Interactions between task repetition and psychosocial factors

Psychosocial factors, individual factors, workplace requirements, and workplace organizational factors have all been reported as being associated with the risk of musculoskeletal disorders [11]. Huang, Feuerstein, and Sauter [5] described the various concepts and models proposed to link occupational stress and work-related upper extremity disorders, as well as the difficulty in verifying the suggested linkages. Huang et al. [5] suggested that decomposing a complex model would be an appropriate method to begin the investigations of the proposed models. Task repetition is a workplace requirement that is considered a potential risk factor for cumulative trauma and its relationship to psychosocial factors was investigated. The study found only weak to no statistically significant relationship between task repetition and reported psychosocial factors of job stress in workers in Taiwan.     

Evidence-based exposure criteria for work-related musculoskeletal disorders as a tool to assess physical job demands

Despite worldwide attention, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain a substantial concern at work. To support ergonomists to assess the work-related risk factors for MSDs, several instruments are available. Unfortunately, many of these instruments are not supported by evidence-based exposure criteria for particular MSDs. For effective prevention of MSDs, it is important to know to what extent work-related risk factors are present in the work situation. The Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases (NCOD) develops evidence-based criteria documents for the assessment of work-related MSDs. The exposure criteria of these documents can be used on a group level to support ergonomists in their assessment of the physical job demands that are associated with work-related MSDs. At the moment the NCOD has exposure criteria for the assessment of 22 work-related MSDs, for instance on the work-relatedness of upper extremity disorders, non-specific low back pain or patellar tendinopathy. The use of these exposure criteria enables ergonomist to better assess the work-related risks of MSDs as a starting point for effective prevention.     

Psychosocial indicators among aircraft maintenance workers with and without neck and shoulder musculoskeletal symptoms

In the aircraft maintenance industry, most of workers performs manual handling tasks of different materials, varying from small objects up to large pieces of the aircraft. It can increase the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), which are strongly associated with high physical demands required by the task. Moreover, psychosocial demands are considered as risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders in both the upper limbs and lumbar spine. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess psychosocial indicators among aircraft maintenance workers according to the presence of neck and shoulder musculoskeletal symptoms. Eighty workers of an aircraft maintenance company were evaluated (32.69 ± 8.25 years, 79.8 ± 13.4 kg, 175 ± 7 cm). According to physical examination, 50 workers were classified as asymptomatic (AS - 4.1 ± 3.17 positive signs) whilst 30 workers were classified as symptomatic (SS - 26.72 ± 11.44 positive signs). AS and SS have shown similar profile of demand (p = 0.62), control (p = 0.66) and social support (p = 0.74) according to the Job Content Questionnaire. However, the groups are different when considering work engagement variables. In general, SS have higher scores than AS (p < 0.05).     

Ergonomic evaluation in a values transportation company in Venezuela

The objective was to analyze the work activity and identify risk factors that could account for musculoskeletal disorders in the upper extremities, shoulder and neck of workers of a transport values company in Venezuela. The methods used were: collective interview, tasks observation, evaluation of posture with RULA method and evaluation of repetitive motions with the OCRA method. Five workstations were evaluated. Main problem perceived by workers was: exposure to chemical and biological hazards when handling paper money and coins; inadequate chairs and close supervision. The postures level risk was 1 or 2 for the RULA scale. Only two workstations showed ligth and medium risk level by OCRA method. Conclusion: The factors identified that could explain the musculoskeletal changes were: wrist repetitive flexion and extension, shoulder elevation, lifting weight above shoulder height, elbow repetitive flexion and extension, neck flexion, extended work journey, work overload, high responsibility and strict supervision by a video camera.     

Categorizing job physical exposures using simple methods

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are debilitating for workers and costly for employers. Existing exposure assessment tools were modified for rapid job physical exposure and company organizational exposure assessment. These were augmented with injured worker interviews to "put the meet on the bones" in characterizing risk. These risk assessments are conducted in all industry sectors.     

Non-work factors associated with musculoskeletal upper extremity disorders in women: Beyond the work environment

It is women who are predominantly affected by musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities (MSD/UE), especially those disorders attributed to repetitive strain or cumulative trauma. This study focuses on a female sample of supermarket employees and the effects of stress acquired from their non-work environments on the reporting of musculoskeletal symptoms. Stress and life events were shown to be positively associated with the presence of UE disorders and measures of intensity, duration, and frequency of pain. A multifactorial model for explaining the development of MSD/UE in female workers is proferred, while the significance of understanding the inter-relational nature of women's lives is underscored. Additionally, the study lends credence to the physiological underpinning of stress.     

Effects of a participatory ergonomics intervention computer workshop for university students: a pilot intervention to prevent disability in tomorrow's workers

A participatory approach was used to create a computer ergonomics workshop for college students, incorporating an instructional systems design process and adult learning inquiry perspectives. The primary objective of this participatory ergonomic pilot intervention was to involve students throughout the training design process in solving computer workstation ergonomic problems and adopting healthy computing behaviors. Students' level of participation included becoming part of the training design team, a co-facilitator, or a student trainee. A second objective was to examine the translation of an industrial office ergonomics training program into a college computer ergonomics training program. The long term goal was to reduce upper extremity symptoms and disability. The program was piloted at one private university. The three student trainees significantly increased their knowledge of computer ergonomics from 69% of test items answered correctly pre-training to 82% post-training. Trainees were also successful in conducting computer ergonomic evaluations of students' computing work areas. They achieved 100% accuracy in identifying ergonomic problems and proposing solutions in five ergonomic workstation assessments in the field. This approach was successful in creating a sense of ownership among the student developers and facilitators as reflected in their self-reports during a post-intervention debriefing. The results of this pilot study justify formal controlled trials of this intervention in university students, who will become tomorrow's workers.     

Multi dimensional system for evaluating preventive program for upper extremity disorders among computer operators

Typing is associated with musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs), caused by multiple risk factors. Although a wide variety of ergonomic intervention programs were conducted to reduce risk factors and MSC's, only few of them were found evidence based. This study aimed to test the efficacy of a workplace intervention in reducing MSC's among computer workers. 66 computer workers were assigned randomly to one of three intervention programs: ergonomic intervention including biofeedback, intervention without biofeedback and control group without intervention. The efficacy was tested by advanced assessment including; pain location and severity, posture at work, upper extremity 3D kinematics, muscle activity and psychosocial status. Working hypothesis; significant score differences will be found between the study groups which underwent ergonomic intervention and the control group on the following measures: pain complaints, upper extremity kinematics, muscle activity and psychosocial status. Significant differences were found between pre and post intervention and between research groups and the control group in pain, posture and motion. The ergonomic intervention with biofeedback had no unique contribution in comparison to other interventions. In conclusion; the proposed intervention program was found efficient for reducing pain among computer workers.     

Evaluation of objectivity, reliability and criterion validity of the key indicator method for manual handling operations (KIM-MHO), draft 2007

Upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders are common in the working population. The economic and social impact of such disorders is considerable. Long-time, dynamic repetitive exposure of the hand-arm system during manual handling operations (MHO) alone or in combination with static and postural effort are recognised as causes of musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders. The assessment of these manual work tasks is crucial to estimate health risks of exposed employees. For these work tasks, a new method for the assessment of the working conditions was developed and a validation study was performed. The results suggest satisfying criterion validity and moderate objectivity of the KIM-MHO draft 2007. The method was modified and evaluated again. It is planned to release a new version of KIM-MHO in spring 2012.     

Musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial risk factors among workers of the aircraft maintenance industry

During the recent decades Brazil has experienced an exponential growth in the aviation sector resulting in an increasing workforce. The aircraft maintenance industry stands out, where the workers have to handle different kind of objects. The aim of this study was to evaluate psychosocial indicators as well as musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders among aircraft maintenance workers. One hundred and one employees were evaluated (32.69 ± 8.25 yr, 79.8 ± 13.4 kg, and 1.75 ± 0.07 m). Musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders were assessed through the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and a standardized physical examination. The Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) were applied to evaluate psychosocial indicators. Results of the NMQ indicate the lower back as the most affected body region. On the other hand, the physical examination has shown clinical diagnosis of shoulder disorders. Neck, upper back and ankle/foot were also reported as painful sites. Most of workers have active work-demand profile and high work engagement levels. We suggest that musculoskeletal symptoms may be related to high biomechanical demand of the tasks performed by workers, what must be further investigated.     

The effectiveness of intervention strategies used to educate clients about prevention of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders

The increased prevalence of work-related cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) of the upper extremity highlights the need for effective prevention programs. This paper examines the effectiveness of different intervention strategies used to educate workers about the prevention of upper extremity CTDs. The articles reviewed include primary prevention and reinjury prevention interventions in both clinical and workplace settings. The current research findings are inconclusive. Intervention strategies may include discussion, demonstration, or practice of proper posture and body mechanics. Practice of correct techniques may not be necessary to achieve improved hand-use patterns in assembly-line workers. However, practice with intensive feedback may be necessary to achieve the best performance of hand-wrist position, but not sitting posture, in computer operators. The effects of practice on correct hand use may depend on the type of job task. Further research is needed to clarify the role of practice and feedback in CTD prevention.     

Increased of Brazilian productivity in the slaughterhouse sector: a review

Due to Brazil is a tropical country has activities in occupational exposure to cold restricted to few sectors especially the meatpacking industry. Taking into account that the country in 2010, was again the largest exporter of poultry meat in the world and consequently employing a large number of workers for their slaughter and processing. The search for greater productivity can result in an increase in work rate, as indicated in this sector as monotonous, repetitive and uncomfortable. According the Programa de Frigorífico it was found that within six years, about 20% of the six thousand workers in a slaughterhouse in southern Brazil, received welfare benefits due to musculoskeletal diseases. Adding to this, the lack of parameters for the Brazilian standardization concerning occupational activities carried out in cold. Although several epidemiological studies point to the cold as a risk factor for occurrence or aggravation of musculoskeletal disorders, research in this field is still limited and often contradictory conclusions. This article aims to review developments concerning the poultry industry and the fridge in Brazil, as well as raising the question about the increased productivity of the slaughterhouse, since it has already shown a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders related to work.     

Migrant women farm workers in the occupational health literature

Little attention has been given to the vulnerable populations of migrant women agricultural workers. A systemic review in PubMed was carried out (1990-2008) using terms related to migrant agricultural workers, with specific focus on women. Case studies from Lebanon and California are presented to highlight key physical, psychosocial, and cultural risk factors among these working populations. The review revealed a host of potential problems that span from pesticide exposure and musculoskeletal disorders to socio-cultural barriers. Comprehensive exposure-outcome and intervention studies focusing specifically on migrant women in agriculture are lacking. In depth studies focusing on the work environment of migrant women workers in the agricultural sector are needed. Personal and environmental factors that influence health should be considered in any effective intervention aiming to influence policy making and have a positive impact on these vulnerable working populations.     

A proposed model representing the relationships between user characteristics, computer exposure and musculoskeletal symptoms in children

Children's computer exposure is rapidly growing. Several studies have suggested children using computers may be at risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms. General models and theories relating to the causality of negative musculoskeletal outcomes in adult workers demonstrated relationships between workplace factors and musculoskeletal outcomes. When examining children's computer exposure it is evident that their use is different. Even though risk factors may be similar, due to the nature of children and their computer environments, the potential risk factors and thus a proposed model of causal relationships between exposure and outcomes may differ. Objective: To develop a model of factors influencing computer exposure and musculoskeletal symptoms in children. Methods: 1351 children (or their parents for Year 1 children) in school Years 1, 6, 9 and 11 (ages ~ 6,11,14,16 years) from 10 schools in Western Australia were surveyed on a range of user characteristics, computer exposure and musculoskeletal symptoms. Results: Potential risk factors for childrens' computer exposure and musculoskeletal outcomes were multivariable. Factors such as age, gender, somatic complaints, flow, computer anxiety, computer, TV and physical activity exposure, and SES were related to computer exposure and children's reports of musculoskeletal symptoms. Significance: Developing a child-related computer exposure model to understand relationships between potential risk factors and musculoskeletal symptoms will assist academics, teachers and parents to develop a better understanding of the risk factors for children's computer exposure.     

Risk factors for incident carpal tunnel syndrome: results of a prospective cohort study of newly-hired workers

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most costly upper extremity disorders in the working population. Past literature has shown an association between personal and work factors to a case definition of carpal tunnel syndrome but little is known about the combined effects of these factors with the development of this disorder. Few studies have examined these associations in longitudinal studies. The purpose of this paper is to identify risk factors for incident carpal tunnel syndrome in a longitudinal study of workers across a wide range of occupations.     

Reducing bias through indirect social contact: assessing the impact of student involvement with faculty-led research on unauthorized immigration

This paper explores how working on a faculty-led research project influenced the views of Master of Social Work students concerning unauthorized immigrants. Five graduate assistants worked for one year with two faculty members and one doctoral student to code data from interviews with social workers at immigrant-serving organizations in South Carolina. The master’s students then reflected on what they learned from participating in data analysis tasks, indicating that the experience had further sensitized them to the social justice concerns confronting unauthorized immigrants. Drawing on social contact theory, we argue that student participation in faculty-led research can provide a form of indirect social exposure to other groups, which reduce bias, and suggest that such experiences be included in how educators conceptualize the implicit curriculum in schools of social work.     

Mitigation of musculoskeletal problems and body discomfort of agricultural workers through educational intervention

Farming is a physically arduous occupation that places farm workers' at potential risk of musculoskeletal disorders, which has been observed to impose a greater impact on their health. Each activity in agriculture brings about certain stress and strain on bones and muscles leading to work-related musculoskeletal disorders which can lead to several permanent diseases and disabilities. The purpose of analyzing musculoskeletal problems among male and female workers engaged in agriculture was to know about the risk factors dangerous to health so that interventions can be planned for mitigating them thereby increasing the efficiency of work. Educational intervention included audio-visual aids as well as printed literature. It was hoped that awareness of these factors through dissemination of information would contribute at preventing hazards amongst farmers and their families. The results revealed that the workers reported very severe to severe pain in low back while performing agricultural activities. Weeding was the most strenuous activity for females and threshing crop for males. Training and education on MSDs through educational intervention proved that the knowledge of the farm workers could be enhanced and can help reduce risk of many musculoskeletal problems. It can be help in empowering the community and mitigate MSDs in agriculture.     

From usability requirement to technical specifications for hand-held tools and materials: an applied research in the construction field

Literature shows incidence of musculoskeletal disorders in bricklaying workers as well as the relevance of good designed hand-held tools in musculoskeletal disorders prevention. In this framework, it can be supposed that providing usable hand-held tools and material in construction worksites will help to improve bricklayers' working conditions. Here a study is presented aimed at framing a methodology for usability assessment of bricklayers handled objects, in order to provide employers with practical indicators for choosing tools and materials best fitting workers needs, under the effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction perspective. On the basis of a task analysis, usability requirements for bricklaying hand-held tools and materials have been detailed and related, quantitative and qualitative, technical specifications have been elicited. Theoretical framework and usability assessment methodology are presented and, finally, findings from a field application are discussed.