Work - Volume 71, issue 3

Authors: Hayati, Abdollah | Marzban, Afshin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many agricultural activities excessively need human power and are associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Leafy vegetable cultivation (LVC) is one of these. OBJECTIVE: The postural workload, body discomfort, and explainable linkage between these among Iranian wintry LVC workers were investigated. METHODS: Postures and body discomfort were evaluated using Ovako working posture analyzing system (OWAS) and a body map, respectively. The explainable body discomforts by working postures for each body region were descriptively discussed using some of the literature. RESULTS: Considering the maximum MSD risk value of 400%, irrigation and manual harvesting had the …highest MSD risks with index risks of 313% and 305% respectively. Low back discomfort was the most common body discomfort in LVC which was reported for the operations of moldboard plowing, disking, manure application, chemical broadcasting, spraying, and manual harvesting. LVC operations seemed to rely heavily on the use of low back and shoulders. Bent and/or twist postures were the most common postures for the back. CONCLUSIONS: Almost all the body discomforts were explained by awkward postures shown by postural workload analysis. Therefore, the working posture analysis results may be reliable and utilized in future decisions around ergonomic interventions. Future studies may be conducted to investigate the simple and inexpensive ergonomic interventions to mitigate MSD risks. Show more

Keywords: Agricultural mechanization, awkward posture, body discomfort, musculoskeletal disorder (MSD), occupational safety and health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210312

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 709-717, 2022

Authors: Lima, Killian S. | Meira Castro, Ana C. | Torres Costa, J. | Baptista, J. Santos

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite constant technological evolution, the forestry sector is still characterised as one with the highest risk of occupational accidents. There is no doubt that accidents penalise workers considerably, as well as the companies, insurers, and, consequently, the society, to which many of the costs are externalised, namely in cases where the worker is incapacitated and unable to work. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to analyse data on occupational accidents in forestry operations in Brazil between 2007 and 2018 in both native and planted forests. METHODS: Data were made available by the Brazilian Statistical …Directory of Accidents at Work. RESULTS: The results show that, although most accidents occurred in planted forests, mortality was higher in native forests. It was also found that, overall, the rate of serious accidents resulting in an incapacity to work and, consequently, sick leave is considerably high. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight that integrating an occupational safety system into a forest management system is crucial for reducing work-related accidents in both native and planted forests. However, the success of this measure will only be effective if it is accompanied by a review of both the Brazilian labour policy and the Brazilian occupational safety management policy, to ensure compliance with legislation, mainly on the part of outsourced companies. Show more

Keywords: Occupational accident, incidence rate, temporary incapacity, mortality rate, native forest, planted forest

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210543

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 719-728, 2022

Authors: Intolo, Pattariya | Sitthikornpaiboon, Ratrudee | Chararivivot, Vararat

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Prolonged use of the smartphone causes neck and shoulder pain. However, no study has yet evaluated the effects of sitting upright, combined with frequent breaks, eye rest and self-stretching on pain and EMG during smartphone use. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to compare pain and muscle activity between the control group (rest only) and the intervention group (rest combined with correct posture, eye rest and self-stretching) in smartphone use for 41.30 minutes. METHOD: Forty-four healthy females aged 18–25 years old were recruited and randomly divided into two groups. The body pain chart and …Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used to evaluate pain. Electromyography (EMG) was used to measure muscle activity of Cervical Erector Spinae (CES) and Upper Trapezius (UT) muscles. RESULTS: The results showed that overall pain and neck pain in the control group increased significantly after smartphone use for 20 min and continually increased to 41.30 minutes (p  < 0.05). Overall pain and neck pain in the intervention group was significantly lesser than control group after smartphone use for 41.30 minutes (p  < 0.05). In the control group, EMG of CES at 41.30 minute was significantly higher than that of at 0 min (p  < 0.05). There was no significant difference in EMG of UT between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Conclusion smartphone user in the interventional group reported less pain when compared to control group after Smartphone use for 41.30 minutes. Therefore, the user aged 18–25 years should have a rest combined with correct posture, eye rest and self-stretching to prevent neck pain during prolonged smartphone use. Show more

Keywords: Mobile phone, sitting straight, spinal alignment, discomfort, muscle activity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210825

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 729-738, 2022

Authors: Barbosa, Caroline da Silva | das Merces, Magno Conceição | Costa Santana, Amália Ivine | de Souza e Silva, Douglas | Pimentel, Rodrigo Fernandes Weyll | Coelho, Julita Maria Freitas | e Almeida, Alex Almeida | Damasceno, Kairo Silvestre Meneses | Rossi, Thais Regis Aranha | D’Oliveira Júnior, Argemiro

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cross-sectional studies point out important evidence between anxiety and dyslipdemic disorders in health workers. OBJECTIVE: Our main objective was to estimate the association between anxiety and dyslipidemia in Primary Health Care (PHC) nursing professionals in Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: A confirmatory cross-sectional study involving 376 PHC nursing professionals. Data collection occurred through the application of a questionnaire containing sociodemographic, labor and lifestyle issues, and the Beck Inventory for anxiety; to evaluate the lipid profile, the HDL-c, LDL-c, and triglycerides markers were evaluated. Descriptive, bivariate analysis and Logistic Regression were performed. RESULTS: …The estimated prevalence of moderate/severe anxiety corresponded to 26.1% and dyslipidemia was 54.8%, with a statistically significant association between both of variables stratified by physical activity (PR = 2.69; 95% CI = 1.87–3.85) and (PR = 1.87; 95% CI = 1.53–2.28). CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive association between anxiety and dyslipidemia in Primary Health Care nursing professionals. Show more

Keywords: Anxiety, dyslipidemia, primary health care, epidemiology, mental health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205095

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 739-748, 2022

Authors: Rossi, Alessio | Calogiuri, Giovanna | Maffi, Sergio | Pedreschi, Dino | Clifton, David A. | Morelli, Davide

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: During Finnmarksløpet (FL, one of the longest distance sleddog races in the world), veterinarians are exposed to extreme environmental conditions and tight working schedules, with little and fragmented sleep. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this case study was to examine cardiovascular parameters and sleep-wake patterns among veterinarians working within FL, during and after (for a month) the end of the race. METHODS: Six female veterinarians volunteered for the study. The participants wore a wrist device for a total of eight weeks in order to passively and semi-continuously record physiological responses throughout the day (i.e., heart rate, …heart rate variability, number of steps, and sleep quality). Moreover, perceived sleep quality was assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at three time-points. RESULTS: During and for one month after completion of the FL, most veterinarians presented an alteration of cardiovascular parameters and sleep quality. The heart rate circadian rhythm returned to pre-race values within about two weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The long-lasting alteration of the veterinarians’ cardiovascular parameters and sleep-wake patterns might have negative consequences for their health in the long-term, especially if similar experiences are repeated more times though the course of a year or season. More research is needed in order to understand the health risks, as well as how to prevent them, among veterinarians in long-distance sleddog races or other similar events. Show more

Keywords: Wearable electronic devices, sleep, circadian rhythm, heart rate

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210331

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 749-760, 2022

Authors: Calvo, Daniel de Souza Costa | Ferreira, João Alberto | Cunha, Daisy Moreira | Mendes, Davidson Passos

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The topic right to refuse to do hazardous work/to be exposed to serious and imminent risks is herein presented as the central and fundamental axis on issues associated with workers’ health and safety. OBJECTIVE: Investigating how the topic right to refuse to do hazardous work/be exposed to serious and imminent risks may be used as condition and strategy to manage work in the Surgical Center of a hospital. METHODS: The research methodology focused on establishing dialogue among Activity-centered Ergonomics (Ergonomic Workplace Analysis –EWA), Ergology, Action-Research and Ethnography. Samples were collected from March to …September 2018 and comprised 120 hours of data, in total. The Surgical Center of the investigated hospital was the place of choice to conduct the study. Assistive Nurses accounting for managing and operating the entire sector were the analyzed population. RESULTS: The concept of refusal was expanded and (re)signified beyond the workers’ health and safety perspective, since it was also linked to variables such as environment, quality of products/processes and social accountability. CONCLUSIONS: Refusal does not only mean not doing what is requested, but performing the task requested by other means and paths that are always guided by one’s commitment to achieve the overall proposed productive outcomes. The right to refuse is more than a management tool, it is a broad and effective work organization strategy. Show more

Keywords: Right to refuse, work activity, hospital care, ergonomics, ergology

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210073

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 761-770, 2022

Authors: Ghorbani-Shahna, Farshid | Feiz-Arefi, Maryam

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Various chemical substances and carcinogens have been presented in medical sciences universities’ educational and research laboratories. For this purpose a suitable ventilation system had to be implemented to ensure the correct operation of the hoods. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of laboratory chemical fume hoods of the University of Medical Sciences using a novel quantitative method. METHODS: In this study, 43 chemical fume hoods were investigated in the laboratories of the University of Medical Sciences. The technical specifications of the hoods and their compliance with the standard have been investigated. The hoods face velocity was …measured using a thermal anemometer. Quantitative evaluation was performed using the new method of CO2 tracer gas and the results were analyzed using SPSS software version 19. FINDINGS: The hoods presented both favorable and unfavorable results in terms of technical specifications and location. The results showed 50.2% of the hoods have visible leakage. Hood face velocity was not suitable for any of the hoods in the case fully open.when half open only 16.3% of the hoods and in the case of 25% open face, 34.9% of the hoods had a good velocity. Most hoods have CO2 leakage even at small amounts. CONCLUSIONS: the unsuitable performance of the hoods is mainly due to the unsuitability of the fans, furthermore investigation and correction of technical problems are required. The new quantitative method is a suitable method for routine evaluating chemical fume hoods and can replace the SF6 gas tracer method. Show more

Keywords: Chemical fume hood, qualitative evaluation, laboratory, CO2

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205185

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 771-778, 2022

Authors: Michael, Samer | Mintz, Yoav | Brodie, Ronit | Assalia, Ahmad

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has many advantages for patients, however, it places surgeons at risk for Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). Recently, the importance of prevention of such injuries and improvement of the ergonomics of the operating room is increasing. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of WMSD among minimally invasive surgeons in Israel, discuss the contributing factors and the overall awareness for ergonomic training. In addition, a review of the literature on the topic was conducted. METHODS: An online questionnaire was sent to the members of the Israeli Society of Endoscopic Surgery. The results were analyzed …and summarized. For literature review, PubMed was used to search for English-language publications related to the issue. RESULTS: Of 83 respondents, the majority (77%) have considerable experience in MIS (more than 10 years). The prevalence of WMSD was 12% before beginning the practice of laparoscopy compared to 78% after 15–20 years of practice. Injury sites included back pain, neck and upper extremity (shoulder pain, tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome) in 41%, 25% and 34% respectively. More than two thirds of responders unaware of possible ergonomic solutions and didn’t consider adopting any appropriate preventive measures. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of WMSD among MIS surgeons is high and underestimated. There is a desperate need to prevent such morbidity among surgeons by increasing awareness and providing the means to improve their work environment. Surgeons should adhere to ergonomic recommendations for positioning of monitors, table height, posture, foot pedal placement and laparoscopic devices use. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, occupational health, laparoscopic

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205072

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 779-785, 2022

Authors: Langer, Danit | Melchior, Hanna | Mazor-Karsenty, Tal

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Grip strength is frequently used in research and clinical work and is commonly compared to normative data in clinical settings. To enable accurate interpretation of grip strength values, normative reference values should be close to the demographic, occupational, cultural and geographic characteristics of the individual tested. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the effects of gender, age, work-group and hand dominance on grip strength for the Israeli population, and to compare the grip strength to two normative studies from the United States. METHODS: A cross sectional study. The grip strength of 637 healthy adults was measured using a Jamar …dynamometer. The effects for age, gender, hand dominance, and work strain were investigated. Israeli sample results were compared to US norms. RESULTS: Within the Israeli sample, a significant age effect was found for both men and women. This effect was most apparent among the 70+ age groups, in which grip strength was weaker than all the other groups. Males were significantly stronger than females, in both hands, and the dominant hand was significantly stronger, regardless of gender. Results also demonstrated a medium to large effect for type of work on grip strength portraying high manual strain workers to have stronger grip strength. Overall, the grip strength in the Israeli sample was weaker than both US samples. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be cautious when comparing grip strength to published norms from a different culture/geographical region. The amount of manual strain invested in various occupational roles should be considered in the assessment and intervention process. Show more

Keywords: Hand strength, reference values, work, healthy volunteers, occupational therapy, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205330

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 787-794, 2022

Authors: Supples, Michael W. | Brichler, Kevin P. | Glober, Nancy K. | Lardaro, Thomas A. | O’Donnell, Daniel P.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals frequently experience job-related injuries, most commonly overexertion or movement injuries. Data on injury reduction in EMS professionals is limited. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a movement analysis tool suggested to predict musculoskeletal injury, but it has not previously been evaluated for EMS professionals. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the FMS to predict musculoskeletal injury among EMS professionals. METHODS: In October 2014, EMS professionals employed in an urban third-service EMS agency volunteered to participate in FMS administered by certified screeners. Age, sex, height and weight were recorded. After screening, …participants were instructed on exercises to correct movement deficiencies. We reviewed recorded injuries from 2013 to 2016. We performed descriptive statistics. With logistic regression modeling, we described factors that predicted musculoskeletal injury. We generated a receiver operating curve (ROC) for FMS prediction of musculoskeletal injury. RESULTS: 147 of 240 full-time employees participated in the FMS. Participants’ mean age was 33.7 years (SD = 9.6) and the majority (65%) were male. The median initial FMS score was 14 (IQR 11–16). Area under the ROC curve was 0.603 (p  = 0.213) for FMS ability to predict any musculoskeletal injury within two years. Female sex was associated higher odds of injury (OR 3.98, 95% CI 1.61–9.80). Increasing age, body mass index (BMI) category, and FMS score≤14 did not predict musculoskeletal injury. CONCLUSION: The FMS did not predict musculoskeletal injury among EMS professionals. Show more

Keywords: Paramedic, musculoskeletal disease, physical activity, worker compensation, functional fitness

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205328

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 795-802, 2022

Authors: Al-Qaisi, Saif | Saba, Alif | Alameddine, Ibrahim

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A prerequisite for interpreting electromyography (EMG) data is to normalize them to a maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), expressing them as percentage of the MVC. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare different recommended MVC exercises for the latissimus dorsi and identify the exercise that elicits the highest EMG amplitude. METHODS: Fifteen male participants were recruited. Five recommended MVC exercises were investigated, including chest-supported shoulder extension, prone shoulder extension, lat-pull down, abducted shoulder flexion, and internal shoulder rotation. RESULTS: Chest-supported shoulder extension reported the highest mean EMG, which was not significantly different …from the mean EMG of prone shoulder extension. Both of these exercises led to significantly greater EMG means than the other exercises. Sixty percent of the participants achieved their highest EMG amplitude with chest-supported shoulder extension and 40% with prone shoulder extension. None of the other exercises elicited the highest EMG amplitude in any of the participants. CONCLUSIONS: Both chest-supported shoulder extension and prone shoulder extension proved to be effective MVC exercises, with the former showing more consistency in eliciting the highest EMG amplitude. If the true MVC is desired, the authors recommend performing both exercises and then using the overall highest EMG amplitude for normalization purposes. Show more

Keywords: Muscle activation, normalization, musculoskeletal disorders, ergonomics, biomechanics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213629

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 803-808, 2022