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Lucas REC, Merino EAD, da Silva LB, Leite WKDS, Norte Silva JM, Rique Júnior JF. Influence of extended working hours and physical recovery on absenteeism in the footwear industry from a system dynamics model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2024:1-12. [PMID: 39108143 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2024.2382619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Objectives. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are recurrent in the footwear industry, resulting in absenteeism. This study aimed to quantitatively analyze the influence of overtime work and physical recovery time on the occurrence of WMSD-related absenteeism using a system dynamics model. As ergonomic methods have limitations in quantitatively simulating the behavior of these relationships, the integration of computational modeling techniques has emerged as a methodological alternative to bridge this gap. Methods. An ergonomic work analysis (EWA) was developed in a production cell of a large company. A model of causal relationships (causal loop diagram) and a simulation model (flow and stock diagram) were then developed, where three scenarios for overtime and physical recovery time were analyzed. Results. Working an additional hour resulted in a 42% increase in physical overload, leading to 7.62 leave requests per year and 78.7 days of employee absenteeism. Increasing the physical recovery time by 15 min reduced the overload to 36.5%, resulting in 6.8 leave requests per year and 71.1 days of employee absenteeism. Conclusions. Properly managing excess workload and providing adequate physical recovery for professionals is necessary to mitigate the productivity impacts of absenteeism in the footwear industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruan Eduardo Carneiro Lucas
- Production Engineering Department, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, Brazil
- Mechanical Engineering Academic Unit, Federal University of Campina Grande, Brazil
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Silva LKD, Silva ATCD, Moreno CF, Souza ERMD, Nunes TFB, Souza LAHD, Vergara LGL, da Silva JMN. Assessment of the musculoskeletal discomfort scale for upper limb among workers in inner Brazil. Work 2024; 78:83-97. [PMID: 38701121 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work-related musculoskeletal disorders for upper limbs (UL-WMSDs) form a complex of occupational diseases common to many professions worldwide. UL-WMSDs are manifested in most cases by pain, resulting in musculoskeletal discomfort. OBJECTIVE This research aimed to evaluate the perception of musculoskeletal discomfort in workers from the interior of the Brazilian states of Alagoas and Bahia through the construction of a scale to assess musculoskeletal discomfort for upper limb. METHODS The discomfort assessment scale was constructed from self-reported pain symptoms by 420 workers from the inner regions of the Brazilian states of Alagoas and Bahia. The reliability and dimensionality of the collected data were analyzed by McDonald's Omega and exploratory factor analysis, respectively. Item Response Theory (IRT) was used to create parameters for the discomfort scale. RESULTS The musculoskeletal discomfort metric was constructed from the workers' response with six levels (varying from minimum discomfort to maximum discomfort). At the lowest level of the scale, workers indicated symptoms in the shoulders and wrists were rare. At the highest level of the scale, daily pain symptoms are reported in all regions of the upper limbs. The shoulders are the last region to develop extreme pain symptoms. CONCLUSION The metric was created to present satisfactory psychometric properties and capable measurement of the workers' level of musculoskeletal discomfort based on self-reported pain symptoms. Therefore, the metric can support measuring discomfort, contributing to decisions that improve a healthier occupational environment for the worker.
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da Silva JG, da Silva JMN, Bispo LGM, de Souza DSF, Serafim RS, Torres MGL, Leite WKDS, Vieira EMDA. Construction of a Musculoskeletal Discomfort Scale for the Lower Limbs of Workers: An Analysis Using the Multigroup Item Response Theory. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5307. [PMID: 37047921 PMCID: PMC10094112 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal symptoms are a major occupational health problem in workers, and these can affect all professional occupations. Previous studies have proposed metrics capable of evaluating the musculoskeletal discomfort experienced by workers. However, no study has developed a metric that considers professional groups. Thus, this study aimed to develop a scale for musculoskeletal discomfort in the lower limbs to compare self-reported symptoms among education, health, and industry professionals. The sample included 159 teachers, 167 health professionals, and 401 industrial operators who relayed their symptoms using a diagram of the hips, thighs, knees, lower legs, and feet. Factor and multigroup item response theory analyses were used to construct a musculoskeletal discomfort scale consisting of seven levels and to assess and compare the identified symptoms. The results showed that the progressive evolution of discomfort differed for each profession, demonstrating that each context and work environment affects workers differently, which may explain the different patterns of symptom responses among professional groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Gomes da Silva
- Production Engineering Course, Backland Campus, Federal University of Alagoas, Delmiro Gouveia 57480-000, AL, Brazil
| | - Jonhatan Magno Norte da Silva
- Production Engineering Course, Backland Campus, Federal University of Alagoas, Delmiro Gouveia 57480-000, AL, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gomes Miranda Bispo
- Department of Production and Transport Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90010-190, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Rômulo Silva Serafim
- Production Engineering Course, Backland Campus, Federal University of Alagoas, Delmiro Gouveia 57480-000, AL, Brazil
| | - Manoel Gerônimo Lino Torres
- Production Engineering Course, Backland Campus, Federal University of Alagoas, Delmiro Gouveia 57480-000, AL, Brazil
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Kolus A, Wells RP, Neumann WP. Examining the relationship between human factors related quality risk factors and work related musculoskeletal disorder risk factors in manufacturing. ERGONOMICS 2022:1-22. [PMID: 36039042 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2022.2119285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study addresses the relationship between human factors (HF) related quality deficits in manufacturing and work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risk factors in production staff. A recent systematic review identified 60 HF-related quality risk factors (QRFs) in manufacturing related to product, process and workstation design stages. We investigate the extent to which these identified QRFs are also WMSD risk factors. Each QRF was examined for its relationship with WMSD using a 0 (no relationship) to 10 (strong relationship) scale rubric. The authors rated each QRF separately and then discussed and adjusted their ratings in a review session. Results showed that average median ratings were the highest for QRFs related to product design (8/10), intermediate for QRFs related to workstation design (7/10) and the lowest for QRFs related to process design (5/10). This emphasises the significant role of HF in system design in reducing both quality deficits and risk of developing WMSDs for manufacturing personnel. Practitioner summary: This study investigates whether human-related risk factors for product quality are also risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders in manufacturing. Results showed a substantial relationship between quality risk factors and WMSD risk factors. This indicates the significant role of human factors in operations design in improving both system performance and human wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Kolus
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, College of Computing and Mathematics, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
- Interdisciplinary Research Center of Smart Mobility and Logistics, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Richard P Wells
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - W Patrick Neumann
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
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Leite WKDS, Araújo AJDS, da Silva LB, de Souza EL, Silva JMND, Bolis I, Silva MPDOE, Neves RDF, Colaço GA. Sickness absence from work in the footwear industry: A longitudinal study. Work 2022; 72:431-451. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-205312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Studies on illness in the footwear industry have prioritized specific work sectors and diseases. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the main factors related to sickness absence and the indicators of illness in terms of recurrence and workdays lost among workers at a footwear company, ranging from storage of raw material to distribution of the final product. METHODS: A total of 9072 cases of absence from work were investigated in shoe production units from 2014 to 2017. Univariate models estimated the risk of bodily dysfunction (physiological and psychological) and the severity of recurrence and work days lost. RESULTS: (1) Most production units and work sectors were related to one or more affected bodily functions; (2) Neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions and the work sectors of prefabrication; cutting, assembly and finishing; and quality inspection of the final product required a longer recovery time before return to work and had a greater recurrence of leave; and (3) Women seemed to be more affected than men in terms of the reappearance of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Illness differs according to occupational sectors. The production sectors present more serious situations due to physical overload, intense rhythm and concentration, monotony and low autonomy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luiz Bueno da Silva
- Department of Production Engineering, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Erivaldo Lopes de Souza
- Department of Production Engineering, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | | | - Ivan Bolis
- Postgraduate Program in Social Psychology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | | | - Robson da Fonseca Neves
- Postgraduate Program in Physical Therapy, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
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Silva JMN, Gontijo LA, Bornia AC, Silva L, Leite WKDS, Vieira EMDA. Evaluation of musculoskeletal discomfort using item response theory: creation of a scale based on the self-reported pain symptoms. ERGONOMICS 2021; 64:241-252. [PMID: 32946337 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2020.1825823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to build a scale for musculoskeletal discomfort based on the self-reported musculoskeletal pain by individuals. For this, methods such as factorial analysis and item response theory were used. A sample of 1821 workers of a footwear industry participated in this study. The scale consists of four levels ranging from mild to maximum discomfort. In mild discomfort (level 60), pain symptoms are rare or frequent in regions such as cervical and trapezoidal area, low back, shoulders, wrists, ankles and feet. At level 70, rare or frequent symptoms affect regions of the upper and lower limbs. At level 80, frequent symptoms become common in the trunk and in most of the upper and lower limbs. At level 90, the symptoms become daily in elbows, thighs and knees. The scale showed signs of validity and proved useful for studies in ergonomics. Practitioner Summary: Methods such as factor analysis and item response theory were used to build a four-level musculoskeletal discomfort scale that can be useful to complement the screening process for workers with musculoskeletal pain. The scale shows signs of accuracy, in addition to validity and reliability. Abbreviations: WMSD: work-related musculoskeletal disorders; CTT: classic test theory; IRT: item response theory; KMO: Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin; PR: pain rarely; PO: pain often; PE: pain everyday; DIF: differential item functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luiz Silva
- Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
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Yung M, Kolus A, Wells R, Neumann WP. Examining the fatigue-quality relationship in manufacturing. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2020; 82:102919. [PMID: 31450046 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.102919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A recent systematic review identified 73 empirical studies that linked human factors (HF) with manufacturing quality. Human fatigue was noted as a frequent (n = 26) issue in the HF-quality relationship - a finding that warrants closer examination. We extend this review by investigating the relationship between fatigue and manufacturing quality by identifying how fatigue has been conceptualized and measured, and we attempted to quantify their relationship. From the original database, 12 of 26 relevant studies (46%) indicated that physical fatigue was the primary contributor to observed quality deficits. There was a positive relationship between fatigue and quality deficits, with fatigue accounting up to 42% of the variance. More studies are needed to improve the resolution, specificity, and power of these analyses. This study sheds light on the role of HF and human fatigue effects on manufacturing quality with macroergonomic implications for embedding HF aspects into design and quality assurance processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Yung
- Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness, & Performance, Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Ahmet Kolus
- Department of Systems Engineering, College of Computer Science & Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Saudi Arabia
| | - Richard Wells
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - W Patrick Neumann
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
Business cases are arguments developed to secure management commitment and approval for investment in an intervention. This systematic review evaluated 12 experimental and quasi-experimental studies on occupational health and safety interventions (OHSI) in various settings. The search engines used in this systematic review include PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus. A cost and benefit analysis of OHSI was completed at the organizational level in these studies. The focus of this analysis included sample, design, theoretical framework, interventional strategies, and threats to validity and outcomes. Positive returns on investment of OHSI outcomes were shown in 10 of the studies. The other two studies concluded that their chosen OHSI were not cost-effective.
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Meyer F, Eweje G, Tappin D. Ergonomics as a tool to improve the sustainability of the workforce. Work 2017. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-172563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Meyer
- Ergonomics Unit, University of Concepcion, Chile
| | | | - David Tappin
- Management School, Massey University, New Zealand
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Bolis I, Sznelwar LI. A case study of the implementation of an ergonomics improvement committee in a Brazilian hospital--Challenges and benefits. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2016; 53 Pt A:181-189. [PMID: 26464035 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2015.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Revised: 09/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This article discusses the creation of an improvement committee (IC) to implement policies aimed at improving working conditions in a public health institution in the city of São Paulo. Suggestions were proposed for future implementations of this organizational mechanism, pursuant to the presentation of the process of its formation and the main results achieved. The findings led to the conclusion that good outcomes require autonomy and support from management, and the adoption of effective measures to improve and legitimize the improvement committee's existence. Another important issue is facilitating worker involvement and creating a locus for dialog among people with different visions within the organization. Thus, two approaches converge: a top-down approach in which policies are defined and improvement actions are actually implemented based on a general outlook of the production and work system, and a bottom-up approach specific to employees who are also engaged in improvement policies and in putting them into practice. It is also possible to point out problems and opportunities arising from actual work situations to the higher levels of management. This kind of approach fits with macroergonomics, because it integrates strategy, organization and work issues. It is possible to discuss the benefits of this approach for companies and provide conditions for workers to engage effectively in these processes. In conclusion, these proposals can be considered from an emancipatory perspective, given that different actors should be able to codetermine working conditions and work content, thus directly influencing their individual and collective experiences. The support and commitment of upper management are essential elements of success in maximizing the effectiveness of this organizational approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Bolis
- Department of Production Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Laerte I Sznelwar
- Department of Production Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Radjiyev A, Qiu H, Xiong S, Nam K. Ergonomics and sustainable development in the past two decades (1992-2011): Research trends and how ergonomics can contribute to sustainable development. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2015; 46 Pt A:67-75. [PMID: 25085643 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2014.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2012] [Revised: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The need for sustainable development has been widely recognized and sustainable development has become a hot topic of various disciplines even though the role of ergonomics in it is seldom reported or considered. This study conducts a systematic survey of research publications in the fields of ergonomics and sustainable development over the past two decades (1992-2011), in order to identify their research trends and convergent areas where ergonomics can play an important role in sustainable development. The results show that 'methods and techniques', 'human characteristics', 'work design and organization', 'health and safety' and 'workplace and equipment design' are the top five frequently researched areas in ergonomics. Ergonomics has an opportunity to contribute its knowledge especially to 'industrial and product design', 'architecture', 'health and safety' and 'HCI' (especially for energy reduction issues) categories of sustainable development. Typical methodologies and general guidance on how to contribute the expertise of ergonomist to sustainable development are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayubkhon Radjiyev
- Department of Human and Systems Engineering, School of Design and Human Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan Metropolitan City 689-798, South Korea
| | - Hai Qiu
- Department of Human and Systems Engineering, School of Design and Human Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan Metropolitan City 689-798, South Korea
| | - Shuping Xiong
- Department of Human and Systems Engineering, School of Design and Human Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan Metropolitan City 689-798, South Korea.
| | - KyungHyun Nam
- Department of Human and Systems Engineering, School of Design and Human Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan Metropolitan City 689-798, South Korea
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Guimarães LBDM, Ribeiro JLD, Renner JS, de Oliveira PAB. Worker evaluation of a macroergonomic intervention in a Brazilian footwear company. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2014; 45:923-935. [PMID: 24461952 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2013.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2010] [Revised: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This article presents a macroergonomic intervention in a Brazilian footwear company and its evaluation by the workers. Using participatory ergonomics, the traditional Taylor/Ford production system was transformed into a socio-technical one and tested by 100 volunteers working during 3.5 years in a pilot production line. Multiskilling and teamwork were the major changes promoted to enlarge and enrich work and make it more flexible. The workers' evaluation pre- and post-intervention showed an increase in overall satisfaction with the work and more commitment to the results and company targets. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE This study showed that problems and solutions can be identified through participatory ergonomics, that it is easier to involve workers than the managerial staff, and that a macroergonomic intervention, mainly focusing on work organization, led to positive personnel, health and production outcomes, despite management's resistance to changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- L B de M Guimarães
- Graduate Program in Industrial Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Osvaldo Aranha 99 5° andar, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - J L D Ribeiro
- Graduate Program in Industrial Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Osvaldo Aranha 99 5° andar, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - J S Renner
- Health Sciences Institute, Feevale University Center, RS 239, 2755 Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93352-000, Brazil.
| | - P A B de Oliveira
- Department of Health, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600 sala 413 - CEDOP Santana, Porto Alegre, RS 90035-003, Brazil.
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