Low back pain among residential carpenters: ergonomic evaluation using OWAS and 2D compression estimation.

Occupational low back pain (LBP) remains a leading safety and health challenge. This cross-sectional investigation measured the prevalence of LBP in residential carpenters and investigated ergonomic risk factors. Ninety-four carpenters were investigated for LBP presence and associated risk factors. Ten representative job-tasks were evaluated using the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) and ErgoMaster 2D software to measure elements of posture, stress, and risk. Job-tasks were found to differ significantly for total lumbar compression and shear at peak loading (p < .001), ranging from 2 956 to 8 606 N and 802 to 1 974 N respectively. OWAS indicated that slight risk for injury was found in 10 job-tasks while distinct risk was found in 7 of the 10 job-tasks. Seven of the 10 job-tasks exceeded the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) action limit of 3 400 N for low back loading. The point prevalence for LBP was 14% while the annual prevalence was 38%.     

Prevalence of low back pain in three occupational groups in Shanghai, People's Republic of China

PROBLEM: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent work-related conditions affecting employed populations in developed countries, yet little is known about this condition among the world's largest, single-nation labor force: The People's Republic of China. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study of the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) among garment workers, battery/kiln workers, and teachers in Shanghai, People's Republic of China. Data were collected by personal interview and physical examination at six work sites. The overall response rate was 78%. RESULTS: The overall (N=383) self-reported annual prevalence of LBP symptoms lasting 24 hours or more was 50%. Garment workers had a higher annual prevalence of LBP (74%) than teachers (40%), prevalence ratio (PR=1.9, 95% CI=1.4-2.4). DISCUSSION: The overall annual prevalence of self-reported LBP (50%) was higher than that reported among 50 other Chinese employed study populations (30%). Healthy worker effects may have limited the conclusions from this cross-sectional study. SUMMARY: These results suggest that LBP is a prevalent condition in Chinese workers and that more work should be done to estimate its impact on the Chinese workforce. The findings for garment workers were consistent with increased risk of LBP among persons doing work in fixed, sedentary postures.     

Occupational interventions for the prevention of back pain: Overview of systematic reviews

IntroductionWe conducted an overview of systematic reviews of interventions for the prevention of low back pain (LBP) that can be conducted in a workplace setting.MethodsAn electronic literature search was performed in Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Published peer-reviewed systematic reviews and meta-analyses, which described interventions for the primary or secondary prevention of LBP applicable to a workplace setting, were eligible for inclusion. The methodological quality of the included systematic reviews was assessed with the AMSTAR tool. The primary outcome of interest was the incidence of LBP; secondary outcomes were LBP-associated absenteeism, activity interference, and costs related to LBP.ResultsTwenty-eight eligible articles published between 1994 and 2016 were included in a qualitative synthesis following our screening of abstracts and full-text articles. The AMSTAR rating revealed 14 reviews of high, 10 of moderate, and 4 of low methodological quality. The identified interventions included workplace modifications (6 reviews, 10 studies, 6,751 subjects); shoe insoles (4 reviews, 6 studies, 2,356 subjects); and lumbar supports and other assistive devices (15 reviews, 18 studies, 60,678 subjects). Educational interventions investigated were back schools (10 reviews, 30 studies, 9,973 subjects); manual material handling techniques/advice (6 reviews, 24 studies, 10,505 subjects); and other forms of instruction including pamphlets, booklets, and other media (four reviews, 14 studies, 11,991 subjects). Exercise interventions, investigated in 12 reviews (35 studies, 19,330 subjects), showed moderate quality evidence of effectiveness for exercise interventions alone or in conjunction with educational interventions; no other type of intervention was consistently effective in the prevention of LBP or LBP-associated outcomes of interest.ConclusionsOur overview provides evidence of effectiveness for exercise with or without educational interventions in the prevention of LBP.Practical applicationsExercise interventions with or without educational interventions that can be applied in the workplace have the potential to prevent LBP.     

Low-velocity motor vehicle collision characteristics associated with claimed low back pain

Objective: Up to 50% of individuals involved in low-velocity motor vehicle collisions report low back pain (LBP). A major limitation in such cases is the lack of knowledge of injury mechanisms linking the collision characteristics to the pain and pathology associated with LBP reporting. Thus, the objective of this investigation was to characterize the physical circumstances of low-velocity motor vehicle collisions that resulted in claims of LBP.

Methods: Eighty-three forensically assessed cases were analyzed to identify specific collision and claimant characteristics.

Results: Seventy-seven percent of reviewed cases involved a claim of LBP. Of these LBP claim cases, 70% of cases involved a rear-end collision configuration, and 40% of all cases were low-velocity collisions, with severities ranging between 10 and 12?km/h. The most common pre-existing medical condition was prior LBP or evidence of disc degeneration.

Conclusions: The results of this investigation provide knowledge of collision characteristics that can be employed in future studies on the mechanisms of low back injury in low-speed motor vehicle collisions.     

Lower back pain and its association with whole-body vibration and manual materials handling among commercial drivers in Sabah

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of lower back pain (LBP) and its association with whole-body vibration (WBV) and manual materials handling (MMH). We studied 110 commercial vehicle drivers using a self-administered questionnaire and the VI-400Pro human vibration monitor. Prevalence of LBP was 66.4%. The percentage of drivers who had frequent manual handling of heavy loads was 45.5% and those who handled heavy loads in awkward postures accounted for 86.4%. Daily vibration A(8) averaged on the z axis was 0.25 (0.06) m·s^?2 and at vector sum was 0.29 (0.07) m·s^?2. Daily vibration exposures on the z axis, frequent manual handling of heavy loads and awkward posture during MMH were significantly associated with LBP. Drivers who are exposed to WBV and frequently handle heavy loads manually and with awkward postures probably have more LBP than drivers who are exposed to only one of these risk factors.     

Ergonomic analysis of working postures using OWAS in semi-trailer assembly,applying an individual sampling strategy

In semi-trailer assembly, workers are exposed to several physical risk factors. Awkward working postures have not yet been investigated in semi-trailer assembly, although they are known to be a major risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders. We therefore conducted a comprehensive ergonomic analysis of working postures using the Ovako working posture analysing system (OWAS), with an individual sampling strategy. The postural load in semi-trailer assembly was assessed on the basis of 20,601 observations of 63 workers executing a representative set of nine work tasks. According to the OWAS, the postural load of various working postures and body part positions may have a harmful effect on the musculoskeletal system. We therefore give examples of corrective measures that could improve awkward working postures. Applying an individual sampling strategy was revealed to have advantages over a collective strategy, so this is recommended for future ergonomic analyses.     

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.     

Biomechanical Assessment of Three Rebar Tying Techniques

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a study of ironworkers to evaluate their risk for developing back and hand injuries from hand-tying reinforcing steel bar and to investigate whether power tying tools can be an effective intervention for the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. A field investigation of biomechanical loading when using 3 techniques to tie together rebar was conducted. Researchers measured employees ‘ wrist and forearm movement with goniometers and videotaped and analyzed trunk postures. Manually tying rebar at ground level involved sustained deep trunk bending and rapid, repetitive, and forceful hand-wrist and forearm movements. Using a power tier significantly reduced the hand-wrist and forearm movements and allowed the ironworkers to use one free hand to support their trunk posture while tying. Adding an extension handle to the power tier allowed the ironworkers to tie rebar while standing erect, minimizing sustained trunk flexion.     

Structural equation modelling of lower back pain due to whole-body vibration exposure in the construction industry

Whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure is a health hazard among workers, causing lower back pain (LBP) in the construction industry. This study examines key factors affecting LBP due to WBV exposure using exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. The results confirm five key factors (equipment, job related, organizational, personal, social context) with their 17 associated items. The organizational factor is found the most important, as it influences the other four factors. The results also show that appropriate seat type, specific training programme, job rotation, workers’ satisfaction and workers’ physical condition are crucial in reducing LBP due to WBV exposure. Moreover, provision of new machines without proper training and good working condition might not help reduce LBP due to WBV exposure. The results help the construction companies to better understand key factors affecting LBP due to WBV exposure, and to plan for a better health improvement programme.     

Associations Between Worker Characteristics,Workplace Factors,and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study of Male Construction Workers in Nigeria

Objective. This study assessed the association between worker characteristics, workplace factors, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in Nigeria’s construction industry. Methods. A cross-sectional site-by-site survey was conducted in 5 existing construction companies in Uyo, Nigeria. The subjects (n = 1200 males), aged 18-55 years, filled in the semistructured Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and the job content questionnaire on demographics, work and lifestyle characteristics, and workplace risk factors for WMSDs. Results. The overall prevalence of WMSDs was 39.25%. Differences in age, race, weight, body mass index (BMI), education status, and employment status were significantly associated with the prevalence of WMSDs. Prevalence according to trade was as follows: ironworkers highest at 49% and administrative staff lowest at 31%. Ironworkers (55.7%), administrative staff (53.3%), and security staff (38.7%) scored higher on physical, psychosocial, and individual risk factors, respectively. Workplace factors with increased odds for WMSDs were psychological demands and mental workload, age, BMI, low work experience, low education status, awkward movement of head and arms, working against force or vibration, fast work pace, and race. Conclusion. The recorded high prevalence was multifactorial in etiology; hence, multi-intervention strategies are required.     

The prevalence of seatbelt and mobile phone use among drivers in Riyadh,Saudi Arabia: An observational study

IntroductionRoad traffic injuries (RTIs) are the third leading cause of death in Saudi Arabia. Numerous factors may increase the likelihood of RTIs. The prevalence of risk factors associated with RTIs may vary due to several reasons. Because little is known about these risk factors locally, we examined the prevalence of mobile phone and seatbelt use and their association with spatial locations.MethodsThis is an observational study conducted at major highways and inner intersections throughout Riyadh, the country's capital. Two observers captured seatbelt and mobile phone use among drivers. Logistic regression models were constructed to examine the association between real estate prices and mobile phone or seatbelt use. Observations were categorized as taken place in an affluent neighborhood if the average price per square meter was above 2500 Saudi Riyal.ResultsA total of 1700 drivers were observed in 13 sites citywide. 13.8% of drivers were seen using mobile while driving and only a third of drivers (34%) were wearing seatbelts. Being at an affluent neighborhood was associated with close to three times higher odds of wearing seatbelts (OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.9–3.7) and also associated with 42% lower odds of mobile phone use among drivers (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.36–0.92).DiscussionThis study found a high prevalence of traffic violations among drivers in Riyadh. Based on our estimate, 660,000 drivers are roaming the street during daytime while using their phones and they are less likely to wear seatbelts. Unfortunately, this estimate might contribute to increasing RTIs. Despite existing regulations, seatbelt use among drivers is significantly lower than in developed countries (i.e. USA 94%).ConclusionOur study found a high prevalence of traffic violations represented by lack of compliance with seatbelt and mobile phone use laws. These findings provide a basis for their underlying prevalence in SA. Practical applications: Public health prevention programs may use these findings to facilitate support to increasing investment in awareness campaigns and further enforcement by the traffic police to reduce RITs and improve population health.     

Biomechanical assessment of three rebar tying techniques.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a study of ironworkers to evaluate their risk for developing back and hand injuries from hand-tying reinforcing steel bar and to investigate whether power tying tools can be an effective intervention for the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. A field investigation of biomechanical loading when using 3 techniques to tie together rebar was conducted. Researchers measured employees' wrist and forearm movement with goniometers and videotaped and analyzed trunk postures. Manually tying rebar at ground level involved sustained deep trunk bending and rapid, repetitive, and forceful hand-wrist and forearm movements. Using a power tier significantly reduced the hand-wrist and forearm movements and allowed the ironworkers to use one free hand to support their trunk posture while tying. Adding an extension handle to the power tier allowed the ironworkers to tie rebar while standing erect, minimizing sustained trunk flexion.     

Needle stick and sharps injuries among health care workers in Gondar city, Ethiopia

Background

All employees in health care settings handling needles or other sharps are at risk for needle stick and sharps injuries (NSSIs). Health care workers in under developed countries are at greater risk of infection from blood borne pathogens because of the lack of safety devices and the high prevalence of these pathogens.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of NSSIs and associated factors among health care workers in government health institutions in Gondar city, Ethiopia.

Methods

Institution based cross sectional study was conducted from May-December, 2010. The study included 344 health care workers who were selected from the source population using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through interviews using structured and pre-tested questionnaire and the collected data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0.

Results

The prevalence of NSSIs among health care workers in the preceding 12 months was 106 (30.8%), of which 58 (54.7%) was reported by females. Lack of training on occupational health and safety, working more than 48 h/week, dissatisfaction with work environment and work culture, greater than 10 years of work experience and having low and moderate perception of risk were found to be significantly associated with NSSIs.

Conclusion

The study found high prevalence of NSSIs among health care workers. Effective training, ongoing awareness on the risk of hazards, preventive measures such as engineering control, and post-exposure prophylaxis following NSSIs are essential to reduce the risk of such injuries.     

Work–family conflict and neck and back pain in surgical nurses

Objective. Surgical nurses’ work is physically and mentally demanding, possibly leading to work–family conflict (WFC). The current study tests WFC to be a risk factor for neck and lower back pain (LBP). Job influence and social support are tested as resources that could buffer the detrimental impact of WFC. Methods. Forty-eight surgical nurses from two university hospitals in Germany and Switzerland were recruited. WFC was assessed with the Work–Family Conflict Scale. Job influence and social support were assessed with the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, and back pain was assessed with the North American Spine Society Instrument. Results. Multiple linear regression analyses confirmed WFC as a significant predictor of cervical pain (β?=?0.45, p?β?=?0.33, p?=?0.012). Job influence and social support did not turn out to be significant predictors and were not found to buffer the impact of WFC in moderator analyses. Conclusion. WFC is likely to affect neck and back pain in surgery nurses. Work–life interventions may have the potential to reduce WFC in surgery nurses.     

A Multilevel Approach to Manual Lifting in Manufacturing Industries

Musculoskeletal injuries are often the consequences of wrong postural configurations used during Manual Materials Handling (MMH). This eventually leads to a large payout of worker’s compensation and loss of production time. A simulated study of back injury risks has been carried out on seven selected manufacturing industries to identify and evaluate harmful working postures. For each MMH task, Ovako Working Posture Analyzing System (OWAS) codes have been identified with the help of motion study pictures. Also, Chaffin's biomechanical model was used to calculate L5/S1 load compression values on the spine during MMH activities. The multilevel approach adopted was a combination of OWAS and Chaffin’s biomechanical model. The application of a digitizer enabled us to identify the coordinates and it made a subsequent evaluation of the angles of each body link possible.     

园林工人割灌作业职业性肌肉骨骼疾患的工效学研究

职业性肌肉骨骼疾患是园林工人的常见职业病,严重影响园林工人的工作效率和身体健康。对18名从事园林割灌作业的工人通过NMQ北欧肌肉骨骼系统问卷调查表进行调查,统计得出园林割灌作业的下背痛患病率约在60%左右,从事割灌整枝作业工人下背痛患病率为25%,从事割草作业下背痛患病率达444%,割草作业的下背痛患病率明显高于割灌整枝操作者。应用SPSS190软件进行下背痛的危害因子分析,得出下背痛的发生主要与重复动作、工龄、日提举负荷等有关。     

Safe driving practices and factors associated with motor-vehicle collisions among people with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus: Results from the Diabetes and Driving (DAD) study

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of people with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) who have discussed issues related to diabetes and driving with their health care providers (HCPs). We also sought to determine the safe driving practices that are currently employed by this group. Finally, we investigated the factors that might increase the risk of motor-vehicle collisions (MVCs) among this group in Saudi Arabia.MethodThis cross-sectional study surveyed a representative sample of 429 current male drivers with ITDM using a structured questionnaire in Saudi Arabia.ResultsMost of the participants (76.5%) never discussed topics regarding diabetes and driving with their HCPs. The majority of the participants (61.8%) reported at least never doing one of the following: (a) carrying a blood glucose testing kit while driving, (b) testing their blood glucose level before driving or during a journey, or (c) having thought of a specific threshold of blood glucose level that would preclude driving. Three factors were associated with a higher risk of MVCs among participants with ITDM: (a) being on a basal/boluses regimen, (b) never having a discussion regarding diabetes and driving with their HCPs, and (c) having experienced hypoglycemia during driving.ConclusionsThe majority of people with ITDM had not had a discussion regarding diabetes and driving with their HCPs, which was reflected by a lack of safe driving practices. People with ITDM should be encouraged to take precautions while driving in order to prevent future MVCs.Practical applicationsThis research highlights the importance of investing more effort in educating drivers who have diabetes about safe driving practices by their health care providers. Also, it will attracts the attention of policymakers for an urgent need to establish clear policies and procedures for dealing with drivers who have diabetes.     

Psychosocial and Individual Characteristics and Musculoskeletal Complaints Among Clinical Laboratory Workers

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are an important health problem among healthcare workers, including clinical laboratory ones. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of MSDs and individual and psychosocial risk factors among clinical laboratory workers. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 156 workers of 30 clinical laboratories in 3 towns of Iran. The Nordic questionnaire with individual and psychosocial risk factors was used to collect data. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. The prevalence of reported MSDs among the study population was 72.4% in the past 12 months. The most prevalent MSDs were pain in the lower back and neck; 42.7% and 33.3%, respectively. Significant relations were found between MSDs and age, gender, heavy work at home and job control (p < .05). MSDs among laboratory workers were high and associated with age, gender, heavy work at home and job control. More research into measuring these factors and workplace physical demands is suggested.