scholarly journals Development of an observation-based tool for ergonomic exposure assessment in informal electronic waste recycling and other unregulated non-repetitive work

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 905-909
Author(s):  
Augustine A. Acquah ◽  
Clive D’Souza ◽  
Bernard Martin ◽  
John Arko-Mensah ◽  
Afua Asabea Nti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Material Handling ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Electronic Waste ◽  
Waste Recycling ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Observer Agreement ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
Vibration Time ◽  
Ergonomic Exposure ◽  
Ergonomic Exposures

Most existing ergonomic assessment tools are intended for routine work. Time- and cost- efficient observational tools for ergonomic assessment of unregulated work are lacking. This paper presents the development of an observation-based tool designed to investigate ergonomic exposures among informal electronic waste workers that could be applied to other unregulated jobs/tasks. Real-time coding of observation is used to estimate the relative duration and intensity of exposure to key work postures, forceful exertions, movements, contact stress and vibration. Time spent in manual material handling activities such as carrying, lifting and pushing/pulling of working carts are also estimated. A preliminary study conducted with 6 e-waste workers showed that the tool can easily be used with minimal training and good inter- observer agreement (i.e., 89% to 100%) for most risk factors assessed. This new assessment tool provides effective and flexible options for quantifying ergonomic exposures among workers engaged in unregulated, highly variable work.

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

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.

scholarly journals Ergonomic Risk Assessment during an Informal Hand-Made Cookware Operation: Extending an Existing Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9459
Author(s):  
Busisiwe Shezi ◽  
Renee A. Street ◽  
Angela Mathee ◽  
Nokulunga Cele ◽  
Sipho Ndabandaba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
Work Settings ◽  
Ergonomic Exposure ◽  
Ergonomic Risk Assessment ◽  
Ergonomic Risk

The work conducted in the informal sector is highly variable within and between days. Characterizing ergonomic exposures remains a challenge because of unstructured work settings and schedules. The existing ergonomic risk assessment tools have been widely used in formal work settings with a narrow range of exposure, and for predefined tasks that primarily constitute a daily routine. There is limited information in the literature on how they have been applied in informal workplaces. The aim of this study was to extend an existing risk assessment tool and to evaluate the applicability of the extended tool by assessing ergonomic exposure related to hand-made cookware operations. Eighteen hand-made cookware makers were recruited from six sites. A walkthrough risk assessment questionnaire was used to collect information on workers, tasks, work stations and workplace structures. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) screening tool was extended by including duration and vibration. An action priority matrix was used to guide intervention. According to the RULA action levels, the workers required investigation and changes soon, and immediate investigation and changes. The use of an action priority matrix was appropriate, and indicated that all the workers assessed were within the high to very high exposure domain and required immediate corrective measures. The methodology used proved to be an effective and reliable strategy for identifying ergonomic exposure among hand-made cookware makers.

scholarly journals Assessing the effect of back exoskeletons on injury risk during material handling

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl E Zelik ◽  
Cameron A Nurse ◽  
Mark C Schall ◽  
Richard F Sesek ◽  
Matthew C Marino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Fatigue Failure ◽  
Real World ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Material Handling ◽  
Health Program ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Low Back Disorders

Low back disorders (LBDs) are a leading injury in the workplace. Back exoskeletons (exos) are wearable assist devices that complement traditional ergonomic controls and reduce LBD risks by alleviating musculoskeletal overexertion. However, there are currently no ergonomic assessment tools to evaluate risk for workers wearing back exos. Exo-LiFFT, an extension of the Lifting Fatigue Failure Tool, is introduced as a means to unify the etiology of LBDs with the biomechanical function of exos. We present multiple examples demonstrating how Exo-LiFFT can assess or predict the effect of exos on LBD risk without costly, time-consuming electromyography studies. For instance, using simulated and real-world material handling data we show an exo providing a 30 Nm lumbar moment is projected to reduce cumulative back damage by about 70% and LBD risk by about 20%. Exo-LiFFT provides a practical, efficient ergonomic assessment tool to assist safety professionals exploring back exos as part of a comprehensive occupational health program.

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in PM2.5 associated with various source sectors in southern China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
qiqi li ◽  
Tao Wang ◽  
yuan zeng ◽  
yun fan ◽  
Shejun Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flame Retardants ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Electronic Waste ◽  
Brominated Flame Retardants ◽  
Waste Recycling ◽  
Recycling Facilities

The present study investigated legacy and novel brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in atmospheric PM2.5 associated with various urban source sectors in a city and electronic waste (e-waste) recycling facilities in...

scholarly journals Concussion in para sport: the first position statement of the Concussion in Para Sport (CIPS) Group

2021 ◽  
pp. bjsports-2020-103696
Author(s):  
Richard Weiler ◽  
Cheri Blauwet ◽  
David Clarke ◽  
Kristine Dalton ◽  
Wayne Derman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Consensus Statement ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Return To Sport ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Concussion Management ◽  
Rule Changes ◽  
Specific Rule ◽  
And Performance

Concussion is a frequent injury in many sports and is also common in para athletes. However, there is a paucity of concussion research related to para sport, and prior International Concussion in Sport (CIS) consensus papers have not substantively addressed this population. To remedy this and to improve concussion care provided to para athletes, the concussion in para sport (CIPS) multidisciplinary expert group was created. This group analysed and discussed in-depth para athlete-specific issues within the established key clinical domains of the current (2017) consensus statement on CIS. Due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the group held all meetings by video conferencing. The existing Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) for the immediate on-field and office-based off-field assessment of concussion was evaluated as part of this process, to identify any para athlete-specific concerns. Regular preparticipation and periodic health examinations are essential to determine a baseline reference point for concussion symptoms but pose additional challenges for the interpreting clinician. Further considerations for concussion management for the para athlete are required within the remove, rest, reconsider and refer consensus statement framework. Considering return to sport (RTS), the 2017 CIS consensus statement has limitations when considering the RTS of the para athlete. Case-by-case decision making related to RTS following concussion is imperative for para athletes. Additional challenges exist for the evaluation and management of concussion in para athletes. There is a need for greater understanding of existing knowledge gaps and attitudes towards concussion among athlete medical staff, coaches and para athletes. Future research should investigate the use and performance of common assessment tools in the para athlete population to better guide their clinical application and inform potential modifications. Concussion prevention strategies and sport-specific rule changes, such as in Para Alpine Skiing and Cerebral Palsy Football, also should be carefully considered to reduce the occurrence of concussion in para athletes.

scholarly journals The Role of Digital Maturity Assessment in Technology Interventions with Industrial Internet Playground

Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1134
Author(s):  
Annabeth Aagaard ◽  
Mirko Presser ◽  
Tom Collins ◽  
Michail Beliatis ◽  
Anita Krogsøe Skou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Digital Interventions ◽  
Maturity Assessment ◽  
Industrial Internet ◽  
Digital Development ◽  
Key Dimensions ◽  
The Impact

The use of digital technologies such as Internet of Things and advanced data analytics are central in digitally transforming manufacturing companies towards Industry 4.0. Success cases are frequently reported, and there is clear evidence of technology interventions conducted by industry. However, measuring the impact and effect of such interventions on digital maturity and on the organizational adoption can be challenging. Therefore, the research aim of this paper is to explore how the combination of the different methods of Industrial Internet Playground (IIP) pilots, Shadow Infrastructure (SI) and digital maturity assessment can assist in conducting and documenting the technical, as well as organisational, impact of digital interventions. Through an elaborate literature review of existing digital maturity assessment tools and key dimensions in digital transformation, we have developed a digital maturity assessment tool (DMAT), which is presented and applied in the paper to identify digital development areas and to evaluate and document the effects of digital interventions. Thus, the paper contributes with new knowledge of how the IIP pilot and SI combined with digital maturity assessment can support effective, transparent and documented digital transformation throughout an organisation, as explored through theory and a practice case.

Passive Air Sampling of PCDD/Fs, PCBs, PAEs, DEHA, and PAHs from Informal Electronic Waste Recycling and Allied Sectors in Indian Megacities

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paromita Chakraborty ◽  
Harish Gadhavi ◽  
Balasubramanian Prithiviraj ◽  
Moitraiyee Mukhopadhyay ◽  
Sanjenbam Nirmala Khuman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Waste ◽  
Air Sampling ◽  
Waste Recycling ◽  
Passive Air Sampling ◽  
Electronic Waste Recycling

scholarly journals How Do We Assess Patient Skills in a Competence-Based Program? Assessment of Patient Competences Using the Spanish Version of the Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire and Real Practical Cases in Women with Pelvic Floor Disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2377
Author(s):  
Beatriz Sánchez-Sánchez ◽  
Beatriz Arranz-Martín ◽  
Beatriz Navarro-Brazález ◽  
Fernando Vergara-Pérez ◽  
Javier Bailón-Cerezo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Pelvic Floor ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Pelvic Floor Disorders ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Pelvic Organ ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Measurement Properties ◽  
Competence Assessment ◽  
Knowledge Questionnaire

Therapeutic patient education programs must assess the competences that patients achieve. Evaluation in the pedagogical domain ensures that learning has taken place among patients. The Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ) is a tool for assessing patient knowledge about urinary (UI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) conditions. The aim of this study was to translate the Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ) into Spanish and test its measurement properties, as well as propose real practical cases as a competence assessment tool. The cross-cultural adaptation was conducted by a standardized translation/back-translation method. Measurement properties analysis was performed by assessing the validity, reliability, responsiveness, and interpretability. A total of 275 women were recruited. The discriminant validity showed statistically significant differences in the PIKQ scores between patients and expert groups. Cronbach’s alpha revealed good internal consistency. The test–retest reliability showed excellent correlation with UI and POP scales. Regarding responsiveness, the effect size, and standardized response mean demonstrated excellent values. No floor or ceiling effects were shown. In addition, three “real practical cases” evaluating skills in identifying and analyzing, decision making, and problem-solving were developed and tested. The Spanish PIKQ is a comprehensible, valid, reliable, and responsive tool for the Spanish population. Real practical cases are useful competence assessment tools that are well accepted by women with pelvic floor disorders (PFD), improving their understanding and their decision-making regarding PFD.

scholarly journals Reliability and validity of a computer game-based tool of upper extremity assessment for object manipulation tasks in children with cerebral palsy

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 205566832110140
Author(s):  
Anuprita Kanitkar ◽  
Sanjay T Parmar ◽  
Tony J Szturm ◽  
Gayle Restall ◽  
Gina Rempel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Computer Game ◽  
Object Manipulation ◽  
Manual Dexterity ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Children With Cerebral Palsy

Introduction A computer game-based upper extremity (CUE) assessment tool is developed to quantify manual dexterity of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). The purpose of this study was to determine test-retest reliability of the CUE performance measures (success rate, movement onset time, movement error, and movement variation) and convergent validity with the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale version 2 (PDMS-2) and the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST). Methods Thirty-five children with CP aged four to ten years were tested on two occasions two weeks apart. Results CUE performance measures of five chosen object manipulation tasks exhibited high to moderate intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) values. There was no significant difference in the CUE performance measures between test periods. With few exceptions, there was no significant correlation between the CUE performance measures and the PDMS-2 or the QUEST test scores. Conclusions The high to moderate ICC values and lack of systematic errors indicate that the CUE assessment tool has the ability to repeatedly record reliable performance measures of different object manipulation tasks. The lack of a correlation between the CUE and the PDMS-2 or QUEST scores indicates that performance measures of these assessment tools represent distinct attributes of manual dexterity.

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