Cervical musculoskeletal disorders and their relationships with personal and work-related factors among electronic assembly workers

IntroductionElectronics assembly workers are reported to have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study investigated the prevalence of cervical MSDs and the complex relationships between cervical MSDs and individual, physical, psychosocial factors among electronics assembly workers. Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, self-administered questionnaires from 700 workers in electronics manufacturing workshops were analysed. Information concerning musculoskeletal symptoms, personal and work-related factors was collected. Finally, the prevalence of cervical MSDs was computed for different subgroups, and the relationships with different factors were analyzed using logistic regression and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: The total 12 month prevalence of cervical MSDs among the survey population was 29.4%. Variables of gender, job tenure, twisting head frequently, neck flexion/extension for long time and work required to be done quickly showed significant associations with MSDs in a multivariate logistic regression (P < 0.05). The SEM analysis showed moderate and significant correlations between postural load (γ = 0.279), gender (γ = 0.233) and cervical MSDs, while there were weak but significant correlations between vibration (γ = 0.024), work stress (γ = 0.126), job tenure (γ = 0.024) and cervical MSDs. Both work stress and vibration affected the MSDs indirectly through postural load. Conclusions: The logistic regression results support previous general epidemiological MSD studies, and indicates that individual, physical, and psychosocial factors are related to cervical MSDs. The SEM provides a better approximation of the complexity of the relationship between risk factors and cervical MSDs. Improving awkward postures may be effective ways to control the influence of occupational stressors or vibration on MSDs. Practical Applications: The study is to improve prevention of MSDs among electronics assembly workers and promote their occupational health.     

汽车组装流水线作业工人慢性肌肉骨骼损伤调查研究

从调查３１６名汽车组装流水线作业工人的慢性肌肉损伤情况中发现，其主要不适有右手或右肩的疲劳、下背痛、手腕压痛、前臂压痛及下背压痛等。汽车组装流水作业工人的这些症状和体征与其工作时右上肢活动明显多于左上肢及常处于前倾弯腰体位有关     

Comparative assessment of respiratory and other occupational health effects among elementary workers

Objective. This study was conducted to assess hazards faced by elementary workers. Methods. A questionnaire survey and a respiratory function test (spirometry) were carried out on 150 respondents. Results. Major hazards identified related to sharp objects, heavy weight lifting, thermally harsh conditions, working at height, whole body vibration, chemicals, pathogens, increased noise levels and confined space entry. Workers suffered from upper and lower respiratory disorder symptoms, digestive problems, optical and musculoskeletal issues, etc. Spirometric measurement showed obstructive lung disorders to be highest among construction workers (CW) (48%) followed by sanitation workers (SW) (32%) and solid waste pickers (SWP) (28%). Restrictive lung pattern was dominant among SW (56%) followed by SWP (46%) and CW (42%). The observed FEV₁/FVC in diseased SWP, SW and CW ranged from 51 to 96%, from 52 to 98% and from 31 to 99% respectively while observed mean FEV₁ was 2.15, 1.79 and 1.70 L, respectively. Conclusion. The study findings show that occupational exposure can significantly influence respiratory system impairment and contribute to other ailments among elementary workers. The study recommends use of appropriate protective equipment and regular medical examination for early recognition of any health risk so that timely interventions for effective management may be undertaken.     

Occupational noise exposure and hearing defects among sawmill workers in the south of Thailand

The aim of this study was to investigate occupational noise exposure and hearing defects among sawmill workers in the south of Thailand. Seven hundred sawmill workers participated, of which 335 (47.9%) were male. The mean age of the sawmill workers was 33.5 years (SD 10.2), and more than 60% were <35 years old; 75.1% of the workers had less than 5 years of work experience. Only about one in four workers (25%) had been trained in use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and half of the participants never or rarely wore PPE while working. The prevalence rate of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) was 22.8% (N?=?42). Male workers had significantly higher risk than female workers (odds ratio [OR]?=?2.21). Workers aged older than 25 years had significantly higher risks for NIHL (OR?=?3.51–12.42) than workers younger than 25 years. Sawing workers had higher risk for NIHL than office workers (OR?=?3.07).     

Respiratory Impairment in Cotton-Ginning Workers Exposed to Cotton Dust

Dust generated during the handling and processing of cotton causes ill health of ginning workers. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among cotton-ginning workers. This study involved 188 workers of 10 cotton-ginning factories. Forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) declined significantly with increasing duration of exposure (p < .001) of the cotton-ginning workers. Results of a standard respirator medical evaluation questionnaire indicated that, depending on duration of exposure, 51%–71% of cotton-ginning workers suffered from chest tightness, 55%–62% experienced chest pain, while 33%–42% of the workers reported frequent cough. Blood tests of the workers showed higher values of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, eosinophils, and white blood cells when exposure was longer. Byssinosis symptoms were observed among the workers. We recommend regular periodical medical check-ups, compulsory use of personal protective equipment, and proper ventilation at the workplace.     

Validation of a questionnaire about the perception of occupational biohazard in Spanish companies

Objectives. The aim of this work was to develop, validate and test a new questionnaire to assess the biological risk in workers with intentional or unintentional exposure to biological agents. Methods. A questionnaire including 34 questions was developed to study the perception of workers against occupational biohazard. Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) were calculated for the analysis of content validity. A pilot study was carried out with 60 workers from 17 companies performing analysis of Cronbach's α to assess the internal consistency or reliability. Results. A total of 518 workers from 51 Spanish companies in which there is exposure to biological agents participated in the study yielding a response rate of 90%. The final questionnaire obtained a Cronbach's α > 0.759 with a stable test–retest result. The questionnaire validation demonstrates that it could be used to evaluate the biological risks and help the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases. Discussion. This study has validated the need to evaluate worker's perception against occupational risks, as well as the application of prevention methods and protective equipment. It is a first step towards developing an occupational biohazards assessment method including all the requirements set by the European Health and Safety Strategy 2013–2020.     

Skin reactions to latex in dental professionals – first Croatian data

Purpose. To determine the prevalence of undesirable skin reactions to latex in dental professionals and students of the School of Dental Medicine in Zagreb, Croatia. Methods. Our research included 444 participants, of which 200 agreed to undergo a skin prick test (SPT). All participants answered a questionnaire in which we asked about incidence of skin lesions, duration of occupational exposure to latex, localization of skin lesions and symptoms. Statistical analysis of the questionnaire and test results was then carried out. Results. Of the total 444 participants surveyed, 249 (56.1%) reported lesions on their skin (professionals 64.8%, students 6.1–58.5%). From the questionnaire, 239 (96.0%) respondents reported lesions on the hands and fingers, mostly in the form of erythema (37.0%) and occasional dryness of skin (29.0%). Positive SPT results were found in 14 (7.0%) out of the 200 respondents who underwent the test. Conclusions. While a large number of subjects (56.1%) reported skin lesions when using latex products at their workplace, the SPT test was positive only in 7.0%. The results show that the prevalence of self-reported skin lesions was significantly related to the length of occupational exposure, with a substantial effect size (p?<?0.001; V?=?0.334).     

Relationships between certain individual characteristics and occupational accidents

Background. Work accidents and injuries are an occupational health and safety problem. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted for 404 frontline workers who were randomly selected from the Arya Sasol Petrochemical Company in Bushehr, Iran, during 2016. A statistical analysis was performed using the χ² test and the logistic regression model with SPSS version 18. Results. The overall occupational accident rate among the participants was found to be 9.2%. Statistically significant differences were observed for body mass index, education, job experience, smoking habit, consumption of sedative pills and presence of sleep disorders. Three factors had significant adjusted odds ratios (ORs): body mass index (OR 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.16, 5.04]), education (OR 0.25, 95% CI [0.07, 0.85]) and job experience (OR 0.29, 95% CI [0.15, 0.57]). Conclusions. Preventive programs should be implemented for industrial workers, especially young workers, workers who smoke, overweight workers and workers with psychosomatic disease.     

工作场所手传振动的测量与评估——以割草机和绿篱机为例

根据ISO 5349:2001规定，将三轴加速度传感器安装在割草机和绿篱机的手柄上，通过振动分析仪AWA 6258测量割草机和绿篱机的频率计权振动总值，以进行手传振动的危害评估。结果表明:割草机和绿篱机的日振动暴露量A(8)值均超过了我国标准规定的日暴露振动限值3.5 m/s2，预计分别经过1.8～8.5 a和1.9～5.2 a后，暴露于割草和修枝工种人群的10%以上将出现振动性白指，为了有效降低或避免手臂振动病的发生，该行业的作业人员每日接触振动的时间应该控制在2.6 h以内。     

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among workers in an MDF furniture factory in eastern Thailand

The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among 439 workers in an MDF furniture factory using questionnaires and the risk assessment form of the Ergonomic Assessment Tool for Arthritis technique to assess aspects of the workstations and working postures of jobs. With regard to factors that affected MSDs, it was found that workers older than 50 years were having knee symptoms: their adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was 18.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.51, 226.40]. Those who had been working for 1–2 years were having neck pain symptoms: aOR 12.01, 95% CI [1.82, 79.43]. The recommendation of this study is that health monitoring should be provided for workers who have pain in various parts of their bodies, especially those who have been working for 6–10 years, and those who are over 50 years old with knee pain.     

Combined Effects of Physical Demands and Shift Working on Low Back Disorders Among Nursing Personnel

The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic effects of physical demands and shift working on low back disorders (LBDs) among nursing personnel. The study used 2 questionnaires: a self-administered questionnaire composed of parts of Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire to assess LBDs and job content questionnaire to assess physical demands. The participants were divided into 4 groups: from group 1 (low physical demands day workers) to group 4 (high physical demands shift workers). In regression analysis, high physical demands were associated with the prevalence of LBDs independently (OR 4.4, 95% CI [2.40, 8.00] and p < .05), but there was no association between shift working and LBDs (p > .05). Odds ratio in high physical demands shift workers was 9.33 compared to the reference group (p < .001). Calculated synergistic index was 7.37. Simultaneous impacts of shift working and high physical demands may increase the prevalence of LBDs among nursing personnel.     

Anthropometric hand dimensions in a population of Iranian male workers in 2012

Background. The mismatch between the hand size of workers and the size of industrial instruments is a growing concern; it can lead to various musculoskeletal complications. Currently, there are few reliable studies available to address this concern in Iran. This study was conducted to measure 30 upper-extremity parameters in a group of Iranian industrial workers. Methods. This study is a cross-sectional study on 529 workers. The study population was randomly selected from male Iranian industrial workers who were referred to the Yazd hospital occupational medicine clinic for surveillance evaluations. Results. The M (SD) age of the participants was 30.13 (8.29) years. Statistical analysis was performed using the mean, standard deviation and 5th, 50th and 90th percentiles for each measured hand dimension. A considerable number of dimensions were significantly different between the measurements of right and left hands in each examinee. The results showed significant differences between Iranian hand size and that of other populations. Conclusion. This study provided a valuable databank of hand dimensions in a population of Iranian male workers. These data can be used by manufacturers in designing high-quality hand-tools and industrial gloves, taking into consideration Iranian worker characteristics.     

Abstracts

Cancer mortality of art glass workers in Tuscany, Italy. R. Pirastu, D. Bartoli, G. Battista, M. DeSantis, T. Iaia, D. Orsi, M. Tarchi, M. Valiani. Scand J Work Environ Health, 24(5): 386-391.Objectives: This study considers the cause-specific mortality from cancer among art glass workers employed in 17 industrial facilities in Tuscany, Italy.Methods: A cohort of 3390 workers, 3180 men and 210 women, employed at least 1 year, was taken from December 1993. The cause-specific expected mortality from cancer was computed for men relative to Tuscany rates, specified for gender, 5-year age groups, and calendar year. Separate analyses were carried out for the job title of maker and former and for batch mixers.Results: For 3180 men, the observed mortality was above the expected for larynx [standardized mortality ratio (SMR) 166, 90% confidence interval (90% CI) 90 —282], lung (SMR 123, 90% CI 100—151), stomach (SMR 105, 90% CI 76 —142), and brain (SMR 150, 90% CI 71—282) cancer. Increases for these causes were also found for the makers and formers. Mortality from larynx and lung cancer increased with latency, and significantly increased SMR values were observed for ≥21 years since first exposure. The increasing pattern was also present after adjustment for smoking.Conclusions: The results showed consistently increased mortality from larynx and lung cancer in the overall cohort and among makers and formers. Stomach and brain cancer was also increased in the overall cohort and among the makers and formers.Occupational skin and respiratory diseases among hairdressers. T. Leino, L. Tammilehto, M. Hytönen, E. Sala, H. Paakkulainen, L. Kanerva. Scand J Work Environ Health, Vol. 24, No. 5, 398-406.Objectives: The occurrrence and causes of hairdressers' occupational skin and respiratory diseases were studied.Methods: Of a random sample of 500 female hairdressers aged 15-54 years, 355 were available for study. Of the 189 reporting work-related skin and respiratory symptoms in a computer-aided telephone interview on exposure and health, 130 underwent a physical examination, lung funtion tests, prick and patch testing, and nasal and lung provocation tests. An occupational disease was diagnosed when the causality between exposure and disease was probable and the clinical tests supported the diagnosis.Results: The telephone interview revealed a life-time prevalence of 16.9% for hand dermatoses, 16.9% for allergic rhinitis, and 4.5% for asthma among the hairdressers. In the clinical investigations, the prevalence was 2.8% for occupational dermatoses, 1.7% for occupational rhinitis, and 0.8% for occupational asthma. Ammonium perfulfate caused 90% of the respiratory diseases and 27% of the hand dermatoses. Paraphenylenediamine, natural rubber latex, and skin irritation were also causes of hand dermatitis. Allergy to human dandruff (8.6%) and Pityrosporum ovale (12.2%) was common. Previously diagnosed atopic diseases increased the risk for occupational skin or respiratory disease 3-fold (odds ratio 2.9, 95% confidence interval 1.1—7.9). Of the cases, 37.5% (6 of 16 persons) had to change occupations during a 3-year follow-up.Conclusions: Work-related skin and respiratory symptoms are common among hairdressers. Often a specific cause (e.g., ammonium persulfate) can be found if occupational diseases are suspected and diagnosed. Hairdressers with atopic diseases are at risk of developing occupational skin and respiratory diseases.Job demands, muscle activity and musculoskeletal symptoms in relation to work with the computer mouse. C. Jensen, V. Borg, L. Finsen, K. Hansen, B. Juul-Kristensen, H. Christensen. Scand J Work Environ Health, Vol. 24, No. 5, 418-424.Objectives: This study assessed work postures, movements, psychosocial job demands, and shoulder and wrist extensor muscle activity and registered the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms of computer-aided design (CAD) operators.Methods: A questionnaire survey was used to study the use of the computer mouse, psychosocial work factors, and musculoskeletal symptoms among 149 CAD operators. A workplace study was performed using observations electrogoniometers on the wrists, and electromyography to measure exposures and physiological responses during CAD work among a subgroup of the CAD operators.Results: Musculoskeletal symptoms were far more prevalent for the arm or hand operating the mouse than for the other arm or hand, and women were more affected than men. The symptoms may be related to such risk factors as repetitive movements, static postures (e.g., ulnar-deviated and extended wrist on the mouse side), and static muscular activation patterns. The risk factors were present due to continuous mouse use and possible also due to high demands for mental attentiveness, precision, and information processing.Conclusions: Exposure during work with a computer mouse may present a risk for devloping musculoskeletal symptoms. Improvements should focus on introducing more variation.Driver behavior at rail-highway crossings. J. Abraham, T. Datta, & S. Datta. Transportation Research Record, 1648. Paper No. 98-0632.A study of driver behavior at 37 rail-highway crossings in Michigan revealed the possible associations between past crash histories and violations. Data collection included recording license plate numbers for violating vehicles, driver gender, approximate age of the driver, and the vehicle make and model. Driver violations were categorized into five different levels of severity ranging from routine to critical. The 37 study sites were subdivided into four groups based on crossing geometry and traffic control. The number of sites in the groups ranged from 5 to 18. Seven years of crash data on the study sites were considered for significance testing. Observed violation data for the same groups were calculated, and tests for statistical significance were performed on them. The results of this study indicated promise for the use of the violation data in determining the relative hazardousness of rail-highway crossings in combination with crash histories. The violation data may also be used to develop countermeasures that would help alleviate violations and eventually traffic crash problems at rail-highway crossing sites. Targeted enforcement as well should assist in driver behavioral modifications. Additionally, the timely arrival of trains after the warning devices are triggered is an essential element that motorists assess when considering taking risks.Airbags: an exploratory survey of public knowledge and attitudes. T. Nelson, D. Sussman, J. Graham. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 31(4), 371-379.The present study examines public knowledge and opinion in the United States on issues related to airbag safety. Data were obtained through a national random digit-dial telephone survey of 1005 people living in the contiguous 48 United States. A majority of respondents (1) know that airbags can harm drivers seated too close to the steering wheel; (2) know that rear-facing infant seats should not be placed in the front seat of a car with passenger-side airbags; and (3) know that airbags are saving more lives of women drivers than are being lost. However, most respondents did not know the (1) airbags are killing more children than they are saving; (2) airbags can injure properly belted drivers; and (3) the majority of the lives saved by airbags have been among people who were not wearing safety belts. Knowledge of airbag risks to children and properly belted drivers was significantly associated with a less favorable attitude toward airbags, and with opposition toward the law mandating airbags on all new cars. Drivers of vehicles equipped with airbags held more favorable attitudes toward airbag technology. Further analysis suggest that as the public begins to understand the risks associated with airbags, the current high level of public support for the technology and the mandatory regulation may decline.The relationship of traffic accidents with personality traits. B. Alparslan, C. Dereboy, S. Savk, H. Kaynak, I. Dereboy, E. Cullu, I. Ozkan, S. Ayaz. J. Traffic Me 27(1-2), 25-30.Objective: This study aims to compare traffic accident involved drivers with non-involved drivers in terms of various personality traits and socioeconomic variables.Methods: Ninety-eight drivers consecutively involved in motor accidents within the first four months of 1997 comprised the study group, whereas 88 non-involved drivers served as the control group. The self-report inventory of SCID-II (Structural Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R) was administered to each subject. In addition, we collected data representing the subjects' sociodemographic characteristics, driving experience, and driver license types.Results: No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of age, socioeconomic level, marital status, and driving experience. In contrast, there were more males and heavy vehicle drivers in the accident group as compared with the control group. In addition, the accident group received significantly higher scores in half of the SCID-II personality scales, namely, schizotypal, histrionic, borderline, antisocial, dependent and passive-aggressive.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the accident involved drivers as a group display asocial behaviors, difficulty in impulse control, alertness and aggressive behaviors.Snowboarder's wrist: Its severity compared with Alpine skiing. K. Sasaki, M. Takagi, Y. Kiyoshige, T. Ogino. The Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care. 46(6), 1059-1061.Background: Although the upper extremity, especially the wrist, has been reported to be the most commonly injured site in snowboarding, the severity of these injuries is still unknown. The purpose of this study is to compare the severity of wrist injuries in snowboarding with those in alpine skiing for insight into the treatment of snowboarder's wrist.Materials and methods: The cases of 11,598 patient injured while snowboarding and skiing who presented to the Zao clinic during the past 7 seasons were reviewed and compared. Demographics were studied, focusing on fractures around the wrist joint. Roentgenographically precise assessment of the distal radial fracture was performed according to AO classification.Results: Snowboarders were more likely to injure the wrist than were skiers (18.7% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.01). In the wrist injuries, distal radial fractures occurred at a rate of 0.28 per 1000 snowboarders and 0.008 per 1000 skiers. Comminuted and articular fractures classified as AO type A3, B and C, which required surgical treatment, were 49.4% of distal radial fractures in snowboarders and 23.8% in skiers.Conclusion: Wrist injury sustained while snowboarding is characterized as a severe and complex injury. Thus, we call attention to its severity in the treatment of snowboarder's wrist.Children's fractures: a population based study. R.A. Lyons, A.M. Delahunty, D. Kraus, M. Heaven, M. McCabe, H. Allen, P. Nash. Injury Prevention, 5(2), 129-132.Objective: To measure the incidence of childhood fractures in a defined population.Setting: Accident and emergency (A & E) departments covering the Swansea and North Port Talbot areas of South Wales in 1996.Methods: Linkage of data from A & E departments with population data to produce fracture incidence rates by anatomical site and cause in children aged 0-14 years.Results: During 1996, 2463 new fractures occurred in 2399 residents yielding a fracture rate of 35.1/1000 children. Fractures were more common in boys than girls and increased with age in both groups. Sports and leisure activities accounted for 36% of fractures, assaults for 3.5%, and road traffic accidents 1.4%. Fractures of the radius/ulna were most frequent (36%).Conclusions: The fracture rate in South Wales children is twice the rate reported in previous studies. Further research is required to elucidate the reasons behind this high rate. Many fractures could be prevented by the use of safer surfaces in school playgrounds, and wrist protection in in-line skaters and possibly in soccer players.Elevator Accidents. P. Magnus. Elevator World, 47(6), 112-115.The compilation and analysis of accident data involving elevators is of great importance in efforts to eliminate or at least reduce such accidents. The data can clearly show what priorities should be set. This article analyzes the accident data for Israel during a 23-year period (1975-1998), and the results show that the dominant cause for these accidents was the “absence of a car door.” This led to a regulatory demand to install car doors retroactively. The second dominant cause was “falling into the elevator shaft,” stressing the importance of inspection and maintenance of the door locks. Furthermore, the data point to the need to train elevator technicians on a periodic basis to emphasize the importance of correct and safe work methods, for their own good and for the benefit of the passengers. The intervention of untrained and unauthorized personnel is dangerous and must be forbidden. This should be enforced vigorously.     

Occupational injury and psychological distress among U.S. workers: The National Health Interview Survey, 2004–2016

Introduction: Injuries at work may negatively influence mental health due to lost or reduced working hours and financial burden of treatment. Our objective was to investigate, in U.S. workers (a) the prevalence of serious psychological distress (SPD) by injury status (occupational, non-occupational, and no injury) and injury characteristics, and (b) the association between injury status and SPD. Methods: Self-reported injuries within the previous three months were collected annually for 225,331 U.S. workers in the National Health Interview Survey (2004–2016). Psychological distress during the past 30 days was assessed using the Kessler 6 (K6) questions with Likert-type scale (0–4, total score range: 0–24). SPD was defined as K6 ≥ 13. Prevalence ratios (PR) from fitted logistic regression models were used to assess relationships between injury and SPD after controlling for covariates. Results: The prevalence of SPD was 4.74%, 3.58%, and 1.56% in workers reporting occupational injury (OI), non-occupational injury (NOI), and no injury, respectively. Workers with head and neck injury had the highest prevalence of SPD (Prevalence: OI = 7.71%, NOI = 6.17%), followed by workers with scrape/bruise/burn/bite (6.32% for those with OI). Workers reporting OI were two times more likely to have SPD compared to those without injury (PR = 2.19, 95%CI: 1.62–2.96). However, there was no significant difference in SPD between workers with OI and workers with NOI (PR = 0.98, 95%CI: 0.65–1.48). Conclusion: The prevalence of SPD varied by injury status with the highest being among workers reporting OI. We found that the workers reporting OI were significantly more likely to have SPD than those without injury, but not more than those with NOI. Practical Applications: Mental health management programs by employers are necessary for workers who are injured in the workplace.     

Symptoms and musculoskeletal diseases in hospital nurses and in a group of university employees: a cross-sectional study

Background. Most studies have shown that nurses have a higher risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms compared with other occupational groups. Aim. A cross-sectional study was performed to gain more insight into the prevalence rates of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in nurses. Methods. The presence of musculoskeletal symptoms was revealed by personal interviews in a sample of 177 hospital nurses and in a reference group of 185 university employees. Musculoskeletal diseases were based on radiological examinations in all subjects. Results. Lower back pain (61% vs 42.2%) was the most frequently reported symptom, followed by neck pain (48.6% vs 38.4%) and shoulder pain (36.7% vs 25.9%), with a significantly higher prevalence in nurses. Women had about a 2-fold risk of upper limb region and neck pain compared with men. The most common abnormal findings on radiological examinations were disc herniations (n?=?40). Conclusions. Nurses showed a significantly higher risk of MSDs. Prevalence rates in nurses increased significantly with age. Musculoskeletal symptoms were also common in university employees. This suggests the need for effective intervention strategies involving workers’ active participation, in order to improve the process and organization of work and promote a positive psychosocial work environment.     

Postural Loading Assessment in Assembly Workers of an Iranian Telecommunication Manufacturing Company

Background. Changes in industries and work practices have coincided with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of MSDs and to assess postural loading in assembly workers of an Iranian telecommunication manufacturing company. Methods. Data were collected from 193 randomly selected workers in 4 units of the company. The Nordic musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire and the UBC ergonomic checklist were used as data collection tools. Loading on the upper body assessment (LUBA) was used to assess postural loading. Results. Lower back symptoms were the most prevalent problems among the workers (67.9%). LUBA showed that most assembly workers (94.3%) had experienced considerable and high postural loading (postural load index, PLI > 5). Regression analyses revealed that lighting, rotation, contact stress, repetition, gender and age were factors associated with symptoms. Conclusion. Work-related MSDs occurred at a high rate among workers. Postural loading requires consideration. Any ergonomic intervention should focus on eliminating ergonomic factors associated with symptoms.     

The relationship of occupational injury and use of mental health care

Introduction: Symptoms of depression and anxiety are a common consequence of occupational injury regardless of its cause and type. Nevertheless, mental health care is rarely covered by workers’ compensation systems. The aim of this study was to assess the use of mental health care post-injury. Methods: We used a subsample of patient-care workers from the Boston Hospital Workers Health Study (BHWHS). We matched one injured worker with three uninjured workers during the period of 2012–2014 based on age and job title (nurse or patient-care associate) and looked at their mental health care use pre- and post-injury using medical claims data from the employer sponsored health plan. We used logistic regression analysis to assess the likelihood of mental health care use three and six months post-injury controlling for any pre-injury visits. Analyses were repeated separately by job title. Results: There were 556 injured workers between 2012 and 2014 that were matched with three uninjured workers at the time of injury (n = 1,649). Injured workers had a higher likelihood of seeking mental health care services than their uninjured counterparts during the six months after injury (OR = 1.646, 95% CI: 1.23–2.20), but not three months post-injury (OR = 0.825, 95% CI: 0.57–1.19). Patient-care associates had a higher likelihood to seek mental health care post-injury, than nurses (OR: 2.133 vs OR: 1.556) during the six months period. Conclusions: Injured workers have a higher likelihood to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety based on their use of mental health care post-injury and use is more predominant among patient-care associates; however, our sample has a small number of patient-care associates. Practical Applications: Treating depression and anxiety as part of the workers’ compensation system has the potential of preventing further physical ailment and improving the return to work process regardless of nature of injury.     

Occupational Safety and Health Status of Sanitation Workers in Urban Areas: A Pilot Study From Wuhan,China

Sanitation workers ‘ workload increases quickly with rapid urbanization, but there is almost no evidence or policy recommendations for their management in developing countries. This study describes the health status and occupational protection of sanitation workers; it also explores risk factors related to their health status in Wuhan City, China. Three hundred and eighty-five sanitation workers from 54 streets of Wuhan were surveyed. Their prevalence of 2-week illness and arthritis was relatively higher than in the general population in China. Findings related to occupational protection showed that both sanitation workers (users) and their managers (providers) neglected the role of low-cost protection measures, especially masks, soap/hand sani-tizer and prejob training (use rate of 7.27%, 26.75% and 43.64%, respectively). High-intensity workload was an important risk factor for 2-week illness, and prejob training was an important protective factor against arthritis.     

Musculoskeletal Symptoms In Workers

Self-report measures of musculoskeletal discomfort are a widely used and generally accepted risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders in epidemiologic research. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in packing workers. A cross-sectional study of 75 workers was carried out using a modified Nordic questionnaire. Prevalence was determined with the percentage of positive responses to questions on musculoskeletal symptoms. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were the measures of association between prevalent musculoskeletal symptoms and demographic factors; they were determined with logistic regression. Most musculoskeletal symptoms in workers were from the low back (44.0%), shoulders (33.3%) and neck (32.0%). Years worked were strongly significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms and pain in the neck, shoulders and wrists/hands, P< .001-.050. Hazards related to repetitive movements and discomfort postures could be reduced with stretching exercises, rotation schedules and through new engineering solutions.     

Knowledge,attitudes and practices of occupational risks in Colombian taxi drivers

Objective. The objective of this study was to learn about the health and safety strategies in a sample of taxi drivers in Bucaramanga, Colombia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 138 taxi drivers. A survey was used to identify the socio-demographic and working characteristics, knowledge, attitudes and practices according to their occupational risk. Results. Eighty-five percent of the workers labored 9–15?h/day. Of those who suffered accidents, 27% were not affiliated to an occupational risk administrator (p = 0.028). Of the workers who had a work-related accident, 58% considered that the use of a cell phone while driving would not always reduce their attention, 50% always used their seat belt and 7% took active breaks and wore their seat belt (p = 0.01). Conclusions. Within this group of taxi drivers, having or believing to possess knowledge regarding an occupational risk did not ensure that they had a safe attitude or safe working practices.