scholarly journals Assessment of Ergonomical and Occupational Health Related Problems Among VDT Workers of West Bengal, India

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 26-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Banibrata Das ◽  
Tirthankar Ghosh

Objective: Musculoskeletal disorders are a common problem among computer users. The main aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal and visual disorders among the VDT workers. Material & Methods: The study was conducted in the different office premises in Kolkata. After selections of the locations, 100 VDT workers are selected randomly comprising 50 male and 50 female. A detailed study based on a modified Nordic questionnaire was performed among these VDT workers for study period to measure the outcome of epidemiological studies on musculoskeletal disorders. Results: The main finding of this study was that the Lower back problem is the main problem among VDT workers. The both male and female VDT workers also suffered pain in neck, shoulder, fore arm, wrist, elbow and the different parts of the upper extremities. This study revealed that the female VDT workers suffer more discomfort feeling than male VDT workers. In this study it was clearly indicated that the discomfort feeling was relatively high among the aged VDT workers. Prolonged period of work in an awkward posture mainly lead to discomfort feeling among the VDT workers. Another finding of this study was that both male and female VDT workers suffered from visual stress due to prolonged period of work and without using of antiglare screen in a monitor. Conclusion: The VDT workers suffered pain mainly in the upper extremities and lower back of the body. They also suffered from visual stress. Females have a higher discomfort feeling than male VDT workers. Key Words: VDT workers; Discomfort feeling; Visual stress; Gender difference DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v1i2.2992Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 1 (2010) 26-31

2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita de Cássia Pereira Fernandes ◽  
Fernando Martins Carvalho ◽  
Ada Ávila Assunção

The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among workers in the plastics industry in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil was estimated. Cases were defined by reported symptoms of pain in the previous 12 months, lasting more than a week or having monthly minimum frequency, which had given rise to restrictions at work or to seeking medical attention, or where respondents had a severity score greater than or equal to 3 (on a numerical scale of 0 to 5). A stratified proportional random sample of 577 workers was studied. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, considering of all body segments, was 50.1%. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was higher among women than among men at distal upper extremities (34.6% and 11.6% respectively) and also in the region of the neck, shoulder or upper part of the back (27.4% and 17.6% respectively). There was no difference between genders for the prevalence of lower back pain (21.2% and 21.4% respectively); 65% of cases in this region had reports of pain in the previous seven days. Due to the importance and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, it is necessary that their measurement in epidemiological studies be done properly.


2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather M. Macdonald ◽  
Stéphanie K. Lavigne ◽  
Andrew E. Reineberg ◽  
Michael H. Thaut

ObjectivesDuring their lifetimes, a majority of musicians experience playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMD). PRMD prevalence is tied to instrument choice, yet most studies examine heterogeneous groups of musicians, leaving some high-risk groups such as oboists understudied. This paper aims to (1) ascertain the prevalence and nature of PRMDs in oboists, (2) determine relevant risk factors, and (3) evaluate the efficacy of treatment methods in preventing and remedying injuries in oboe players.MethodsA 10-question online questionnaire on PRMDs and their treatments was completed by 223 oboists. PRMDs were compared across gender, weekly playing hours, career level, age, and years of playing experience.ResultsOf all respondents, 74.9% (167/223) reported having had at least one PRMD in their lifetime. A majority of these injuries (61.9% of all respondents) were of moderate to extreme severity (5 or higher on a scale of 1 to 10). Females (mean = 5.88) reported significantly more severe injuries than males. No significant effects of career level (i.e., professional vs. student vs. amateur), age, or years of playing experience were observed. We found significant non-linear relationships between weekly playing hours and PRMD prevalence and severity. Injuries were most commonly on the right side of the body, with the right thumb, wrist, hand, and forearm being most affected in frequency and severity. Of those injuries for which recovery information was provided, only 26.1% of injuries were “completely recovered.” The perceived effectiveness of a few treatments (physical therapy, rest, stretching, occupational therapy, massage) tended to be ranked more highly than others.ConclusionThe oboists in this study experienced high rates of PRMD, particularly in the right upper extremities. Females and those playing 7-9 and 16-18 h per week reported a significantly higher severity of injuries than other groups.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 52-59
Author(s):  
Venny Diana

Musculoskeletal disorders are disorders that occur in one of the skeletal organs or muscles of the body such as congenital abnormalities in the upper and lower extremities, nerve and muscle disorders, inflammatory infections of bones and joints, musculoskeletal metabolic disorders, degenerative musculoskeletal disorders (spine, upper extremities) and below). The study aimed To analyze the static condition of the workers' complaints of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Using literature review with scoping review method. The data was collected through internet searches using Google Scholar and PubMed with the keywords static conditions, complaints of MSDs, ergonomic position, musculoskeletal disorders, the influence of static conditions, with a range of research years is 2015-2020. Results found 83 articles matching the keyword. A review of 9 research articles that met the inclusion criteria found 4 aspects, namely the factor of length of work more than 1 year, age, working hours and using the same extremity for a long period of time will increase the risk of MSDs, Doing work in awkward positions for 5- 8 hours/day increases the risk of MSDs in workers, especially nurses, The emergence of MSDs symptoms is higher in women, namely in the lower back and neck area, The pain felt due to MSDs disorders can be severe, namely in the lower back, shoulders, neck, wrists , knees and ankles. There is a relationship with static positions/non-ergonomic conditions at work, these non-ergonomic conditions do not directly cause complaints but in the long term complaints will arise. The female gender is at high risk of experiencing MSDs, the length of work and length of time working will affect the emergence of MSDs, there are 12 static conditions found in someone when doing work, the main complaint that appears in MSDs is pain.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 323-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepika Bisht ◽  
Rupa Bakhshi

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


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-259
Author(s):  
Ranima Saikia

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.


Author(s):  
Wahyu Fitrianda Mufti ◽  
Demi Ramadian ◽  
Suci Oktri Viarani M

The computerized system is closely related to today’s office works. Computer works with high intensity of repetition and awkward posture can cause harm or risk. This can cause discomfort in several areas of the body. Therefore, an office ergonomics assessment that focuses on humans as the most important component is needed to determine the impact and causes of the discomfort problem. In this study, MIRTH Office is used as the assessment tools. The questionnaire consists of two parts, namely general information and conformity assessment. The data processing stage in this study consisted of problem identification and problem grouping. The results showed that most of the respondents experienced pain in the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists and lower back. These results indicate the need of ergonomics intervention as early as possible to prevent the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Dilini N. Perera ◽  
Geeth G. Hewavitharana ◽  
S. B. Navaratne

Acrylamide (AA) formation in starch-based processed foods at elevated temperatures is a serious health issue as it is a toxic and carcinogenic substance. However, the formation of more AA entangles with modern-day fast food industries, and a considerable amount of this ingredient is being consumed by fast food eaters inadvertently throughout the world. This article reviews the factors responsible for AA formation pathways, investigation techniques of AA, toxicity, and health-related issues followed by mitigation methods that have been studied in the past few decades comprehensively. Predominantly, AA and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) are produced via the Maillard reaction and can be highlighted as the major heat-induced toxins formulated in bread and bakery products. Epidemiological studies have shown that there is a strong relationship between AA accumulation in the body and the increased risk of cancers. The scientific community is still in a dearth of technology in producing AA-free starch-protein-fat-based thermally processed food products. Therefore, this paper may facilitate the food scientists to their endeavor in developing mitigation techniques pertaining to the formation of AA and HMF in baked foods in the future.


Author(s):  
Reza JAFARI NODOUSHAN ◽  
Saeideh TAHERZADEH ◽  
Vida Sadat ANOOSHEH ◽  
Sara JAMBARSANG ◽  
Moein NEMATI ◽  
...  

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most important occupational health issues. In recent years, the rapid growth of technology and the use of computers have affected almost all office workstations. These disorders are also very common among office staff. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and the degree of body discomfort in the staff of the School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 office staff of Yazd School of Public Health in 2021. The inclusion criterion consisted of having at least one year of work experience and the exclusion criteria included the presence of musculoskeletal complications in different organs of the body and no history of incidents, accidents, and inherited diseases. To collect data, the Nordic questionnaire was used along with a body map (to better understand the position of the limbs) and a visual analog scale (VAS) (to show the severity of discomfort in different parts of the body). The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22 using frequency, mean, standard deviation, and AONVA tests. Results: 108 people (83.7%) of the study population felt pain and discomfort in at least one of the 9 areas of the body during the last 12 months. The most musculoskeletal disorders was related to the low back (67.4%), neck (63.6%), and back (55%). Also, the low back waist, neck, and shoulder areas had the highest mean discomfort, respectively, and the thigh and elbow areas had the lowest mean discomfort. In the report of pain by body map, a significant relationship was observed between the variable of work experience and shoulder, thigh, and low back organs (p <0.05). A significant relationship was observed between low back pain, musculoskeletal disorders in the hands and wrists and body mass index (p <0.05). Conclusion: Due to the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and the high degree of discomfort, especially in the low back and neck, it is recommended to perform educational programs, corrective exercises, and appropriate interventions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-64
Author(s):  
Zachary Wahl-Alexander ◽  
Clayton L. Camic

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the Coronavirus disease 2019 on male and female anthropometric variables and physical performance. Methods: This study utilized a mixed (time [PRE vs POST], gender [male vs female]) methods design to examine changes in the body mass index and physical fitness performance measures prior to and following closures. Data were collected from 264 third through eighth graders. This sample consisted of 131 males and 133 females. The data was collected through anthropometric (body mass index) and physical performance measures and was analyzed with separate 2 × 2 mixed-factorial analyses of variance (time [PRE, POST] × gender [male, female]). Results: The findings indicated both males and females exhibited mean increases in the body mass index (+10.6%; 18.8–20.8 kg·m−2, P < .001, partial η2 = .627) and decreases in push-ups (−35.6%; 7.3–4.7 repetitions, P < .001, partial η2 = .371), sit-ups (−19.4%; 22.7–18.3 repetitions, P < .001, partial η2 = .420), and the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run test (−26.7%; 31.4–22.4 laps, P < .001, partial η2 = .644) scores from PRE to POST. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that both males and females exhibited significant anthropometric and physical performance losses during the Coronavirus disease 2019 shutdown.


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