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Cardoso B, Mateus C, Magalhães R, Rodrigues MA. Ergonomic intervention program for office workers: a case study about its effect in computer vision syndrome and musculoskeletal discomfort. ERGONOMICS 2023:1-12. [PMID: 38018359 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2023.2288543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to develop and implement an ergonomic intervention program at the workplace of knowledge workers, and to evaluate its impact on the reduction of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) and musculoskeletal symptoms. 84 workers were part of the study (mean age 43.2 ± 9.7 years). The intervention included training, delivery of a packaging of artificial tears, and adjustments in workstations. It was conducted intensively along 6 weeks. Data was collected on-site, with questionnaires administered pre-intervention, 2 months after, and 4 months after. Participants exhibited behavioural changes, especially in workplace adjustments and visual rest. By the intervention's end, over 90% had correctly adjusted screens and adopted appropriate postures, while 42.7% adhered to the 20x20x20 rule. CVS severity and prevalence decreased, but not significantly across the three time points. Significant improvements were observed in upper back and neck musculoskeletal symptoms at the end of workdays. Findings suggest that an ergonomic intervention program can benefit employees by reducing visual and musculoskeletal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Cardoso
- Research Centre on Environment and Health, School of Health of Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Mateus
- Centre for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research (TBio), School of Health of Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rúben Magalhães
- Centre for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research (TBio), School of Health of Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Matilde A Rodrigues
- Centre for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research (TBio), School of Health of Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Barati Jozan MM, Ghorbani BD, Khalid MS, Lotfata A, Tabesh H. Impact assessment of e-trainings in occupational safety and health: a literature review. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1187. [PMID: 37340453 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16114-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implementing workplace preventive interventions reduces occupational accidents and injuries, as well as the negative consequences of those accidents and injuries. Online occupational safety and health training is one of the most effective preventive interventions. This study aims to present current knowledge on e-training interventions, make recommendations on the flexibility, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of online training, and identify research gaps and obstacles. METHOD All studies that addressed occupational safety and health e-training interventions designed to address worker injuries, accidents, and diseases were chosen from PubMed and Scopus until 2021. Two independent reviewers conducted the screening process for titles, abstracts, and full texts, and disagreements on the inclusion or exclusion of an article were resolved by consensus and, if necessary, by a third reviewer. The included articles were analyzed and synthesized using the constant comparative analysis method. RESULT The search identified 7,497 articles and 7,325 unique records. Following the title, abstract, and full-text screening, 25 studies met the review criteria. Of the 25 studies, 23 were conducted in developed and two in developing countries. The interventions were carried out on either the mobile platform, the website platform, or both. The study designs and the number of outcomes of the interventions varied significantly (multi-outcomes vs. single-outcome). Obesity, hypertension, neck/shoulder pain, office ergonomics issues, sedentary behaviors, heart disease, physical inactivity, dairy farm injuries, nutrition, respiratory problems, and diabetes were all addressed in the articles. CONCLUSION According to the findings of this literature study, e-trainings can significantly improve occupational safety and health. E-training is adaptable, affordable, and can increase workers' knowledge and abilities, resulting in fewer workplace injuries and accidents. Furthermore, e-training platforms can assist businesses in tracking employee development and ensuring that training needs are completed. Overall, this analysis reveals that e-training has enormous promise in the field of occupational safety and health for both businesses and employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mahdi Barati Jozan
- Department of Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Md Saifuddin Khalid
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Aynaz Lotfata
- School Of Veterinary Medicine, Department Of Veterinary Pathology, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Hamed Tabesh
- Department of Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Wolffsohn JS, Lingham G, Downie LE, Huntjens B, Inomata T, Jivraj S, Kobia-Acquah E, Muntz A, Mohamed-Noriega K, Plainis S, Read M, Sayegh RR, Singh S, Utheim TP, Craig JP. TFOS Lifestyle: Impact of the digital environment on the ocular surface. Ocul Surf 2023; 28:213-252. [PMID: 37062428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Eye strain when performing tasks reliant on a digital environment can cause discomfort, affecting productivity and quality of life. Digital eye strain (the preferred terminology) was defined as "the development or exacerbation of recurrent ocular symptoms and/or signs related specifically to digital device screen viewing". Digital eye strain prevalence of up to 97% has been reported, due to no previously agreed definition/diagnostic criteria and limitations of current questionnaires which fail to differentiate such symptoms from those arising from non-digital tasks. Objective signs such as blink rate or critical flicker frequency changes are not 'diagnostic' of digital eye strain nor validated as sensitive. The mechanisms attributed to ocular surface disease exacerbation are mainly reduced blink rate and completeness, partial/uncorrected refractive error and/or underlying binocular vision anomalies, together with the cognitive demand of the task and differences in position, size, brightness and glare compared to an equivalent non-digital task. In general, interventions are not well established; patients experiencing digital eye strain should be provided with a full refractive correction for the appropriate working distances. Improving blinking, optimizing the work environment and encouraging regular breaks may help. Based on current, best evidence, blue-light blocking interventions do not appear to be an effective management strategy. More and larger clinical trials are needed to assess artificial tear effectiveness for relieving digital eye strain, particularly comparing different constituents; a systematic review within the report identified use of secretagogues and warm compress/humidity goggles/ambient humidifiers as promising strategies, along with nutritional supplementation (such as omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and berry extracts).
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Wolffsohn
- College of Health & Life Sciences, School of Optometry, Aston University, Birmingham, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Gareth Lingham
- Centre for Eye Research Ireland, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura E Downie
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Byki Huntjens
- Division of Optometry and Visual Sciences, City, University of London, EC1V 0HB, UK
| | - Takenori Inomata
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Saleel Jivraj
- College of Health & Life Sciences, School of Optometry, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Alex Muntz
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Karim Mohamed-Noriega
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL). Monterrey, 64460, Mexico
| | - Sotiris Plainis
- College of Health & Life Sciences, School of Optometry, Aston University, Birmingham, UK; Laboratory of Optics and Vision, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece
| | - Michael Read
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rony R Sayegh
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sumeer Singh
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tor P Utheim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jennifer P Craig
- College of Health & Life Sciences, School of Optometry, Aston University, Birmingham, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Kamøy B, Magno M, Nøland ST, Moe MC, Petrovski G, Vehof J, Utheim TP. Video display terminal use and dry eye: preventive measures and future perspectives. Acta Ophthalmol 2022; 100:723-739. [PMID: 35122403 PMCID: PMC9790652 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dry eye disease (DED) is a common cause of ocular pain and discomfort. Dry eye disease (DED) stems from a loss-of-tear film homeostasis and is frequently seen in video display terminal (VDT) users. Video display terminal (VDT) use reduces blink rates and increases incomplete blinks, leading to tear film instability and ocular inflammation, promoting DED. PURPOSE To assess and evaluate the methods for preventing VDT-associated DED and ocular discomfort. METHODS Studies were found using PubMed and Embase with the search terms: (digital visual terminal* OR computer use OR screen use OR smartphone OR display OR visual display terminal* OR computer vision syndrome OR tablet OR phone OR screen time) AND (dry eye OR DED). RESULTS Thirty-one relevant articles were found. Ten described single-visit studies, whereas 21 had a prolonged follow-up. Most preventive measures of VDT-associated DED aimed to increase blink rate or directly prevent tear film instability, ocular inflammation, mucin loss or ocular surface damage. Using an adjustable chair and ergonomic training, blink animations and omega-3 supplementation improved signs and symptoms of VDT-associated DED. Taking frequent breaks was associated with fewer symptoms, but no study assessed the commonly suggested 20-20-20 rule. CONCLUSION Preventive measures, such as blink animation programmes, oral intake of omega-3 fatty acids and improved ergonomics act on different parts of the vicious cycle of dry eye and could supplement each other. A comparison of the efficacy of the different interventions as well as more evidence of the effect of increased humidity, VDT filters and ergonomic practices, are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjørnar Kamøy
- Institute of Clinical MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Morten Magno
- Institute of Clinical MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway,Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryOslo University HospitalOsloNorway,Department of Medical BiochemistryOslo University HospitalOsloNorway,Department of OphthalmologyUniversity of GroningenUniversity Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Sara T Nøland
- Institute of Clinical MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Morten C Moe
- Institute of Clinical MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway,Department of OphthalmologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Goran Petrovski
- Institute of Clinical MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway,Department of OphthalmologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Jelle Vehof
- Department of OphthalmologyUniversity of GroningenUniversity Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands,Department of OphthalmologyVestfold Hospital TrustTønsbergNorway,Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of GroningenUniversity Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Tor P. Utheim
- Department of Medical BiochemistryOslo University HospitalOsloNorway,Department of OphthalmologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway,Department of OphthalmologySørlandet Hospital ArendalArendalNorway,Department of OphthalmologyStavanger University HospitalStavangerNorway,Department of Computer ScienceOslo Metropolitan UniversityOsloNorway,Department of Clinical MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of BergenBergenNorway,Department of Quality and Health TechnologyThe Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of StavangerStavangerNorway,Department of OphthalmologyVestre Viken Hospital TrustDrammenNorway,Department of Oral BiologyFaculty of DentistryUniversity of OsloOsloNorway,National Centre for Optics, Vision and Eye CareDepartment of Optometry, Radiography and Lighting DesignFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of South‐Eastern NorwayKongsbergNorway,Department of Health and Nursing ScienceThe Faculty of Health and Sport SciencesUniversity of AgderGrimstadNorway,The Norwegian Dry Eye ClinicOsloNorway
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Sinha VK, Patro KK, Pławiak P, Prakash AJ. Smartphone-Based Human Sitting Behaviors Recognition Using Inertial Sensor. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:6652. [PMID: 34640971 PMCID: PMC8512024 DOI: 10.3390/s21196652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
At present, people spend most of their time in passive rather than active mode. Sitting with computers for a long time may lead to unhealthy conditions like shoulder pain, numbness, headache, etc. To overcome this problem, human posture should be changed for particular intervals of time. This paper deals with using an inertial sensor built in the smartphone and can be used to overcome the unhealthy human sitting behaviors (HSBs) of the office worker. To monitor, six volunteers are considered within the age band of 26 ± 3 years, out of which four were male and two were female. Here, the inertial sensor is attached to the rear upper trunk of the body, and a dataset is generated for five different activities performed by the subjects while sitting in the chair in the office. Correlation-based feature selection (CFS) technique and particle swarm optimization (PSO) methods are jointly used to select feature vectors. The optimized features are fed to machine learning supervised classifiers such as naive Bayes, SVM, and KNN for recognition. Finally, the SVM classifier achieved 99.90% overall accuracy for different human sitting behaviors using an accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Kumar Sinha
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, India; (V.K.S.); (A.J.P.)
| | - Kiran Kumar Patro
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Aditya Institute of Technology and Management (A), Tekkali 532201, India;
| | - Paweł Pławiak
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computer Science and Telecommunications, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Krakow, Poland
- Institute of Theoretical and Applied Informatics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Bałtycka 5, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Allam Jaya Prakash
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, India; (V.K.S.); (A.J.P.)
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Sahu M, Gnanaraj Solomon D, Vijay SJ, Sudhahar JC. Ergonomic evaluation of the risk factors causing pain in the upper part of the body among IT professionals in India. Work 2020; 67:993-1005. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-203349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In developing countries, the recent increase in computer-related work has considerably increased the occupational complaint of pain. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of workstation design, posture and ergonomic awareness on the prevalence of pain for a year in the upper part of the body (eyes, hands, arms, shoulders, lower back, and upper back) among IT professionals in India. METHOD: To investigate the association of risk factors with the prevalence of pain in different body parts, a newly designed online questionnaire titled “A Questionnaire based on ergonomics for IT Professionals” was developed. The psychometric properties of this questionnaire were tested. 110 computer office workers were recruited from IT companies from major cities in India. RESULTS: The confirmation of reliability and lack of redundancy of items was provided by the calculation of internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha 0.804) and cross-validation. 60% of participants was male. Mean age was 29.73±6.09 years. The prevalence of pain for a year in the upper part of the body was 38.2%. The frequently reported pains were in the neck (22.7%), lower back area (22.7%), and eye strain (21.8%). CONCLUSION: It was identified that long working hours, excessive usage of smartphones, lack of exercise, incorrect workstation adjustments, and incorrect posture were the risk factors for the prevalence of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Sahu
- Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Oakman J, Stuckey R, Kinsman N. Using evidence to support the design of submarine control console workstations. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2019; 79:54-65. [PMID: 31109462 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This paper outlines an approach to develop practical guidelines to support the design of submarine control console workstations. METHOD Guideline development was undertaken for 13 physical design criteria, provided to the research team. Data was gathered from four sources: a systematic literature review, relevant standards, population specific anthropometric data, and user focus groups. The systematic review included risk of bias, quality assessment and evidence synthesis. RESULTS & CONCLUSION The systematic review retrieved 43 relevant articles in relation to seven of the 13 design criteria. Very few high-quality studies were identified. The combined evidence available from each of the four data sources was collated and used to provide a set of guidelines for each of the 13 criteria, highlighting the importance of the use of multiple data sources. This approach has applicability beyond this study where the need exists to collate evidence sources beyond the scientific literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi Oakman
- Centre for Ergonomics, and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia.
| | - Rwth Stuckey
- Centre for Ergonomics, and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Natasha Kinsman
- Centre for Ergonomics, and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
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Ritchie CLW, Miller LL, Antle DM. A case study detailing key considerations for implementing a telehealth approach to office ergonomics. Work 2018; 57:469-473. [PMID: 28777764 DOI: 10.3233/wor-172579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Telehealth approaches to delivering ergonomics assessment hold great potential to improve service delivery in rural and remote settings. This case study describes a telehealth-based ergonomics service delivery process, and compares in-person and telehealth-based ergonomics approaches at an Alberta-based non-profit advocacy group. This project demonstrates that telehealth approaches to ergonomics do not lead to significantly different scoring outcomes for assessment of ergonomics issues, when compared to in-person assessments. This project also outlines the importance of live real-time video conferencing to improving communication, attaining key assessment information, and demonstrating ergonomic adjustments. However, some key considerations of bandwidth and hardware capabilities need to be taken into account. Key communication strategies are outlined to improve rapport, maintain employee confidentiality, and reduce client anxiety around telehealth ergonomics assessments. This project provides further support for telehealth approaches to office ergonomics, and outlines some key implementation strategies and barriers that should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David M Antle
- EWI Works International, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Sitting Posture Monitoring System Based on a Low-Cost Load Cell Using Machine Learning. SENSORS 2018; 18:s18010208. [PMID: 29329261 PMCID: PMC5796304 DOI: 10.3390/s18010208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Sitting posture monitoring systems (SPMSs) help assess the posture of a seated person in real-time and improve sitting posture. To date, SPMS studies reported have required many sensors mounted on the backrest plate and seat plate of a chair. The present study, therefore, developed a system that measures a total of six sitting postures including the posture that applied a load to the backrest plate, with four load cells mounted only on the seat plate. Various machine learning algorithms were applied to the body weight ratio measured by the developed SPMS to identify the method that most accurately classified the actual sitting posture of the seated person. After classifying the sitting postures using several classifiers, average and maximum classification rates of 97.20% and 97.94%, respectively, were obtained from nine subjects with a support vector machine using the radial basis function kernel; the results obtained by this classifier showed a statistically significant difference from the results of multiple classifications using other classifiers. The proposed SPMS was able to classify six sitting postures including the posture with loading on the backrest and showed the possibility of classifying the sitting posture even though the number of sensors is reduced.
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Cifuentes M, Qin J, Fulmer S, Bello A. Facilitators and barriers to using treadmill workstations under real working conditions: a qualitative study in female office workers. Am J Health Promot 2015; 30:93-100. [PMID: 25615705 DOI: 10.4278/ajhp.140123-qual-43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Characterize barriers and facilitators to use treadmill workstations in real work sites. DESIGN For 6 months, workers tried a sit-stand-walk treadmill workstation at will with expert ergonomic support. Qualitative data were collected monthly. SETTING Administrative and academic departments at a higher education institution in Massachusetts, United States. PARTICIPANTS Five female administrative office workers. METHOD One monthly group interview and one personal interview per participant during 6 months. Emerging topics from previous interviews were used in successive data gatherings. Transcribed data were manually coded according to the predefined topics of usability, comfort, safety, and productivity. RESULTS The setup of the work station, communication difficulties while walking (disrespectful, noisy), and peer pressure to maximize use were the main usability barriers. There was no event of falls. Trips were minimized. About comfort, subjects reported it hard to get used to prolonged standing position during the first month. Treadmill speed affected productivity mostly while drawing and working in spreadsheets. Lack of job autonomy was revealed as a generic barrier. CONCLUSION In this female group, treadmill workstations had serious design problems for workers with not enough control of their jobs. The early identification and removal of barriers likely needs to be considered when offering these workstations to workers with low job autonomy.
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Meinert M, König M, Jaschinski W. Web-based office ergonomics intervention on work-related complaints: a field study. ERGONOMICS 2013; 56:1658-1668. [PMID: 24073642 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2013.835872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was a proof of concept to examine the effects of a Web-based office ergonomics intervention on subjects' individual workplace adjustments. An intervention study was conducted with 24 office workers lasting 6 weeks with three consecutive phases (before, 1 and 5 weeks after the intervention). Employees used a purpose-made website for adjusting their computer workplaces without any personal support of ergonomics experts. Workplace measurements were taken directly on site and by analysing photos taken of the employee. Self-reported complaints were assessed by filling in a questionnaire. It was found that 96% of the employees changed their workplaces on their own and retained them mostly unchanged after the intervention. Furthermore, self-reported musculoskeletal complaints and headache symptoms decreased significantly after the intervention. These findings suggest an improvement of workplace conditions so that cost-effective ergonomic Web-based interventions appear promising in further research and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Meinert
- a Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors , D-44139 , Dortmund , Germany
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12
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Vicente-Herrero MT, Ramírez-Iñiguez de la Torre MV, Terradillos-García MJ, López González ÁA. [Dry eye syndrome. Occupational risk factors, valuation and prevention]. Semergen 2013; 40:97-103. [PMID: 23993023 DOI: 10.1016/j.semerg.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Revised: 05/05/2013] [Accepted: 05/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Dry eye syndrome in the workplace is associated with new ways of working, with increasing use of screens and electronic devices and environmental conditions encountered in modern office designs and other environments. Also affect occupational exposure to ionizing radiation, chemicals or atmospheric dust with increased ocular dryness. The study of pathophysiological aspects and laboral causality of the dry eye, must be to develop joint task in Occupational Health, Public Health in coordination with and responsible for the national health system, which would involve primary and secondary preventive measures more effective and proper diagnosis, control and monitoring of the disease, A better knowledge of occupational hazards and actions agreed and coordinated between occupational physicians, preventers, primary care physicians and specialist physicians, such as ophthalmology, will get results much more effective when earlier and optimize available resources.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Á A López González
- Medicina del Trabajo, Universidad Illes Balears, Servei de Salut, Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears, España
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