involved in their rehabilitation process, coaching at real workplaces and multi-professional team including health care personnel, were valuable during the process towards work. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, return to work, coaching, long-term sick-leave, facilitators, barriers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1394

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 475-485, 2012

Authors: Allen, Jaclyn L. | James, Carole | Snodgrass, Suzanne J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The role of biomechanics during the overhead lift has not been widely investigated. This study aimed to evaluate any change in biomechanics between safe minimum and safe maximum overhead lifts during the WorkHab Functional Capacity Evaluation. Method: Thirty healthy participants (age range 18–22 years) were videotaped completing the overhead lift. Images at the beginning (0/3), one-third (1/3), two-thirds (2/3), and end of lift (3/3) were collected for the minimum and safe maximum lifts …Measurement of joint angles of the wrist, elbow, shoulder and sagittal spine using Dartfish Prosuite software was completed. Paired t-tests were used to analyse the differences in joint angles between lifts. Results: Participants' biomechanics changed between the minimum and maximum lifts In comparison to minimum lifts, there was increased wrist ulnar deviation (10.50, 95% CI 4.39, 16.61, p=0.002), increased shoulder flexion (7.26, 95% CI 0.50, 14.01, p=0.036), increased thoracic extension (−3.40, 95% CI −5.36, −1.45, p=0.001), increased lumbar extension (3.75, 95% CI 1.39, 6.12, p=0.003), and decreased elbow flexion (−11.28, 95% CI −18.57, −4.00, p=0.004) in the maximum lifts. Conclusions: The results of this study provide insight into biomechanical changes during the overhead lifting, and support the clinical judgements made by the WorkHab assessor in determining safe maximal lift. Show more

Keywords: Lifting, functional capacity evaluation, work capacity evaluation biomechanics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1386

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 487-496, 2012

Authors: Kanchanomai, Siriluck | Janwantanakul, Prawit | Pensri, Praneet | Jiamjarasrangsi, Wiroj

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to investigate the 3-month prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms at the spine attributed to computer use and to identify biopsychosocial factors associated with the prevalence in undergraduate students. Participants: Undergraduate students who studied at a public university in Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a self-administered questionnaire delivered to 3,545 students. Results: A total of 2,511 students (73.7%) returned the questionnaires. Cervical symptoms (22.3%) were the …most frequently reported, followed by thoracic (11%) and lumbar symptoms (10.7%). Females, daily computer use greater than three hours and too-high keyboard's position were significantly associated with a high prevalence of cervical symptoms. A significant association was found between higher undergraduate year of the study and too-high keyboard's position and a high prevalence of thoracic symptoms. Higher undergraduate year of the study and daily computer use greater than three hours were significantly related to a high prevalence of lumbar symptoms. Better-than-normal mental health status was associated with a low prevalence of lumbar symptoms. Conclusion: Spinal symptoms are common among undergraduate students. Various factors were identified to be associated with high prevalence of spinal symptoms. Further research investigating the causal relation between these factors and musculoskeletal symptoms should be conducted. Show more

Keywords: Pain, cervical, thoracic, lumbar, college student

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1387

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 497-506, 2012

Authors: Rahman, Mohd Nasrull Abdol | Rani, Mat Rebi Abdul | Rohani, Jafri Mohd

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among workers in wall plastering jobs within the construction industry. Participants: A total of 43 workers within three workplaces participated in the study. Methods: Subjects were interviewed using self-report charts. During the task duration, observation of the workplace was carried out using a Workplace Ergonomic Risk Assessment (WERA) method. Results: An analysis of WERA assessment, the wrist score for WERA …body part was >4 in 86% of workers, while wrist pain or discomfort was reported by 86%, yielding a significant association between WERA body part score and self-reported pain (χ ^{2}= 16.12; p=0.000). The WERA body part score for the shoulder regions during wall plastering job yielded a score > 4 in 93% and caused shoulder pain or discomfort in 91%, the association being significant (χ ^{2} =12.58; p=0.000). The back regions for WERA body part score was >4 in 91% of workers, with 98% reporting pain or back discomfort, with a significant association (χ^{2} =9.98; p=0.002). Conclusions: These results showed that statistically significance for the wrist, shoulder and back regions of the individual WERA body part scores were affecting the worker and lead to the development of pain or discomfort among workers in wall plastering jobs. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomic risk assessment, observation method, physical risk factors, workplace, WERA tool

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1404

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 507-514, 2012

Authors: Fiedler, Krysia M. | Weir, Patricia L. | van Wyk, Paula M. | Andrews, David M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: Patient transfers have been implicated as a contributing factor in the high work-related musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) rate in nursing. However, documenting how much time is spent doing such tasks, compared to other less biomechanically stressful tasks in the workplace, has been limited, and not performed to date using a video-based approach. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of documenting all job-related nursing tasks performed during a typical shift in a …hospital setting using video. Participants: Ten female nurses from an acute care hospital who worked in different units and during all three shifts. Methods: Nurses working in different units of the hospital were videotaped performing their normal job-related tasks for a 2 hour period. Video records were subsequently analyzed to identify and categorize all tasks performed by each nurse. Results: Overall, nurses spent less than 7% of their time during patient moving and transfer activities. One third of their time was spent walking, standing and sitting, 19.8% charting, 14.7% in patient care, 13.9% preparing medicines, 9.5% in housekeeping, and about 3% in self-care. Conclusions: This study showed that video-based methods are feasible for documenting what nurses do in the workplace. It also highlighted the diversity and non-repetitive nature of the workplace tasks nurses perform and suggests that ergonomic assessments of the cumulative effects of work on nurses in the field should focus on more than just patient handling activities. Show more

Keywords: Patient transfers, nursing tasks, posture, video, time study

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1419

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 515-523, 2012

Article Type: Other

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 525-528, 2012

Article Type: Other

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 529-531, 2012