Investigation on musculoskeletal discomfort and ergonomics risk factors among production team members at an automotive component assembly plant

Purpose The purpose of this study is to design and develop a testing device to simulate interaction between human hand–arm dynamics, right-angle (RA) computer-controlled power torque tools and joint-tightening task-related variables. Design/methodology/approach The testing rig can simulate a variety of tools, tasks and operator conditions. The device includes custom data-acquisition electronics and graphical user interface-based software. The simulation of the human hand–arm dynamics is based on the rig’s four-bar mechanism-based design and mechanical components that provide adjustable stiffness (via pneumatic cylinder) and mass (via plates) and non-adjustable damping. The stiffness and mass values used are based on an experimentally validated hand–arm model that includes a database of model parameters. This database is with respect to gender and working posture, corresponding to experienced tool operators from a prior study. Findings The rig measures tool handle force and displacement responses simultaneously. Peak force and displacement coefficients of determination (R2) between rig estimations and human testing measurements were 0.98 and 0.85, respectively, for the same set of tools, tasks and operator conditions. The rig also provides predicted tool operator acceptability ratings, using a data set from a prior study of discomfort in experienced operators during torque tool use. Research limitations/implications Deviations from linearity may influence handle force and displacement measurements. Stiction (Coulomb friction) in the overall rig, as well as in the air cylinder piston, is neglected. The rig’s mechanical damping is not adjustable, despite the fact that human hand–arm damping varies with respect to gender and working posture. Deviations from these assumptions may affect the correlation of the handle force and displacement measurements with those of human testing for the same tool, task and operator conditions. Practical implications This test rig will allow the rapid assessment of the ergonomic performance of DC torque tools, saving considerable time in lineside applications and reducing the risk of worker injury. DC torque tools are an extremely effective way of increasing production rate and improving torque accuracy. Being a complex dynamic system, however, the performance of DC torque tools varies in each application. Changes in worker mass, damping and stiffness, as well as joint stiffness and tool program, make each application unique. This test rig models all of these factors and allows quick assessment. Social implications The use of this tool test rig will help to identify and understand risk factors that contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) associated with the use of torque tools. Tool operators are subjected to large impulsive handle reaction forces, as joint torque builds up while tightening a fastener. Repeated exposure to such forces is associated with muscle soreness, fatigue and physical stress which are also risk factors for upper extremity injuries (MSDs; e.g. tendinosis, myofascial pain). Eccentric exercise exertions are known to cause damage to muscle tissue in untrained individuals and affect subsequent performance. Originality/value The rig provides a novel means for quantitative, repeatable dynamic evaluation of RA powered torque tools and objective selection of tightening programs. Compared to current static tool assessment methods, dynamic testing provides a more realistic tool assessment relative to the tool operator’s experience. This may lead to improvements in tool or controller design and reduction in associated musculoskeletal discomfort in operators.

Download Full-text

Risk factors for foot and ankle disorders among assembly plant workers

American Journal of Industrial Medicine ◽

10.1002/ajim.20898 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 53 (12) ◽

pp. 1233-1239 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Robert A. Werner ◽

Nancy Gell ◽

Anne Hartigan ◽

Neal Wiggermann ◽

W. Monroe Keyserling

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Foot And Ankle ◽

Assembly Plant

Download Full-text

A framework for studying risk factors for lower extremity musculoskeletal discomfort in nurses

Ergonomics ◽

10.1080/00140139.2020.1807615 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 63 (12) ◽

pp. 1535-1550

Author(s):

Jing Li ◽

Carolyn M. Sommerich ◽

Esther Chipps ◽

Steven A. Lavender ◽

Elizabeth A. Stasny

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Lower Extremity ◽

Musculoskeletal Discomfort

Download Full-text

Comparison of ergonomic risk factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dismantler and burners of electronic waste in Agbogbloshie, Accra Ghana

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting ◽

10.1177/1071181321651256 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 65 (1) ◽

pp. 715-719

Author(s):

Augustine A. Acquah ◽

Clive D’Souza ◽

Bernard J. Martin ◽

John Arko-Mensah ◽

Niladri Basu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Electronic Waste ◽

Waste Recycling ◽

Trunk Flexion ◽

Musculoskeletal Discomfort ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Work Related ◽

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Rudimentary methods for electronic waste (e-waste) recycling employed in developing countries are a source of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). A summarized comparison of WRMSDs and preliminary exposure assessment among e-waste dismantlers (D) and burners (B) in Agbogbloshie, Ghana is presented. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate WRMSDs and associated risk factors using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire and a newly developed ergonomic assessment tool. Results indicated higher WRMSDs prevalence in the lower back (68% D vs. 52% B; p = 0.172), shoulder (41% D vs. 29% B; p = 0.279) and upper arm (33% D vs 5% B; p = 0.010). Moderate to severe trunk flexion, high force exertion, repetition and vibration were prevalent risk factors among workers and were significantly higher in dismantlers than burners ( p ≤ 0.001). Detailed ergonomic studies investigating the relationship between physical exposures and WRMSDs are needed to provide a deeper understanding of WRMSD causation in e-waste workers and more particularly in unstructured, unregulated work.

Download Full-text

Glove damage in total hip arthroplasty

Pediatric Traumatology Orthopaedics and Reconstructive Surgery ◽

10.17816/ptors7355-62 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 55-62

Author(s):

Andrei A. Boyarov ◽

Rashid M. Tikhilov ◽

Igor I. Shubnyakov ◽

Ali I. Midaev

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Total Hip Arthroplasty ◽

Hip Arthroplasty ◽

Surgical Team ◽

Surgical Gloves ◽

Team Members ◽

Total Hip ◽

Wound Contamination ◽

Revision Tha ◽

The Right

Background. Glove damage during orthopedic operation can reach an incidence of 26.1%, whereas perforations in gloves go unnoticed by surgical team members in most cases (up to 82%), which certainly increases the risk of wound contamination and hemocontact infection transmission. Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of glove damage among hip arthroplasty surgical team members, to identify the nature, location, and risk factors of damage to surgical gloves. Materials and methods. A total of 1418 surgical gloves (709 pairs) that were used by surgeons, assistants, and surgical nurses during 154 primary and revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) were included in the analysis in this study. Results. Damage to surgical gloves was observed in 69 (44.8%) operations: 54 operations of the primary THA (42.2%) and 15 revision THA (57.7%). Of 1418 gloves used, 95 were damaged (6.7%); 68 of 1166 gloves (5.8%) were damaged during primary hip arthroplasty and 27 of 252 gloves (10.7%) were damaged during revision THA. During primary and revision arthroplasties, glove perforations were observed in most cases: 83.6% and 85.7%, respectively. Most of the cases of glove damage were found in surgeons (45.2% of cases), and 41.1% and 13.7% of the cases of glove damage were experience by assistants and operating room nurses, respectively. The most frequent location of damage in the gloves was on the second finger of both hands: on the left, 40.3%, and on the right, 33.3%. Gloves were damaged in 42.1% of cases in primary arthroplasties lasting up to 70 min and in 42.3% of cases in those lasting more than 70 min. In revision hip arthroplasties lasting up to 95 min, gloves were damaged in 38.5%, and in revisions that lasted more than 95 min, in 76.9% cases. Discussion. Glove damage during revision THA most often occurs to the surgeon suturing the wound (87.4%) and usually remains unnoticed. Risk factors for glove damage are the length of the operations and the use of sharp tools, knitting needles, and wire. Conclusion. Use of apodactyl operational techniques and periodic change of surgical gloves can reduce the risk of damage to gloves and, as a result, reduce wound contamination and the transmission of blood-borne infections.

Download Full-text

Correlation analysis of risk factors and GSI score of a medical team assisting Wuhan city during the epidemic of COVID-19 in China -A cohort study

10.1101/2020.04.27.20070466 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Cheng Wang ◽

Jinlong Zhang ◽

Zhaohui Lu ◽

Jingquan Wang ◽

Yunyun Fang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cohort Study ◽

Negative Correlation ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Psychological Status ◽

Medical Team ◽

General Symptom ◽

Symptom Index ◽

Team Members ◽

Significant Difference

AbstractImportanceThere are few studies on the psychological status of medical staff during the COVID-19 outbreak. This study is the first in the world about the psychological status of the medical team during the COVID-19 outbreak.ObjectiveTo study the correlation between risk factors and general symptom index (GSI) score of medical team members who support Wuhan against COVID-19.DesignCohort study.SettingPopulation-based.ParticipantsAnhui Province sent a total of eight medical teams, including 1382 members, to support Hubei Province. We adopted a stratified sampling method and selected the fourth team sent by Anhui Provincial Hospital, with a total of 137 members as our subjects.ExposuresFour main exposures were collected, including basic information, preparations before going to Wuhan, life issues and working issues after going to Wuhan.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe GSI score of SCL-90 scale was used to reflect the frequency and intensity of psychological symptoms. We made the hypothesis of this study before data collection.Results110(80.29%) members completed the questionnaire, of which, 77(70.00%) female and 33(30.00%) male. When adjusted age, gender and covariates, DC, LCWT had a positive correlations with GSI score(β was10.17, 95%CI was 3.30 to 17.04 for DC, P=0.00<0.05; β was 11.55, 95%CI was 0.40 to 22.71 for LCWT, P =0.04<0.05;respectively), RBT had a negative positive correlation with GSI score (β was -28.09, 95%CI was -45.79 to -10.40, P=0.00<0.05), AoBI did not had a correlation with GSI score (β was 11.55, 95%CI was 0.40 to 22.71, P=0.16>0.05). When adjusted covariates, DC had a positive and RBT had a negative correlation with GSI score of female (β was 13.20, 95%CI was 4.55 to 21.85, P=0.00<0.05; β was -57.85, 95%CI was -94.52 to -21.18, P=0.00<0.05; respectively), but for male was not (P=0.59>0.05, P=0.08>0.05, respectively), LCWT and AoBI didn’t had correlation with GSI score between genders (P>0.05).Conclusions and RelevanceImproving DC, RBT and decreasing LCWT can reduce the GSI score. AoBI didn’t affect the psychological status; male members have a more stable mood than female. Whether other countries medical team has the same result still needs further research.Key PointsQuestionWhat is the correlation between risk factors and general symptom index (GSI) score of medical team members who support Wuhan against COVID-19?FindingsDietary conditions (DC) had a positive and relationship between team (RBT) had a negative correlation with GSI score of female, but for male was not (P=0.59>0.05, P=0.08>0.05, respectively), lacking communication with teams (LCWT) and afraid of being infected (AoBI) didn’t had correlation with GSI score between genders, a significant difference.MeaningImproving DC, RBT and decreasing LCWT between team members can reduce the GSI score. Whether they are AoBI, didn’t affect the psychological status, male members have a more stable mood than female.

Download Full-text

Risk factors associated with work-preventing musculoskeletal discomfort in the upper extremities of bovine practitioners

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association ◽

10.2460/javma.257.4.410 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 257 (4) ◽

pp. 410-416

Author(s):

Robyn M. Reist ◽

Brenna L. Bath ◽

Murray D. Jelinski ◽

Nathan E. N. Erickson ◽

Chris R. Clark ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Upper Extremities ◽

Musculoskeletal Discomfort ◽

Factors Associated

Download Full-text

Prevalence and risk factors associated with musculoskeletal discomfort in New Zealand veterinarians

Applied Ergonomics ◽

10.1016/j.apergo.2009.09.009 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 41 (3) ◽

pp. 444-453 ◽

Cited By ~ 41

Author(s):

Andrew M. Scuffham ◽

Stephen J. Legg ◽

Elwyn C. Firth ◽

Mark A. Stevenson

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

New Zealand ◽

Musculoskeletal Discomfort ◽

Factors Associated

Download Full-text

Risk Factors for Hip Problems Among Assembly Plant Workers

Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation ◽

10.1007/s10926-010-9259-z ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

pp. 84-89 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Robert A. Werner ◽

Nancy Gell ◽

Anne Hartigan ◽

Neal Wiggermann ◽

Monroe Keyserling

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Assembly Plant

Download Full-text

Group leaders and teamwork in the over-lean production system

Journal of Organizational Change Management ◽

10.1108/jocm-08-2012-0122 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 188-205 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Nobuyuki Inamizu ◽

Mitsuhiro Fukuzawa ◽

Takahiro Fujimoto ◽

Junjiro Shintaku ◽

Nobutaka Suzuki

Keyword(s):

Shop Floor ◽

Work Team ◽

Production Volume ◽

Time Study ◽

Group Leaders ◽

Content Type ◽

Team Members ◽

High Productivity ◽

Assembly Plant ◽

Short Run

Purpose – This study aims to describe how a work team adapted to its fluctuated and severe environment by changing from “lean” to “over-lean” mode. To do this, the author investigated the relations among productivity, the vertical division of labor, and group leaders' behavior in a Japanese automobile assembly plant. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conducted field study at an assembly plant for five months. They collected three plant-level data to investigate the capability of its shop floor: transition of production volume; transition of the number of workers; and productivity. And they collected two types of workforce data: skill map and work shift. Moreover, they videotaped the behavior of group leaders on several days and analyzed them through a time study. Findings – The work team of this study achieved high productivity even in its tough environment. However, the authors' time study of group leaders showed that the group leaders, who usually engage in some management activities outside of the production line, did many tasks within the line. This indicates the team had a weakness toward the change of team members. Changing to this over-lean mode enabled the team to survive in a short-run, but maintaining the mode has a weakness in enhancing long-term competitiveness. Originality/value – This study proposes a balance between the two modes is required for organizations if they are to survive their severe and fluctuating environments.

Download Full-text