Knowledge of computer ergonomics and incidence of musculoskeletal disorders among students of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India

Each year, thousands of individuals are diagnosed with an illness directly related to poorly designed workstations, and among these are Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). MSDs are the repeated trauma and deterioration of the tissues, joint, tendons, and nerves that affect the muscles and supporting structures of the body, caused by the work nature or by an employee’s working environment (Bernard 1997). The prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD‘s) is increasing among Computer users throughout the world. Approximately 76% of Computer professionals from India reported musculoskeletal discomfort in various epidemiological studies. So, the present study was undertaken to study computer/laptop use pattern and knowledge of related ergonomic practices among students of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, India and to assess the prevalence and magnitude of computer/laptop use related MSDs among students. 120 students pursuing post-graduation were selected randomly from the four different disciplines namely College of Agriculture, College of Agriculture Engineering and Technology, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities and College of Home Science of PAU. Results revealed that majority of the respondents were in the age group of 26-27 years. They were using computer/laptop for 3-4 years, for 3-4 hours daily and they used to sit in bed while working on computer/laptop. Majority of the respondents had some knowledge about the importance of work behavior while using computer/laptop. Most of the total respondents felt pain in the neck (88.32%), lower back (75.00%), mid back (73.33%) and upper back (72.50%) while working on computer/laptop. Overall bodily fatigue or tiredness, shoulder or back pain/stiffness and headache during or after working on the computer were the major symptoms as reported by respondents

Download Full-text

Determining the musculoskeletal disorders as the most common work-related injuries, especially in the crafts using the OCRA evaluation method

Occupational Medicine ◽

10.18502/tkj.v10i4.1729 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Gh Halvani ◽

H Fallah ◽

R Jafari Nodoushan ◽

A Haji hosseini ◽

H Fallah zadeh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

High Risk ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Evaluation Method ◽

The Body ◽

Working Environment ◽

Work Related ◽

Demographic Questionnaire ◽

Ergonomic Risk Factors

Introduction: The condition of work in handloom weaving industries cause musculoskeletal (MSDS) disorders which are the most prevailing professional problem among weavers. The aim of this research was to determine ergonomic risk factors in the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. Method: The present study was done through descriptive cross-section method to assess the risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the weavers. Our data collection tools were: demographic questionnaire, job Nordic questionnaire and body map prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders to decide the rate of symptoms. Then, we took film from handloom weavers while wearing to know the condition of their bodies. After reviewing the films, the posture marks was assigned to each duty using the Ergo Intelligence software. At the end, data were analyzed via one-way ANOVA and T-test using SPSS ver.20. Results: The results showed that the most frequent incidence of pain in different organs of the body during last year belonged to neck and shoulder. The average OCRA was 3.65.This indicated that most of the handloom weavers (64.4%) are at high risk. Conclusion: According to the re According to the results of OCRA indices, weavers are at high risk for musculoskeletal injuries, indicating their poor working environment and working conditions, indicating the need for corrective actions.

Download Full-text

Musculoskeletal Disorders Symptoms among Taiwanese Bakery Workers

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17082960 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (8) ◽

pp. 2960

Author(s):

Yi-Lang Chen ◽

Yan-Ting Zhong ◽

Bang-Nan Liou ◽

Chih-Chuan Yang

Keyword(s):

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

The Body ◽

Self Report ◽

Musculoskeletal Discomfort ◽

Ulnar Deviation ◽

Left Wrist ◽

Shoulder Disorders ◽

The Right

In this study, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was administered to a valid sample of 81 Taiwanese bakery workers to explore their discomfort or symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and identify the risk factors. Wrist postures were also examined during 3 typical dough operations (kneading, rolling, and rounding) by using an electrogoniometer. The prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort in any part of the body in the past year among the respondents was 93.0%, with the highest prevalence of 66.3% and 51.8% in the hands/wrists (right and left), followed by the prevalence of 50.6% and 45.8% in the shoulders (right and left) and the lower back (48.2%), respectively. The results also revealed that during the 3 dough processing operations, the workers’ wrist movements in specific operations were close to the recommended limits suggested in previous studies, especially the ulnar deviation and palm flexion of the right wrist during dough kneading and the radial deviation of the left wrist during dough rolling and rounding. The study findings can be used to explain why the bakers self-report a high proportion of wrist and shoulder disorders and can also serve as a reference for task rearrangement and redesign.

Download Full-text

Work-related ergonomic study among egg sellers- a study carried out West Garo Hills, Meghalaya

ASIAN JOURNAL OF HOME SCIENCE ◽

10.15740/has/ajhs/15.2/255-259 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 255-259

Author(s):

Ranima Saikia

Keyword(s):

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

The Body ◽

Hilly Terrain ◽

Musculoskeletal Discomfort ◽

Sitting Posture ◽

Work Station ◽

Work Related ◽

Lower Back ◽

Egg Shells ◽

Garo Hills

The study has investigated the drudgery index and the musculoskeletal discomfort perceived by the respondents engaged in activities related to selling of eggs in the hilly terrain of West Garo Hills, Meghalaya. Findings reveal that cleaning of eggs is most drudgery prone compared to other activities they perform. The activity demands the use of small muscles and continuous movement of the hand at wrist level while holding and cleaning the eggs by using paper/cloth. The activity of cleaning also demands more attention to avoid loss, as egg shells are more fragile. Moreover, the sellers felt discomfort at the mid back, lower back and buttocks due to prolong sitting posture they adopt and due to twisting of the body to reach the items kept at the sides and back. Thus, designing of functional work station is the need for this group of sellers so as to reduce the drudgery level to eliminate musculoskeletal disorders.

Download Full-text

Occupational physical risk factors and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among the traditional lacquerware toy makers of South India

Work ◽

10.3233/wor-213580 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-14

Author(s):

Pradeep Kumar Hanumegowda ◽

Sakthivel Gnanasekaran ◽

Shankar Subramaniam ◽

Adarsh Honnappa

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Andhra Pradesh ◽

South India ◽

Working Environment ◽

Physical Factors ◽

Occupational Risk Factors ◽

Work Related ◽

Occupational Risks ◽

Study Results

BACKGROUND: The majority of handicraft workers in India falls under the informal sector, which plays a prominent role in the employment generation. Artisans in handicraft sectors encounter various hazards and risks causing occupational diseases. OBJECTIVE: The key objective of the study is to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and occupational risk factors among the artisans involved in making traditional lacquerware toys in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, South India. METHODS: The subjects considered in this study are 177 artisans who work in mechanized lathes at Channapatna of Karnataka and Etikoppaka of Andhra Pradesh, South India. The information regarding the reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) symptoms from 7 days to 12 months are collected through modified Standardized Nordic Questionnaire and by direct observations. Moreover, the intervention of WMSD in their day-to-day life and the overall comfort of their body are also determined. The questionnaire survey is conducted through face-to-face interviews and by direct field study. RESULTS: From the statistical analysis, it is found that about 76.83%of the study population (77.4%male and 74.28%female) has self-reported WMSDs. The prevalence of WMSD is most common in the age group of 30–40 years. Physical factors like workplace adaptability, stress at work, body postures, health status, body mass index, active and enough breaks during work and body condition at the end of work have a significant association with WMSD. CONCLUSION: In this study, many of the work-related and lifestyle/health-related factors show a significant association with WMSD in artisans. The sub-standard working environment and the nature of work expose artisans to many occupational risks in their day-to-day life. To mitigate the occupational risks and musculoskeletal disorders, the workspace needs to be resigned ergonomically.

Download Full-text

Musculoskeletal disorders and their associations with health- and work-related factors: a cross-sectional comparison between Swedish air force personnel and army soldiers

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12891-020-03251-z ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Matthias Tegern ◽

Ulrika Aasa ◽

Björn O. Äng ◽

Helena Larsson

Keyword(s):

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Air Force ◽

The Body ◽

Lumbar Region ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Work Related ◽

Body Regions ◽

Helicopter Pilots

Abstract Background The high numbers of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among soldiers in the Swedish Armed Forces has led to the implementation of an effective prevention program, the musculoskeletal screening protocol (MSP), including questionnaires, physical tests and individual intervention of their MSD. A corresponding MSP for the Swedish Air Force is also needed due to earlier reported high prevalence of MSD. We therefore investigated the prevalence of MSD in Swedish Air Force personnel (AF) and compared this to Swedish Army deployed soldiers (DS). Individual, health- and work-related factors associated with MSD were also investigated. Methods Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study on 166 male AF and 185 DS. AF consisted of fighter pilots, helicopter pilots and rear crew from one Swedish air base. Results The one-year and point prevalence, respectively, of MSD were significantly higher for AF compared to DS with regard to both the upper quarter of the body (i.e. neck, shoulder and thoracic regions) (AF = 54.8 and 31.3%, DS = 26.1 and 13.6%, p = 0.01) and the lumbar region (AF = 38.0 and 18.7%, DS = 22.2 and 7.1%, p = 0.00). No significant differences were present between fighter pilots, helicopter pilots and rear crew regarding MSD prevalence. Factors significantly associated with having both upper quarter and lumbar regions MSD were group (i.e. greater odds for AF than DS) and self-reported physical health as less than excellent. Additionally, being older and taller were also factors associated with lumbar region MSD. Discussion Despite a generally healthy lifestyle, MSD were commonly reported by AF and DS, with generally higher prevalence in AF who mainly reported MSD in the upper quarter of the body. The results from this study indicate that the MSP can be a meaningful tool to prevent MSD in air force personnel and that questions regarding general health and MSD in specific body regions should be included in screening protocols. The development of the preventive program MSP is therefore recommended for the Swedish Air Force.

Download Full-text

The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain of Dental Workers Employed in Slovenia

Workplace Health & Safety ◽

10.1177/2165079919848137 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 67 (9) ◽

pp. 461-469

Author(s):

Darija Šćepanović ◽

Tina Klavs ◽

Ivan Verdenik ◽

Čedomir Oblak

Keyword(s):

Working Environment ◽

Musculoskeletal Discomfort ◽

Work Related ◽

Lower Back ◽

Data Collection Instrument ◽

Prevalence Of Pain ◽

General Dentists ◽

The Right ◽

Dental Assistants ◽

Dental Work

Work-related musculoskeletal (MS) disorders are considered one of the most frequent occupational diseases among dental workers. Dental work consists of static, demanding tasks that involve repeated gripping of small-sized instruments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MS pain, the areas of pain, and the risk factors for MS pain in dental workers. A self-administrated questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument for dental workers who voluntarily responded to the invitation. To determine the prevalence and severity location of MS pain, the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire was administered among 87 dental workers, with a total of 79.8%, who reported at least one MS complaint. MS pain occurred in 82.6% of general dentists, 75.0% of dental specialists, 66.7% of dental assistants, and 33.3% of dental technicians. Pain most frequently occurred in the neck (60.7%), upper back (52.4%), right shoulder (44.0%), lower back (41.7%), hips/buttocks (29.8%), and the right wrist (23.8%). The prevalence of pain among dental workers could be reduced by ergonomic working environment, regular breaks, maintenance of health, and performing specific exercises designed to dental workers.

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

Better musculoskeletal health for anaesthetists

10.21466/g.bmhfa.2021 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

S.M. Yentis ◽

◽

K. Asanati ◽

C.R. Bailey ◽

R. Hampton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Health And Safety ◽

The Body ◽

Musculoskeletal Health ◽

Many Sources ◽

Psychological Risk

3Association of Anaesthetists | Better musculoskeletal health for anaesthetistsSummaryWork-related musculoskeletal disorders are very common amongst healthcare workers, and there is evidence that anaesthetists are at greater risk of upper limb disorders than other groups. This guidance aims to bring together advice and recommendations from a variety of sources in order to inform and support anaesthetists at work, in an attempt to reduce the prevalence and severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the exacerbation of pre-existing disorders. Mechanical and psychosocial risk factors for work-associated musculoskeletal disorders are summarised, along with general principles for achieving better musculoskeletal health and practices specific to areas of the body most at risk. These include recommended exercises and stretches during sedentary work.RecommendationsAttention must be paid by both employers and anaesthetists to the physical and psychological risk factors that may lead to development and/or exacerbation of musculoskeletal disorders. This requires ongoing risk assessments and adherence to published standards of health and safety at work, including training. Such a programme is best achieved as part of a multidisciplinary approach.What other guidelines are available on this topic? There are many sources of guidance on health and safety in the workplace, across many sectors, much of which is of relevance to anaesthetists. There is no readily accessible guidance specifically aimed at the anaesthetic workplace.Why was this guideline developed?This guidance was developed as part of a wider piece of work by the Association of Anaesthetists based around ergonomics of the anaesthetic workplace, as a result of the increased reported incidence of musculoskeletal disorders amongst anaesthetists. It aims to draw on existing guidance and present a summary of advice relevant to anaesthetists and their practice.How and why does this publication differ from existing guidelines?This guidance summarises other advice and recommendations, and focuses on factors relevant to the anaesthetic workplace

Download Full-text

Exposure to Adverse Social Behavior in the Workplace and Sickness Presenteeism among Korean Workers: The Mediating Effects of Musculoskeletal Disorders

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph15102198 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (10) ◽

pp. 2198 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Sookja Choi ◽

Yunjeong Yi ◽

Jiyun Kim

Keyword(s):

Social Behavior ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Working Environment ◽

Related Factors ◽

Sickness Presenteeism ◽

Work Related ◽

Mediating Role ◽

Health Related

Adverse social behavior (ASB) by colleagues or superiors in the workplace is considered highly stressful for workers in South Korea. The authors investigate the mechanism by which ASB reduces productivity (measured in terms of sickness presenteeism (SP)), by examining the potential mediating role of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). All data are derived from the fourth Korean Working Conditions Survey, which investigated a representative sample of the working population. The authors analyze their general characteristics (age, gender, income, and education), work-related factors (job type, occupational ergonomic risk, job resource, employment contract, work schedule, working hour, and job demand), and health-related factors (self-rated health and MSDs). The authors use a two-step regression analysis to estimate the direct effect of ASB on SP and the indirect effect of SP via MSDs. The authors find that MSDs mediate 16.7% of the total effect of ASB on SP. When employment type and job conditions are considered, the role of the mediating variable in the group with a permanent contract, no shift or night work, and high working time is greater than the counterpart of each variable. Various strategies are needed to address MSDs according to the working environment, which might help limit the negative impact of ASB on SP.

Download Full-text

Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Sonography and the Alexander Technique

Ultrasound ◽

10.1179/174313408x361199 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. 213-219 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Vivien Gibbs ◽

Pat Young

Keyword(s):

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorder ◽

The Body ◽

Alexander Technique ◽

Work Related ◽

Television Monitor ◽

Repetitive Movements ◽

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorder ◽

Initial Results

Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMSD) is a problem affecting growing numbers of sonographers. The condition often leads to considerable pain for the individuals concerned and inconvenience for departments struggling to cope with increasing workloads. Employers and equipment manufacturers are making efforts to address the problem, but the number of cases of WRMSD continues to increase. This study looks at a different approach to tackling the problem, introducing student sonographers to a technique often used in other professions to overcome stress and damage to the body caused by repetitive movements. The 'Alexander technique' (AT) is a method of increasing an individual's awareness of their body and mind when performing an activity. In a profession such as sonography, where the practitioner is concentrating for long periods of time on interpreting images on a television monitor, the position and movement of the body is usually ignored. By working with a skilled teacher, individuals can be shown how to work more effectively, leading to a possible reduction in stress to the body. Initial results indicate that AT has potential to be of benefit to sonographers in preventing or reducing the incidence of WRMSD; further work is planned.

Download Full-text