The effects of using an ergonomic aid on the physical workload and body discomfort reported by pre-adolescent farmers in West Bengal, India

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Banibrata Das ◽  
Somnath Gangopadhyay ◽  
Tirthankar Ghosh
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
West Bengal ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Body Part ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Physical Workload ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Work Related

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the major health hazards among farmers. Pre-adolescents are mainly associated with agricultural work due to poor socioeconomic conditions. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to implement a new ergonomics aid for the betterment of job procedures and improvement of productivity, health, and safety of the preadolescent farmers. METHODS: 100 male and 100 female preadolescent farmers were randomly selected from the villages of Tarakeswar, West Bengal, India, to evaluate and reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders, physiological stress. Modified Nordic questionnaires, Body Part Discomfort (BPD) scale, and handgrip strength were assessed before and after using the ergonomics aid. RESULTS: The results of the study show that there was a significant change (decrease) in discomfort in the lower back, wrists, shoulder, and hands among preadolescent farmers when using the newly designed ergonomic aid. Handgrip strength increased and physiological stress was decreased among preadolescent farmers in post-intervention than pre-intervention in just after work conditions. Productivity has been increased in farming by decreasing absenteeism from work with the use of ergonomic aid. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that productivity has been increased in farming by decreasing absenteeism from work as well as by using the ergonomic aid the discomfort feeling has been decreased markedly.

scholarly journals Ergonomic Evaluation of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Postural Stress among Male Potato Cultivators of West Bengal, India

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 5-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amitava Pal ◽  
Sujaya De ◽  
Piyali Sengupta ◽  
Payel Maity ◽  
Prakash C. Dhara
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
West Bengal ◽  
Body Part ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Postural Stress ◽  
Observation Method ◽  
Postural Analysis ◽  
Vegetable Cultivation

Background: Apart from cereal production (rice, wheat, etc.) agricultural labourers are engaged in vegetable cultivation in West Bengal, India. Potato cultivation is one of the important vegetable cultivation in India. The potato cultivation tasks are repetitive in nature and those are carried out mainly by manual efforts. Most of the tasks of potato cultivation are monotonous, strenuous, physiologically demanding as well as time-consuming.Objective: The present study was aimed to evaluate musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and postural stress among male workers engaged in different potato cultivation jobs. Methods: The study was conducted on 163 male potato cultivators in different districts of West Bengal state. A modified Nordic Questionnaire and Body Part Discomfort scale were applied to identify MSDs in different body parts. The postural pattern was assessed by direct observation method. The postural stress was analyzed by OWAS, REBA and QEC methods. Result: The results show that the prevalence of MSDs was very high among the workers and the most affected areas were back and upper extremity. Postural analysis indicated that the subjects had to adopt different stressful postures during performing different potato cultivation jobs. During potato harvesting operation the workers were subjected to greater postural stress than that of other tasks.Conclusion: Postural stress might be the reason of the occurrence of MSDs. From this study it has been recommended that workers should avoid bad work postures as far as possible during work for reducing job related health hazards.International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 4 No 2 (2014) 05 – 14

scholarly journals Quebec Research on Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders

2014 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 643-660 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie N. Côté ◽  
Suzy Ngomo ◽  
Susan Stock ◽  
Karen Messing ◽  
Nicole Vézina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Physical Workload ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Safety Research

This paper aimed to demonstrate the contribution of the research performed by the musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) Research Axis group of the Quebec Occupational Health and Safety Research Network towards better understanding of work-related MSD (WMSD) development and prevention. Although the group targets its work to the Quebec population, its work has significant impact around the world, placing MSD axis members and knowledge and expertise created in Quebec on the international map. Results from the contribution of members are relevant, primarily in the demonstration of the implication of physical workload as well as organizational and psychosocial work-related factors in the development of WMSDs. Also, members have demonstrated that gender, sex, social class, age and ethno-cultural groups interact in various ways with WMSD determinants. Efforts are devoted towards improving understanding of the physiological responses linked with MSDs, which could also lead to new workplace practices in rehabilitation. The group emphasizes the integration of prevention procedures from the design stage to the workplace intervention. Members have proposed research-based tools for best practices at work and also an original conceptual model as a key, novel element of a theoretical conceptualization of WMSDs. Moreover, the group focuses on improving WMSD surveillance, using multiple sources of information, providing information on newly identified health risks and developing new methods of assessing risk in order to effectively prevent disability in the working population. Finally, results from research of the MSD axis group have implications for orienting legal processes, improving legal recognition of MSDs as occupational diseases, and contributing to the evolution of legal thinking. However, much remains to be done. To that end, the group plans and encourages new initiatives for further advancement. In conclusion, the originality of the work places the group in a favourable position to address the complexity underlying WMSDs, combining expertise that enriches fundamental, clinical and population-based research.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in highway sanitary workers

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Happiness Anulika Aweto ◽  
Oluwatoyosi Babatunde Owoeye ◽  
Korede Sunday Adegbite
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Body Part ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Lower Back ◽  
Gradual Onset ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Low Prevalence

Background: Highway sanitary workers are exposed to various health hazards in the course of duty. This study investigated the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among highway sanitary workers in Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Lagos, Nigeria.Method: Two hundred fifty highway sanitary workers (46 males and 204 females) of LAWMA selected from four Local Government Areas of Lagos State, Nigeria completed a 26-item questionnaire that collected information on WMSDs.Results: The 12-month prevalence of WMSDs among the workers was 24.8%. The most commonly affected body part was the lower back (22.0%). Thirty-seven (59.7%) of the respondents reported gradual onset of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) while 25 (40.3%) reported sudden onset. The mean years of working experience was 3.22 + 0.23 years with 111 (44.4%) of the respondents having worked for 4 years and 7 (2.8%) having worked for 1year. The three major job risk factors identified were: continuing to work when injured (87.2%), working in the same position for long periods (53.6%) and lifting heavy materials (52.4%). Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient analysis showed that there were significant relationships between prevalence of WMSDs and age (r = 0.42, p = 0.001*) and years on the job (r = 0.17, p = 0.01*).Conclusion: There was a low prevalence of WMSDs among highway sanitary workers of LAWMA. The most commonly affected body part was the lower back. Increasing age and years of working experience are significant factors that can contribute to the development of WMSDs among these workers.

scholarly journals Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Keluhan Musculoskeletal Disorder Pada Pekerja Penggilingan Padi Kabupaten Penajam Paser Utara

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (8) ◽  
pp. 439
Author(s):  
Agus Wiranto ◽  
Iwan M Ramdan ◽  
Dina Lusiana
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Muscle Tension ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Physical Workload ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Manual Handling ◽  
Rice Milling ◽  
Spearman Test

Rice milling is an informal sector which still lacks attention in terms of occupational health and safety aspects. Health problems experienced by one of them are complaints of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) which have an impact on decreasing work productivity. This study aims to determine the factors that influence complaints of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in rice milling workers in Sepaku Sub-district, Penajam Paser Utara Regency. This research is a quantitative study with cross sectional research design. Sampling using purposive sampling method that amounted to 35 people. Data analysis used the rank-spearman test with a significance level of 0.05 (5%). The results showed that there was a significant relationship between work posture (p = 0,000) and the risk of manual handling material (MMH) (p = 0.005), with complaints of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Whereas in the physical workload, there was no association with complaints of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) (p = 0.095). It is suggested for workers to do material manual handling (MMH) with the correct procedure, reduce awkward work postures during work and stretch the muscles before working and adequate rest so as to reduce fatigue and perceived muscle tension.

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Asymmetric Playing Postures of the Upper Extremity and Back in Music Teachers: A Pilot Study

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 113-118
Author(s):  
Cecilia Wahlström Edling ◽  
Anncristine Fjellman-Wiklund
Keyword(s):  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Music Teachers ◽  
Musical Instrument ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Physical Workload ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Playing Time

To play a musical instrument, such as the violin or flute, requires controlled, adequate movements performed by the arm, hand, and fingers in an asymmetric playing posture. The movements are monotonous and often of long duration, involving static and repetitive muscle work of the upper extremity and neck-shoulder muscles. This situation may lead to an increased risk of contracting musculoskeletal problems. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between physical workload, defined as playing posture and playing time per week, and musculoskeletal disorders in music teachers. A questionnaire was distributed, with items based on work-related musculoskeletal disorders and physical working conditions. The study population consisted of music teachers employed at a Swedish municipal music school. Out of 61 music teachers, 47 (77%) agreed to participate, including 28 women and 19 men. The study group was divided into two groups depending on if they had an asymmetric or symmetric upper extremity/back playing position. Of the total participants, 77% reported musculoskeletal disorders during the preceding 12 months. Female teachers reported significantly more symptoms in the neck, shoulders, and upper back than male teachers. Music teachers with an asymmetric playing posture had significantly more musculoskeletal disorders than music teachers with a symmetric playing posture. This study demonstrates that an asymmetric playing position may affect the amount of musculoskeletal disorders in the upper extremity and back.

scholarly journals A new perspective on musculoskeletal disorders – emerging ergonomic risks in the European Union and Romania

2022 ◽  
Vol 354 ◽  
pp. 00017
Author(s):  
Maria - Elena Boatca ◽  
Alexandra Coroian ◽  
Anca Draghici
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Risk Category ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Area Of Interest ◽  
New Perspective

According to the European Agency for Health and Safety at Work, changes in employment arrangements, new technologies and an increasing ageing population are key sources of emerging risks. New and emerging risks should be a major area of interest for every organisation, as a thorough risk prevention activity is key to high organisation efficiency and increased employee wellbeing. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are not a new risk category by themselves, but the changing characteristics of the work system generate new types of MSDs as a profession-related pathology (work-related MSDs). There is limited literature on this matter, hence the paper provides relevant insights and a new perspective on ergonomic risks and MSDs. Also, the paper presents a comparative analysis of ergonomic risks in the EU and Romania – based on secondary data – and identifies emerging risks in this category.

Better musculoskeletal health for anaesthetists

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 ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
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

scholarly journals Identification of a suitable working posture for female workers engaged in golden thread work

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 24-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Payel Maity ◽  
Sujaya De ◽  
Amitava Pal ◽  
Hiranmoy Mahata ◽  
Mousumi Chatterjee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
West Bengal ◽  
Body Part ◽  
Back Muscle ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Postural Stress ◽  
Golden Thread ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Safety And Health

Background: The golden thread (jori) work is one of the major home based industries providing employment to thousands of artisans spread over several rural areas of the West Bengal. The study is essentially labor intensive and thus workers are prone to suffer from work related health problems. Objective: The present study was aimed to evaluate the musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and postural stress of the female golden thread workers. Methods: The study was carried on 123 adult female golden thread workers in different districts of West Bengal. The prevalence of MSD, body part discomfort rating (BPD) and postural stress (by OWAS, RULA, REBA method) of the workers were evaluated by standard methods. The EMG of shoulder and back muscle was recorded with the help of the BIOPAC system. Result: The results showed that the prevalence of MSDs, BPD rating and postural stress were comparatively lower in case of sitting on the floor with folded legs than squatting and sitting on the floor with stretched legs. The EMG and RMS values of EMG voltage of shoulder and back muscle were comparatively lower in this posture than that of other two postures. Conclusion: It was therefore, concluded that sitting on the floor with folded legs was less hazardous and it imposed less postural stress in comparison to other sitting postures adopted by the golden thread workers.International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 4 No 2 (2014) 24 – 33

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