Musculoskeletal disorders in industrial workers of Delhi

To study the musculoskeletal disorders in industrial workers in Delhi, 631 workers from 60 factories representing small and medium-sized enterprises located in Delhi were interviewed. Many (59.4%) of the workers had musculoskeletal disorders. Tailors, those working near furnaces, cooks, workers in buffing, checking and assembly work, and those working with chemicals had the most joint complaints. Cervical pain was more frequent in tailoring and packing work, whereas lumbar pain was more common in buffing, operators working on presses, those using hand and power tools, and those lifting heavy manual loads. Contract workers had less musculoskeletal morbidity than regular and temporary workers. Skilled workers also had less morbidity. Workers experiencing more job satisfaction reported fewer musculoskeletal disorders. The high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in workers needs urgent attention from the health and labor sectors. An ergonomic approach to prevention should be considered. The current manual load handling limits prescribed in the Indian Factory Rules potentially expose workers to back stress. It is also inappropriate to have separate load-lifting limits for men and women. Research is urgently required to determine the safe load handling limits for the Indian working population based on ergonomic principles. Until internationally acceptable safe limits are established, back pain should be a notifiable disease in India.     

Musculoskeletal pain in ragpickers in a southern city in Brazil

BACKGROUND: Ragpickers are informal workers who collect recyclable materials to earn a small wage. Their life and working conditions are extremely precarious. The ergonomic hazards and musculoskeletal pain in a sample of ragpickers in Pelotas, a city in southern Brazil are examined. METHODS: Two comparison groups were available: a matched sample of non-ragpickers from the same poor neighborhoods, and a random sample of the general population of the city. The cross-sectional study gathered data by interview on 990 individuals in 2004. Musculoskeletal pain was assessed using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. RESULTS: Ragpickers reported higher prevalences for most awkward postures and ergonomic exposures compared to neighbors with other demanding manual jobs. The prevalence within the last 12 months of low back pain (LBP), lower extremity pain (LEP), and upper extremity pain (UEP) among ragpickers were 49.2%, 45.1%, and 34.9%, respectively; levels similar to those reported by neighborhood controls. Both ragpickers and non-ragpickers reported considerably higher ergonomic exposures, and more prevalent LBP, than the general population. CONCLUSIONS: Ragpickers experience many occupational hazards and ergonomic stressors. Their overall prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was similar to a comparison group with other physically demanding manual jobs. For LBP, this prevalence was substantially higher (49% vs. 35%) than in the general population.     

汽车制造业工人肌肉骨骼疾患工效学因素分析

目的研究汽车制造行业工人患肌肉骨骼疾患(MSDs)的工效学危险因素。方法采取分层整群抽样的方式,从广东省3家汽车生产企业随机抽取冲压、焊装、涂装及总装工人共1 065名,对其进行问卷调查,内容包括个人一般情况、工效学危险作业活动及肌肉骨骼疾患症状。结果颈部(38.87%)与背部(31.83%)的大角度弯曲及高度重复性伴手部大角度高度用力活动(39.34%)是汽车企业作业过程最为突出的工效学危险姿势或动作,各工种的暴露与患病情况各有不同;在MSDs的多因素Logistic分析中,各部位的危险姿势或动作与相应部位的肌肉骨骼疾患有关,此外,颈部的不适症状还与工龄(OR=1.238)相关,膝盖的不适症状与体重(OR=1.644)相关。结论汽车制造企业工人的职业性肌肉骨骼疾患与其作业中相应部位典型工效学危险活动或姿势有关,应采取措施改善和控制作业过程中的高危因素,预防肌肉骨骼疾患的发生。     

The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Complaints among Women in Tijuana,Mexico: Sociodemographic and Occupational Risk Factors

Abstract

The authors interviewed an age- and occupation-stratified sample of 466 women, aged 18–40, from 12 Tijuana neighborhoods, about sociodemographic characteristics, work and reproductive history, and musculoskeletal complaints. A total of 29.8% reported experiencing aches or pain in the low back, 38.3% in the upper back, 26.4% in the neck/shoulders, 18.2% in the hand/wrist, and 28.3% in the legs in the preceding year. Both sociodemographic and occupational factors were associated with these complaints. Very low educational attainment, having substandard housing, being the head of household, and being a migrant were each associated with an increased prevalence of one or more musculoskeletal complaints. In general, working outside the home increased the risk of musculoskeletal complaints. Compared with women who had not worked in the preceding 30-month period, those working in the maquiladora had 40–90% higher risks of upper back, neck/shoulder, and hand/wrist pain. Compared with women working outside the maquiladora, maquiladora women workers had 20% higher risks of low back, upper back, and neck/shoulder complaints. More detailed studies of the incidences of musculoskeletal disorders and of specific etiologic risk factors within the maquiladora industry are warranted. Future studies should concurrently evaluate sociodemographic risk factors.     

Are resident handlings in eldercare wards associated with musculoskeletal pain and sickness absence among the workers? A prospective study based on onsite observations

Objectives:We aimed to identify eldercare wards with different types of resident handling characteristics (‘phenotypes’) and determine the prospective association between these characteristics and musculoskeletal pain and sickness absence among workers during a one-year follow-up.Methods:Our study was based on the DOSES cohort, including 467 workers at 103 eldercare wards. At baseline, resident handlings were assessed using onsite observations. Workers’ self-reported musculoskeletal pain and sickness absence were assessed during the following year using text messages. Observations of the frequency of handlings per shift, use of assistive devices, assistance from others, and barriers (interruptions and impediments) were estimated for each worker, aggregated at ward level, and entered into a latent profile analysis, identifying ward phenotypes. We then used generalized estimating equations to determine associations between ward phenotypes, musculoskeletal pain and sickness absence.Results:We identified four ward phenotypes: ‘turbulent’ (many handlings with devices and assistance, many barriers), ‘strained’ (many handlings without devices or assistance, some barriers), ‘unpressured’ (few handlings, yet without devices or assistance, few barriers) and ‘balanced’ (some handlings with devices and assistance, some barriers). Compared to workers in balanced wards, workers in turbulent wards had more days with neck-shoulder and low-back pain (LBP); and those working in strained wards had more days with LBP and higher pain intensities.Conclusion:We found that ward phenotypes based on resident handling characteristics were predictive of musculoskeletal pain and sickness absence over one year. This shows that organizational factors related to resident handling are important determinants of musculoskeletal health among eldercare workers.     

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in nursing professionals

A cross-sectional study estimated the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nursing assistants in Salvador, Bahia. Three hundred and eight workers, randomly selected, answered a questionnaire applied by trained interviewers during working hours. The majority of respondents worked the day shift and did not usually work overtime. About 34% reported having another regular job. Average time in the formal or informal labor market was 19 years. There was high occupational exposure to repetitive hand movements, standing posture, walking, inadequate postures of the trunk and manual handling of loads. The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in at least one body segment was 83.4%.The most affected body segments were: low back (53.9%), legs (51.9%), neck (36.4%), upper back (35.7%) and shoulders (33.8%). There was high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the studied population, which points out to the need for improvements in the working conditions of those professionals.     

汽车装配作业工人肌肉骨骼损伤的流行病学调查研究

目的 调查汽车装配作业工人肌肉骨骼疾患的发生情况,探讨可能的相关影响因素.方法 选择北方某汽车制造公司1508名装配作业工人作为调查对象,采用区域工种检查表、北欧标准化肌肉骨骼症状调查表(NMQ)与疼痛问卷,对调查对象的一般情况、不良工效学因素接触情况和肌肉骨骼疾患发生情况等进行流行病学横断面和回顾性调查.结果 汽车装配作业工人肌肉骨骼疾患发生部位以下背部为最高,其次为手腕部、颈部和肩部,发生较为严重的工段有发动机舱段、内饰段、门盖段、底盘段和调试段.发动机舱段和底盘段作业工人以下背部,内饰段以下背部和手腕部,门盖段以手腕部,调试段以颈部和下背部为肌肉骨骼损伤的主要部位.颈部肌肉骨骼疾患有随身高的增高而加重的趋势;吸烟可能会增加肌肉骨骼疾患的发生.结论 汽车装配作业工人肌肉骨骼疾患发病较为严重,各工段发生部位各有不同,表现特征比较明显,可能与其存在的不良作业姿势或活动有关.作业工人身高和吸烟习惯可能是影响肌肉骨骼疾患发生的重要因素.     

Combined ergonomic exposures and development of musculoskeletal pain in the general working population: A prospective cohort study

Objective:This study aimed to investigate the importance of combined ergonomic exposures at work for the development of musculoskeletal pain.Methods:Through four rounds (2012–2018) of the Work Environment and Health in Denmark Study, 18 905 employees of the general working population replied to a baseline and 2-year follow-up questionnaire. First, a k-means cluster analysis of seven ergonomic factors (back bending, arm above shoulders, lifting etc., from ‘never’ to ‘almost all the time’) identified nine naturally occurring clusters. Second, using a weighted survey regression model controlling for age, gender, survey year, education, lifestyle, influence at work, and pain intensity at baseline, we estimated development of pain intensity (0–10) in the neck-shoulder and low-back in these clusters. The largest cluster served as reference to the other clusters and was characterized by low ergonomic exposures.Results:Clusters characterized by multiple combined ergonomic exposures for a relatively high percentage of the working time showed the largest increase in neck-shoulder as well as low-back pain intensity from baseline to follow-up. However, clusters characterized by high exposure to a few specific ergonomic factors also increased pain significantly, eg, standing/walking combined with lifting/carrying or twisted/bent back for the majority of the working time increased low-back pain, whereas repetitive arm movements for the majority of the working time with or without standing/walking increased neck-shoulder pain.Conclusion:Combined occupational ergonomic exposures play an important role in the development of musculoskeletal pain. Workplace preventive approaches should consider this in risk assessments and organization of the work.     

The relationship between leisure time, physical activities and musculoskeletal symptoms and disability in worker populations

Objectives: To assess the association between leisure time physical activity and musculoskeletal morbidity, as well as possible interactions with physical activity at work. Methods: A literature search was performed to collect all studies on musculoskeletal disorders in which physical activity was involved as a variable. Next, an analysis was made of questionnaire data on a group of 2,030 workers in various occupations, on self-reported physical activity in leisure time and at work, musculoskeletal symptoms (from low back, neck-shoulder and lower extremity) and sick leave due to these symptoms. A logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate the association between musculoskeletal morbidity and four physical-activity indices (participation in sports and sedentary activities, active life style, sedentary life style), adjusted for age, gender, education and work load. Interaction of leisure activities with age and work load was tested too. Results: Available literature data (39 studies) showed inconsistent results. Most studies did not show any effects. Some studies indicated favourable effects of physical activity, both on low back and neck pain. Participation in some vigorous sports seemed associated with unfavourable effects. The empirical data showed no association between participation in sports and/or other physical activities in leisure time and musculoskeletal symptoms. Sedentary activity in leisure time was associated with higher prevalence rates of low back symptoms and sick leave due to low back symptoms. Conclusions: Stimulation of leisure time physical activity may constitute one of the means of reducing musculoskeletal morbidity in the working population, in particular in sedentary workers. Received: 4 October 1999 / Accepted: 25 April 2000     

A study of three preventive approaches to low back injury

The prevention of low back injuries in industry has traditionally been attempted by (1) careful selection of workers, (2) good training in safe lifting, and (3) designing the job to fit the worker (ergonomics). One hundred ninety-one low back injuries were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of each preventive approach. The results indicate that the common selection techniques, as they are being used today, are not an effective control for low back injuries. Similarly, training on safe lifting procedures, as it is being administered today, is not an effective control for low back injuries. It was determined that a worker is three times more susceptible to low back injury if exposed to excessive manual handling tasks. The ergonomic redesign of these tasks to reduce the manual handling exposure represents a partial control for low back injuries.     

Work from Home and Musculoskeletal Pain in Telecommunications Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic: a Pilot Study

One of the side-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is a global change in work ergonomic patterns as millions of people replaced their usual work environment with home to limit the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection. The aim of our cross-sectional pilot study was to identify musculoskeletal pain that may have resulted from this change and included 232 telecommunications company workers of both genders [121 (52.2 %) men aged 23–62 (median 41; interquartile range 33–46 yrs.) and 111 (47.8 %) women aged 23–53 (median 40; interquartile range 33–44)] who had been working from home for eight months (from 16 March to 4 December 2020) before they joined the study. The participants were asked to fill in our web-based questionnaire by self-assessing their experience of hand, lower back, and upper back/neck pain while working at home and by describing their work setting and physical activity. Compared to previous work at the office, 90 (39.1 %) participants reported stronger pain in the lower back, 105 (45.7 %) in the upper back/neck, and 63 (27.2 %) in their hands. Only one third did not report any musculoskeletal problems related to work from home. Significantly fewer men than women reported hand, lower back, and upper back/ neck pain (p=0.033, p=0.001 and p=0.013, respectively). Sixty-nine workers (29.9 %) reported to work in a separate room, 75 (32.4 %) worked in a separate section of a room with other household members, whereas 87 (37.7 %) had no separate work space, 30 of whom most often worked in the dining room. Ninety-five participants (40.9 %) had no office desk to work at, and only 75 (32.3 %) used an ergonomic chair. Of those who shared their household with others (N=164), 116 (70.7 %) complained about constant or occasional disturbances. Over a half of all participants (52 %) said that they worked longer hours from home than at work, predominantly women (p=0.05). Only 69 participants (29.9 %) were taking frequent breaks, predominantly older ones (p=0.006). Our findings clearly point to a need to inform home workers how to make more ergonomic use of non-ergonomic equipment, use breaks, and exercise and to inform employers how to better organise working hours to meet the needs of work from home.Key words: back pain, ergonomics, gender, hand pain, neck pain, physical activity, work space, work with computers     

Frequency of musculoskeletal and eye symptoms among computer users at work

Computer users most often complain of the eye and locomotor system disorders. The goal of this paper was to find out the frequency and relation between musculoskeletal and eye symptoms among computer workers.The data on musculoskeletal and eye symptoms were provided by two questionnaires. Forty-nine workers were included in the study. Their mean age was 41 years and average length of service 16 years. The average amount of time they spent in front of computers was 6.73 hours per day. Women spent more time working at a computer per day than men (P=0.025). The most frequent complaint in the past year referred to the upper back pain (30.6 % of the workers). Every fourth worker, i.e. 24.5 % of them experienced neck pain in the past year; women more often than men (P=0.024). A health problem which reduced the range of motion and prompted the workers to ask for sick leave was lower back pain. The relation between eye symptoms and the upper back pain experienced in the past year (P=0.004), and in the last week (P=0.031) was statistically significant.Proper exercises for stretching musculoskeletal system, ergonomic computer equipment, and artificial tears could decrease muscular and eye problems, which in turn could enhance productivity and reduce sick leaves.     

Relationship between performance rating and risk of low back pain in manufacturing line workers

It is possible that the performance rating of line workers is affected by the risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders that are included in their work more so than by the actual takt time. To investigate whether performance rating relates to the risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders, we analyzed a dataset obtained from a self-administered questionnaire answered by assembly line workers (n=1579). As a result, performance rating had a significant association with unsuitable work environments, poor working postures and handling of heavy loads. The workers who reported the fastest rating had a higher exposure than others to the risk factors for occupational low back pain. The results of our study support the effectiveness of performance rating as an index of work burden.     

Examination of postures and frequency of musculoskeletal disorders among manual workers in Calcutta,India

Background: Manual material handling (MMH) activities require workers to adopt various awkward postures leading to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD).

Objectives: To investigate the postures adopted during heavy load handling and the frequency of MSDs among MMH workers in Calcutta, India.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 100 MMH workers. MSD frequency was assessed via the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. The Ovako Working Posture Assessment System (OWAS) was used to analyze working posture. We used logistic regression to predict MSD risk factors.

Results: Ninety five percent of workers reported a MSD in at least one body part in the past 12 months. According to OWAS results, 83% of the analysed work postures require immediate corrective measures for worker safety. The most harmful posture was carrying a heavy load overhead. Carrying more than 120 kg increased the odds of low back and neck pain by 4.527 and 4.555, respectively.

Conclusions: This sample had a high frequency of reported MSDs, likely attributed to physiologically strenuous occupational activities repeated on average of 30–40 times daily. Ergonomic interventions, such as the use of handcarts, and occupational training are urgently needed.     

The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among women in Tijuana, Mexico: sociodemographic and occupational risk factors

The authors interviewed an age- and occupation-stratified sample of 466 women, aged 18-40, from 12 Tijuana neighborhoods, about sociodemographic characteristics, work and reproductive history, and musculoskeletal complaints. A total of 29.8% reported experiencing aches or pain in the low back, 38.3% in the upper back, 26.4% in the neck/shoulders, 18.2% in the hand/wrist, and 28.3% in the legs in the preceding year. Both sociodemographic and occupational factors were associated with these complaints. Very low educational attainment, having substandard housing, being the head of household, and being a migrant were each associated with an increased prevalence of one or more musculoskeletal complaints. In general, working outside the home increased the risk of musculoskeletal complaints. Compared with women who had not worked in the preceding 30-month period, those working in the maquiladora had 40-90% higher risks of upper back, neck/shoulder, and hand/wrist pain. Compared with women working outside the maquiladora, maquiladora women workers had 20% higher risks of low back, upper back, and neck/shoulder complaints. More detailed studies of the incidences of musculoskeletal disorders and of specific etiologic risk factors within the maquiladora industry are warranted. Future studies should concurrently evaluate sociodemographic risk factors.     

BRIEF和PLIBEL方法在评价航空搬运工人肌肉骨骼疾患中的应用

目的探讨民航搬运作业工人工作相关肌肉骨骼疾患(WMSDs)的危险部位及工效学因素。方法应用BRIEF和PLIBEL方法,对北方某大型国际机场货运公司249名健康男性搬运工人的作业姿势、力量、持续时间和动作频率以及17个相关工效学问题进行现场调查与观测。结果机场搬运作业以手腕部WMSDs发生风险为最高,其次为背、肩和手肘部。不同作业发生风险的部位略有差异,行李分拣作业依次为手腕、背和肩部,工效学因素主要来自用力使用不便抓握的工具、无支撑站姿伴背部前屈与扭转、重复或持续性负荷提举和搬运等作业;舱外搬运作业依次为手腕、背、肩和右手肘,工效学因素主要来自用力使用不便抓握的工具、无支撑站姿伴背部前屈、重复或持续性负荷提举和搬运、受限空间等作业;舱口和舱内搬运作业依次为手腕和背部,工效学因素同舱外搬运作业类似。结论手腕、背、肩和手肘部为民航搬运作业WMSDs的主要危险部位,不同作业类别危险部位略有不同,工效学危险因素主要来自不良作业姿势、作业空间受限、工具重负荷以及劳动组织不合理等,机场搬运作业工人应加强对上述工效学危险因素的管理与控制,以预防WMSDs。     

Musculoskeletal problems among workers of an Iranian rubber factory

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common health problem throughout the world and a major cause of disability among the work force. Assessment of exposure level to MSD risk factors can be an appropriate base for planning and implementing interventional ergonomic programs in the workplace. This study was conducted among workers of an Iranian rubber factory with the objectives of (a) determination of the prevalence of MSDs among production line workers, and (b) assessment of the level of exposure to MSD risks. In this study, all 16 production units of the factory were studied. In each unit, 50% of the workers were randomly selected and included in the study. A total of 454 workers participated. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to study the prevalence of MSDs and the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) technique was applied to assess physical exposure to the risks. The videotaping technique was used to collect the required data for each worker. The vast majority of the workers (73.6%) had suffered from some kind of musculoskeletal symptoms during the last 12 months. The highest prevalence was reported in the lower back (50.2%), knees (48.5%) and upper back (38.1%). In 85.5% of the workers studied, the QEC score was high or very high. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between the QEC level of risk and MSDs symptoms (p<0.001). The most common ergonomics problems were found to be awkward postures and manual material handling. MSDs had occurred with a high rate among workers of this rubber factory. Corrective measures for reducing risk level seemed essential. Elimination of awkward postures and manual material handling in the workplace were recommended.     

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders,ergonomics risk assessment and implementation of participatory ergonomics program for pistachio farm workers

Background and objectives: Pistachio farmers are exposed to a variety of risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). However, no study has been conducted to investigate MSDs in pistachio workers. Therefore, in the present study, besides investigating the prevalence of MSDs and their ergonomic risk factors, the participatory ergonomics (PE) method is used to provide an intervention program to reduce MSDs in this population in harvesting and processing pistachio. Methods: The present study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase 138 workers participated. The prevalence of MSDs was assessed with Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the ergonomic risk factors was identified with ManTRA method. In the second phase PE was used to perform ergonomic interventions for reducing MSDs and the effect of the intervention was investigated. Sixty-four workers participated in the second phase (32 in the case group and 32 in the control group). Results: The highest prevalence of MSDs was in shoulders (63.7%), followed by the lower back (63%) and wrists/hands (52.1%). The comparison showed that after implementing the PE intervention program, the prevalence of MSDs in the intervention group was not significantly different from that in the control group. However, in the reassessment by the ManTRA method for five tasks that were identified as high risk in the first phase, a decrease in ManTRA final score was observed for all the five tasks. Conclusions: MSDs were prevalent in all body regions of workers. After implementing PE interventions exposure to ergonomic risk factors decreased. Key words: Agriculture, musculoskeletal disorders, participatory ergonomics, working posture, pistachio, farmer     

职业因素对汽车制造业工人肌肉骨骼疾患影响的研究

目的了解作业场所职业病危害因素与工效学危险因素等对工人几个主要身体部位肌肉骨骼疾患（MSDs）的影响。方法选取南方3家汽车生产制造企业,采用分层、整群抽样的方法,随机从冲压、焊装、涂装、总装、树脂、质检等生产部门中抽取1个班组的生产工人作为调查对象,对其进行问卷调查,收集个人一般情况、职业病危害因素接触情况、典型不良劳动姿势与活动的暴露情况及肩臂部、手部、下背部的阳性症状。影响肌肉骨骼症状发生的单因素分析采用X^2检验,多因素分析采用logistic回归。结果共调查794名工人,其中男性765人,女性29人,平均年龄为（23．34±4．52）岁,工龄中位数2年,其文化程度以中专及以上为主（97．8％）。车企工人总体的MSDs年患率分别为下背部47．0％、肩臂部42．9％、手腕／手掌41．3％。不同工种间不同身体部位MSDs的年患率的差异均有统计学意义（均P〈0．01）,其中肩臂部、手彬手掌的年患率以焊装工的最高,下背部的年患率以总装工的最高。多因素分析结果显示,背前屈〉30°的工作（OR=1．691）等2项与下背部阳性症状年患率有关,手部高力量大角度屈伸的上肢重复活动（OR=1．685）等3项与肩臂阳性症状年患率有关,手部高力量高度重复活动（OR=1．956）等4项与手腕／手掌的阳性症状年患率有关。结论被调查的汽车制造企业工人下背部、肩臂部、手部3个身体部位MSDs的患病情况较突出,各部位的MSDs年患率主要与不良的工作姿势、活动及搬举负荷强度等工效学不良因素有关,需针对其采取有效的控制措施。     

Ageing and work: technical standards

Over the last few years, studies on the relationship between ageing and work have attracted growing interest due to the increased probability among workers of developing major health problems as a consequence of ageing of the working population. Negative outcomes for health are possible when an age-related imbalance appears between physical workload and physical work capacity. Interventions based on workload reductions should help to keep workers on the job for as long as allowed by law. Reference masses by age and sex are suggested by the technical standards of the ISO 11228 series, which are also quoted by Italian law D.Lgs. 81/2008, and EN 1005 series, which recommend limits valid also for manual material handling, and pushing and pulling. Decreasing low back pain prevalence or recurrence, in an ageing population with high prevalence of back disorders, could be more effective than many other approaches to enhance workers' quality of life and consequently maintain and improve workers' performance.