Applying Metaheuristics to Minimize Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

This article covers the topic of planning and organization of work, which is one of the biggest problems is to establish the most appropriate allocations between human and technical resources, according to the characteristics that define and characterize each individual. These adjustments to decision-making regarding the characteristics of a new larger workforce is a challenge for human resource managers and researchers working to provide well-being and quality of life improvements for employees. The problem of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, coupled with the aging of the active population, may increase the number of citizens with permanent disabilities. Given the complexity and uniqueness of the problems, a decision support system that uses some metaheuristic approaches is presented. The result is a hybrid approach that gives the best solution according to several parameters defined by the decision-maker. Computational results of real problem instances are presented, proving that in most cases, the optimal solution is achieved.

Individual Risk Assessment (ERIN)

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) prevention has become a global phenomenon and nowadays is one of the main challenges that ergonomics and work safety professionals face. The evaluation of risk factors exposition related to the WMSDs is one of the main activities that are performed for prevention. In order to accomplish it, many ergonomic assessment methods have been developed. In this chapter, an ergonomic observational individual risk assessment (ERIN) method is presented, which is distinguished for being easy to learn, apply, and it needs short training time. Results on the reliability, validity, and usability studies of ERIN are included too, as well as an example of how it can be used in the workplace intervention process.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among pesticide sprayers of tea plantations in South India

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) are conditions in which the work environment and performance of work contribute significantly to the musculoskeletal condition. The objective of this study was to assess the work-related musculoskeletal disorders among the pesticide sprayers in tea plantations. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 290 chemical sprayers in selected tea plantations in South India from September to October 2018. Simple random sampling was done to select the sprayers for the study, written informed consent was taken and face–to–face interview was done with the sprayers. Socio-demographic factors and work profiles were noted. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used for the evaluation of musculoskeletal complaints. Results: Among the 290 sprayers in the study, all of them were males and the mean age of the participants was 45.6±8.5 years. More than half of the study participants 152 (52.4%) suffered from at least one musculoskeletal complaint and most of them 104 (35.8%) had pain in more than one body part. Among them, more than one-third 101 (34.8%) suffered from knee joint pain in the past twelve months. Shoulder problems (27.6%), lower back (22.8%) and upper back pains (19.3%) were the other major work-related musculoskeletal disorders that the study participants faced in the past year. Knee pain (31.7%), low backache (20.7%) and shoulder pain (24.1%) were the musculoskeletal problems that were related to their absence from work. Conclusion: More than half of the sprayers had at least one musculoskeletal complaint. Most common issues included knee joint pain, shoulder pain and back pains.

Occupational-Related Shoulder and Neck Pain Among the Working Population of Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Currently, work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a significant public health concern and are one of the leading causes of disability-adjusted life years and reduced quality of life. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the country-wide prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, particularly shoulder and neck pain, in Ethiopia.Methods: This study considered studies conducted in Ethiopia, written in English and published in 2017-2020 and searched using electronic databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Embase, African Index Medicus, and African Journals Online database. The quality assessment of the studies was done using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Assessment tools to determine the relevance of each included article to the study.Results: The study found that the pooled prevalence of shoulder and neck pain in the previous year represented 37.9% [95% CI:26.5, 50.8%] and 29.9% [95% CI: 20.1, 41.9], respectively. Based on the subgroup analysis, the pooled prevalence of shoulder pain in the last year based on the study population, publication year and study region was 47.6% [95% CI: 45.8, 49.4%], 49.8% [95% CI: 45.7, 53.9%] and 44.6% [95% CI: 41.4, 47.8%], respectively, while the pooled prevalence of neck pain in the last year based on the study population, publication year and study area was 39.1% (95% CI: 37.5, 40.7%], 25.1% [ 95% CI: 20.8, 29.9%] and 32.6% [95% CI: 29.8, 35.5%], respectively.Conclusions This study found that at least one third of the study participants had experienced occupational-related shoulder and/or neck pain in the previous year. The study suggests that there is a need to implement occupational health and safety measure to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders and other hazards.

Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Physiotherapist - A Review

Introduction: Healthcare professionals, especially those with in direct contact of patient are at the highest risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), physical therapists being one of them. Aim: Our aim was to review current knowledge relating to the prevalence, risk factors and prevention of WMSDs among physiotherapists. Method: Google Scholar and PubMed were searched for terms relating to WMSDs in Physiotherapists from inception to 2021. Result: The prevalence of WMSDs among Physiotherapist was high, with the lower back as the most frequently affected followed most often by the neck, upper back and shoulders. Knee joint was commonly affected joint in lower extremity. Multiple risk factors have been found responsible for WMSDs in physiotherapist and some of them are modifiable. Conclusion: Implementing preventive strategies for WMSDs in early stage of a physiotherapist’s career may help to prevent WMSDs and maintain good quality of treatment for patients. Keywords: Pain, Musculoskeletal disorders, Ergonomics, Prevention.

Prevalence, pattern and predictors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among oil workers in Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) account for a loss of GDP in most countries. The oil sector is the largest and most economically relevant industry in Nigeria, yet the impact of WMSD on workers in this industry is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence, pattern and predictors of WMSD among oil workers in Nigeria. METHODS: This exploratory study was conducted in oil producing companies in Nigeria. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to assess WMSD, while risk factors and demographic variables were obtained through an interview. Obtained data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and logistic regression at α=0.05 RESULTS: A total of 198 (138 male, 60 female) oil workers aged 40.3±10.1 years participated in this study. The prevalence of WMSD was 88.8%, and was most common around the low-back (51.5%), and neck (44.4%) regions. There was a significant association between WMSD and each of duration of service (X2 = 45.44, p = 0.020), awkward neck postures at work (X2 = 12.46, p = 0.006), inadequate training on injury prevention (X2 = 11.98, p = 0.007), and continuing to work while feeling discomfort (X2 = 10.83, p = 0.013). Post-hoc analysis revealed that being a male oil worker (OR = 1.17, p = 0.037) and continuing to work while feeling discomfort or pain (OR = 2.23, p = 0.048) were the significant predictors of WMSD. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately nine in every ten oil workers in Nigeria have a WMSD. Male gender and work persistence amidst discomfort or pain are the predictors of WMSD among oil workers in Nigeria. Ergonomics training and evaluation programme is recommended for workers in this industry.