Ergonomic Process Improvement for Mapping Risk and Identifying Key Interventions for Eliminating Injuries from Needles and Sharps in the OR

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 716-720
Author(s):  
Pramila Kalaga ◽  
Barbara Wolford ◽  
Matthew Mormino ◽  
Timothy Kingston ◽  
Julie Fedderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Process Improvement ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Physical Workload ◽  
Physical Factors ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Sharps Injury

The risk of a needle stick or sharps injury in the operating room (OR) is high due to conditions such as minimal physical protective measures, frequent transfer of sharps, and reliance on human attention and skill for injury avoidance. An ergonomic process improvement project was initiated at a large metro teaching hospital to identify ergonomic risk factors for these OR injuries. To maximize the engagement of the front- end users, an ergonomic process improvement (EPI) team was developed, consisting of representatives from participating OR teams, an employee health nurse and two ergonomists. Surveys, observations, and interviews were conducted to quantify injury risk for the OR teams, evaluate barriers to best practice adherence, and identify opportunities for targeted interventions. Risk mapping was completed for the surgeons, surgical techs and OR nurses identifying double gloving and safe passing zone as areas in need of improvement. Through observation and interviews, researchers identified physical factors relating to musculoskeletal pain and cognitive factors leading to distractions as safety risk concerns. The overall success of the EPI was the engagement of the OR teams and surgeons in the process of identifying risk factors and potential opportunities for ergonomic solutions related to cognitive workload, physical workload, teamwork, and work design for injury prevention. The risk factors identified will provide the basis for developing targeted, effective interventions for eliminating injuries from needles and sharps within the OR.

Identifying Safe Load Moment Exposures for the Back

2009 ◽  
Vol 53 (14) ◽  
pp. 883-883
Author(s):  
Steven A. Lavender ◽  
William S. Marras ◽  
Sue A. Ferguson ◽  
Riley E. Splittstoesser ◽  
Gang Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Physical Workload ◽  
Back Injury ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Distribution Centers ◽  
Back Disorders ◽  
Low Back Injury ◽  
Low Back Disorders ◽  
Back Disorder

Low back disorders continue to be the most common and significant work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the US. Identifying what constitutes a “safe” physical workload has been the biggest challenge facing injury prevention efforts. Prior low back injury risk models have focused on manufacturing activities where there is limited variability in the parameters used to describe the exposures to low back disorder risk factors. Lifting tasks in distribution centers can have considerably more variability in load and physical layout. The goal of this project was to identify and quantify measures that characterize the biomechanical risk factors, including measures of the load moment exposure, and measures that characterize the duty cycle that are predictive of low back disorders in distribution centers. Thus, our hypothesis was that we could define a relationship between moment exposure parameters and the low back disorder incidence rates. A cross-sectional study was designed to examine the mechanical risk factors responsible for reported low back injury in distributions centers. The physical exposure was measured on 195 workers on 50 jobs in 21 distribution centers using a sonic-based Moment Exposure Tracking System (METS). The METS measures load, force, load moment, torso kinematics, and temporal parameters of the job simultaneously. For each job, low back injury rates were collected retrospectively from the company's records over the prior 3-year period. The data were used to develop a risk model designed to predict back injury risk based upon direct measures of load and load moment exposure. The model incorporates biomechanical variables which include the load moment and horizontal sliding forces, as well as a temporal variable indicating the opportunity for micro-breaks during the work process. Overall, the presented model has very good sensitivity (87%) and specificity (73%).

Anterior cruciate ligament injury risk factors in football

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gian Nicola Bisciotti ◽  
Karim Chamari ◽  
Emanuele Cena ◽  
Andrea Bisciotti ◽  
Alessandro Bisciotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Ligament Injury ◽  
Injury Risk Factors ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Technical accounting: sugar extraction and losses

2020 ◽  
pp. 712-721
Author(s):  
Jan Maarten de Bruijn de Bruijn
Keyword(s):  
Process Improvement ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Continuous Process ◽  
Extraction Yield ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Sugar Production ◽  
Cost Leadership ◽  
Sugar Extraction ◽  
White Sugar

The bought sugar in the processed raw material (either beet or cane) comprises a high financial value and may contribute to somewhere around 50% of the white sugar production costs. It is therefore of the utmost importance to minimize sugar losses along the process and produce as much white sugar as possible from the raw material. This paper explains the principle of technical accounting as tool to control sugar extraction and losses in beet sugar manufacture. The sugar mass balance used to calculate the overall sugar extraction yield, as well as several simple calculations proposed for estimating the different sugar losses (like e.g. extraction (diffusion) losses, infection losses, sugar losses in molasses, etc.) in the subsequent process steps will be explained in detail. Proper technical accounting is considered indispensable for continuous process control and process improvement in pursuit of best-practice operation and cost-leadership.

Injury prevention knowledge, beliefs and strategies in elite female footballers at the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019

2021 ◽  
pp. bjsports-2020-103131
Author(s):  
Celeste Geertsema ◽  
Liesel Geertsema ◽  
Abdulaziz Farooq ◽  
Joar Harøy ◽  
Chelsea Oester ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Injury Prevention ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Risk Level ◽  
Attitudes And Beliefs ◽  
Implementation Barriers ◽  
World Cup ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
High Level ◽  
Women's Football

ObjectivesThis study assessed knowledge, beliefs and practices of elite female footballers regarding injury prevention.MethodsA survey was sent to players participating in the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019. Questions covered three injury prevention domains: (1) knowledge; (2) attitudes and beliefs; (3) prevention practices in domestic clubs. Additionally, ACL injury history was assessed.ResultsOut of 552 players, 196 women responded (35.5%). More than 80% of these considered injury risk to be moderate or high. Players listed knee, ankle, thigh, head and groin as the most important injuries in women’s football. The most important risk factors identified were low muscle strength, followed by poor pitch quality, playing on artificial turf, too much training, reduced recovery and hard tackles. In these elite players, 15% did not have any permanent medical staff in their domestic clubs, yet more than 75% had received injury prevention advice and more than 80% performed injury prevention exercises in their clubs. Players identified the two most important implementation barriers as player motivation and coach attitude. Two-thirds of players used the FIFA 11+ programme in their clubs.ConclusionsThis diverse group of elite players demonstrated good knowledge of risk level and injury types in women’s football. Of the risk factors emphasised by players, there was only one intrinsic risk factor (strength), but several factors out of their control (pitch quality and type, training volume and hard tackles). Still players had positive attitudes and beliefs regarding injury prevention exercises and indicated a high level of implementation, despite a lack of medical support.

scholarly journals Prevalence and factors associated with intestinal schistosomiasis and human fascioliasis among school children in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Teshome Bekana ◽  
Nega Berhe ◽  
Tadesse Eguale ◽  
Mulugeta Aemero ◽  
Girmay Medhin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
School Children ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Intestinal Schistosomiasis ◽  
Regional State ◽  
Human Fascioliasis

Abstract Background Schistosomiasis and fascioliasis are digenean parasitic infections and are among the neglected tropical diseases that have both medical and veterinary importance. They are found mainly in areas having limited access to safe water supply and improved sanitation. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni and Fasciola species infections and to identify associated risk factors among school children in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. Stool specimens were collected from 798 children (419 males, 379 females) and processed using Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration techniques. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and other exposure information to explore potential risk factors for the infections. Results The overall prevalence of S. mansoni and Fasciola species infections was 25.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 22.5-28.6) and 5.5% (95% CI: 3.9-7.1), respectively. S. mansoni was present in all surveyed schools with the prevalence ranging from 12.8% (16/125; 95% CI = 5.6-20.0) to 39.7% (64/161; 95% CI = 32.2-47.2) while Fasciola species was identified in five schools with the prevalence ranging from 2.5% (4/160; 95% CI = 0.001–4.9) to 9.8% (13/133; 95% CI = 4.7–14.8). The prevalence of S. mansoni infection was significantly associated with swimming in rivers (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.79, 95% CI, 1.22–2.62; P=0.003), bathing in open freshwater bodies (AOR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.39–2.94; P<0.001) and engaging in irrigation activities (AOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.19-2.39; P=0.004), and was higher in children attending Addis Mender (AOR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.20–5.46; P=0.015 ) and Harbu schools (AOR, 3.53; 95% CI, 1.64–7.59; P=0.001). Fasciola species infection was significantly associated with consumption of raw vegetables (AOR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.23-4.97; P=0.011) and drinking water from unimproved sources (AOR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.11–4.70; P=0.026). Conclusion Both intestinal schistosomiasis and human fascioliasis are prevalent in the study area, affecting school children. Behaviors and access to unimproved water and sanitation are among significant risk factors. The findings are instrumental for targeted interventions.

Injury risk profile of amateur Irish women soccer players and players’ opinions on risk factors and prevention strategies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tahani A. Alahmad ◽  
Audrey C. Tierney ◽  
Roisin M. Cahalan ◽  
Nassr S. Almaflehi ◽  
Amanda M. Clifford
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Risk Profile ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Irish Women

scholarly journals Supporting active ageing before retirement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of workplace physical activity interventions targeting older employees

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e045818
Author(s):  
Dafna Merom ◽  
Fiona Stanaway ◽  
Klaus Gebel ◽  
Joanna Sweeting ◽  
Anne Tiedemann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Low Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
Active Ageing ◽  
Older Employees ◽  
Health And Fitness

ObjectiveWith the growing representation of older adults in the workforce, the health and fitness of older employees are critical to support active ageing policies. This systematic review aimed to characterise and evaluate the effects on physical activity (PA) and fitness outcomes of workplace PA interventions targeting older employees.DesignWe searched Medline, PreMedline, PsycInfo, CINAHL and the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL) for articles published from inception to 17 February 2020. Eligible studies were of any experimental design, included employees aged ≥50 years, had PA as an intervention component and reported PA-related outcomes.ResultsTitles and abstracts of 8168 records were screened, and 18 unique interventions were included (3309 participants). Twelve studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Seven interventions targeted multiple risk factors (n=1640), involving screening for cardiovascular disease risk factors, but had a non-specific description of the PA intervention. Four interventions targeted nutrition and PA (n=1127), and seven (n=235) focused only on PA. Interventions overwhelmingly targeted aerobic PA, compared with only four interventions targeting strength and/or balance (n=106). No studies involved screening for falls/injury risk, and only two interventions targeted employees of low socioeconomic status. Computation of effect sizes (ESs) was only possible in a maximum of three RCTs per outcome. ESs were medium for PA behaviour (ES=0.25 95% CI −0.07 to 0.56), muscle strength (ES=0.27, 95% CI −0.26 to 0.80), cardiorespiratory fitness (ES=0.28, 95% CI −22 to 0.78), flexibility (ES=0.50, 95% CI −0.04 to 1.05) and balance (ES=0.74, 95% CI −0.21 to 1.69). Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria-rated quality of evidence was ‘low’ due to high risk of bias, imprecision and inconsistency.ConclusionsThe lack of high-quality effective workplace PA interventions contrasts the importance and urgency to improve the health and fitness in this population. Future interventions should incorporate strength and balance training and screening of falls/injury risk in multi risk factors approaches.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018084863. (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=84863).

Progressive Workload Periodization Maximizes Effects of Nordic Hamstring Exercise on Muscle Injury Risk Factors

2018 ◽  
Vol Publish Ahead of Print ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Severo-Silveira ◽  
Maurício P. Dornelles ◽  
Felipe X. Lima-e-Silva ◽  
César L. Marchiori ◽  
Thales M. Medeiros ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Muscle Injury ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Injury Risk Factors

Estimating performance from capabilities in business process improvement

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 1099-1117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boyd A. Nicholds ◽  
John P.T. Mo
Keyword(s):  
Process Improvement ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Expected Improvement ◽  
Management Decision ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Performance Gain ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Business Process Improvement ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The research indicates there is a positive link between the improvement capability of an organisation and the intensity of effort applied to a business process improvement (BPI) project or initiative. While a degree of stochastic variation in applied effort to any particular improvement project may be expected there is a clear need to quantify the causal relationship, to assist management decision, and to enhance the chance of achieving and sustaining the expected improvement targets. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents a method to obtain the function that estimates the range of applicable effort an organisation can expect to be able to apply based on their current improvement capability. The method used analysed published data as well as regression analysis of new data points obtained from completed process improvement projects. Findings The level of effort available to be applied to a process improvement project can be expressed as a regression function expressing the possible range of achievable BPI performance within 90 per cent confidence limits. Research limitations/implications The data set applied by this research is limited due to constraints during the research project. A more accurate function can be obtained with more industry data. Practical implications When the described function is combined with a separate non-linear function of performance gain vs effort a model of performance gain for a process improvement project as a function of organisational improvement capability is obtained. The probability of success in achieving performance targets may be estimated for a process improvement project. Originality/value The method developed in this research is novel and unique and has the potential to be applied to assessing an organisation’s capability to manage change.

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