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Antwi-Afari MF, Li H, Chan AHS, Seo J, Anwer S, Mi HY, Wu Z, Wong AYL. A science mapping-based review of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among construction workers. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2023; 85:114-128. [PMID: 37330861 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2023.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are recognized as a leading cause of nonfatal injuries in construction, but no review of existing studies has systematically analyzed and visualized the trends of WMSDs among construction workers. The current science mapping-based review summarized research published between 2000 and 2021 related to WMSDs among construction workers through co-word, co-author, and citation analysis. METHOD A total of 63 bibliographic records retrieved from the Scopus database were analyzed. RESULTS The results identified influential authors with high impacts in this research domain. Moreover, the results indicated that MSDs, ergonomics, and construction not only had the highest occurrence of been studied, but also the highest impact in terms of total link strength. In addition, the most significant contributions to research relating to WMSDs among construction workers have originated primarily from the United States, Hong Kong, and Canada. Furthermore, a follow-up in-depth qualitative discussion was conducted to focus on summarizing mainstream research topics, identifying existing research gaps, and proposing directions for future studies. CONCLUSIONS This review provides an in-depth understanding of related research on WMSDs among construction workers and proposes the emerging trends in this research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Fordjour Antwi-Afari
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, United Kingdom.
| | - Heng Li
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Room No. ZS734, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Alan Hoi Shou Chan
- Department of Systems Engineering and Engineering Management, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - JoonOh Seo
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Room No. ZN742, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Shahnawaz Anwer
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Room No. ZN1002, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Hao-Yang Mi
- National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450002, China.
| | - Zezhou Wu
- Department of Construction Management and Real Estate, College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Arnold Yu Lok Wong
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Room No. ST512, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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Rashedi E, Kathawala K, Abdollahi M, Alemi MM, Mokhlespour Esfahani MI, Nussbaum MA. Recovering from Laboratory-Induced slips and trips causes high levels of lumbar muscle activity and spine loading. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2023; 68:102743. [PMID: 36638696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2023.102743] [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: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most substantial and prevalent causes of occupational injuries and fatalities, and these events may contribute to low-back problems. We quantified lumbar kinematics (i.e., lumbar angles relative to pelvis) and kinetics during unexpected slip and trip perturbations, and during normal walking, among 12 participants (6F, 6 M). Individual anthropometry, lumbar muscle geometry, and lumbar angles, along with electromyography from 14 lumbar muscles were used as input to a 3D, dynamic, EMG-based model of the lumbar spine. Results indicated that, in comparison with values during normal walking, lumbar range of motion, lumbosacral (L5/S1) loads, and lumbar muscle activations were all significantly higher during the slip and trip events. Maximum L5/S1 compression forces exceeded 2700 N during slip and trip events, compared with ∼ 1100 N during normal walking. Mean values of L5/S1 anteroposterior (930 N), and lateral (800 N) shear forces were also substantially larger than the shear force during the normal walking (230 N). These observed levels of L5/S1 reaction forces, along with high levels of bilateral lumbar muscle activities, suggest the potential for overexertion injuries and tissue damage during unexpected slip and trip events, which could contribute to low back injuries. Outcomes of this study may facilitate the identification and control of specific mechanisms involved with low back disorders consequent to slips or trips.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Rashedi
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA; Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Kavish Kathawala
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA; Product Operations Department at Samsung, Austin, TX 78754, USA
| | - Masoud Abdollahi
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Alemi
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Mohammad Iman Mokhlespour Esfahani
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; Subject Matter Team in the Worldwide Design & Engineering at Amazon, Seattle, WA 98170, USA
| | - Maury A Nussbaum
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
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Jin Z, Gambatese J, Karakhan A, Nnaji C. Analysis of prevention through design studies in construction: A subject review. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2023; 84:138-154. [PMID: 36868642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2022.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The concept of addressing and minimizing construction site safety risks in the early phase of a project has generated research interest, especially since the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) launched its national Prevention through Design (PtD) initiative in July 2007. In the last decade, several studies on PtD with differeing goals and methods have been published in construction journals. To date, few systematic examinations of the development and trends associated with PtD research have been conducted in the discipline. METHOD This paper presents a study of the latest PtD research trends in construction safety management through analysis of publications in prominent construction journals from 2008 to 2020. Both descriptive and content analyses were conducted based on the number of papers published annually and clusters of topics covered in the papers. RESULTS The study shows an increasing interest in PtD research in recent years. Research topics covered mainly focus on the perspectives of PtD stakeholders, PtD resources/tools/procedures, and technology applications to facilitate PtD implementation in practice. This review study provides an improved understanding of the state-of-the-art of PtD research in terms of accomplishments and research gaps. The study also compares the findings from journal articles with industry best practices related to PtD to guide future research in this domain. PRACTICAL APPLICATION This review study is of significant value to researchers to overcome the limitations of the current PtD studies, and to extend the scope of PtD research, and can be used by industry professionals when considering and selecting appropriate PtD resources/tools in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Jin
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
| | - John Gambatese
- School of Civil and Construction Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
| | - Ali Karakhan
- Department of Reconstruction & Projects, University of Baghdad, Al-Jadriya, Baghdad, Iraq.
| | - Chukwuma Nnaji
- Department of Construction Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Kopp V, Holl M, Schalk M, Daub U, Bances E, García B, Schalk I, Siegert J, Schneider U. Exoworkathlon: A prospective study approach for the evaluation of industrial exoskeletons. WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES 2022; 3:e22. [PMID: 38486909 PMCID: PMC10936367 DOI: 10.1017/wtc.2022.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Industrial exoskeletons have recently gained importance as ergonomic interventions for physically demanding work activities. The growing demand for exoskeletons is leading to a need for new knowledge on the effectiveness of these systems. The Exoworkathlon, as a prospective study approach, aims to assess exoskeletons in realistic use cases and to evaluate them neutrally in their entirety. For this purpose, a first set of four realistic Parcours was developed with experts from relevant industries, the German Social Accident Insurance, and the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. In addition, a set of ratings was defined to assess subjective user feedback, work quality, and objective physiological parameters. Exoworkathlon aims to bring together developers, researchers, and end-users, strengthen collaborative exchanges, and promote a platform for the prospective holistic data collection for exoskeleton evaluation. In this article, the focus is on the background and methodology of Exoworkathlon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Kopp
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Department Biomechatronic Systems, Nobelstraße 12, 70569Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Mirjam Holl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Department Biomechatronic Systems, Nobelstraße 12, 70569Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute of Industrial Manufacturing and Management IFF, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 35, 70569Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Marco Schalk
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Department Biomechatronic Systems, Nobelstraße 12, 70569Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute of Industrial Manufacturing and Management IFF, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 35, 70569Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Urban Daub
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Department Biomechatronic Systems, Nobelstraße 12, 70569Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Enrique Bances
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Department Biomechatronic Systems, Nobelstraße 12, 70569Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute of Industrial Manufacturing and Management IFF, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 35, 70569Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Braulio García
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Department Biomechatronic Systems, Nobelstraße 12, 70569Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute of Industrial Manufacturing and Management IFF, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 35, 70569Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ines Schalk
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Department Biomechatronic Systems, Nobelstraße 12, 70569Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute of Industrial Manufacturing and Management IFF, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 35, 70569Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jörg Siegert
- Institute of Industrial Manufacturing and Management IFF, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 35, 70569Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Urs Schneider
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Department Biomechatronic Systems, Nobelstraße 12, 70569Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute of Industrial Manufacturing and Management IFF, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 35, 70569Stuttgart, Germany
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Exploring lumbar and lower limb kinematics and kinetics for evidence that lifting technique is associated with LBP. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254241. [PMID: 34288926 PMCID: PMC8294511 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate if lumbar and lower limb kinematics or kinetics are different between groups with and without a history of LBP during lifting. Secondly, to investigate relationships between biomechanical variables and pain ramp during repeated lifting. Methods 21 LBP and 20 noLBP participants completed a 100-lift task, where lumbar and lower limb kinematics and kinetics were measured during lifting, with a simultaneous report of LBP intensity every 10 lifts. Lifts were performed in a laboratory setting, limiting ecological validity. Results The LBP group used a different lifting technique to the noLBP group at the beginning of the task (slower and more squat-like). Kinetic differences at the beginning included less peak lumbar external anterior shear force and greater peak knee power demonstrated by the LBP group. However, at the end of the task, both groups lifted with a much more similar technique that could be classified as more stoop-like and faster. Peak knee power remained greater in the LBP group throughout and was the only kinetic difference between groups at the end of the lifting task. While both groups lifted using a more comparable technique at the end, the LBP group still demonstrated a tendency to perform a slower and more squat-like lift throughout the task. Only one of 21 variables (pelvic tilt at box lift-off), was associated with pain ramp in the LBP group. Conclusions: Workers with a history of LBP, lift with a style that is slower and more squat-like than workers without any history of LBP. Common assumptions that LBP is associated with lumbar kinematics or kinetics such as greater lumbar flexion or greater forces were not observed in this study, raising questions about the current paradigm around ‘safe lifting’.
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Wuni IY, Shen GQ, Osei-Kyei R, Agyeman-Yeboah S. Modelling the critical risk factors for modular integrated construction projects. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/15623599.2020.1763049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Yahaya Wuni
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Geoffrey Qiping Shen
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Robert Osei-Kyei
- School of Computing Engineering and Mathematics, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephen Agyeman-Yeboah
- Department of Land Economy, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Hita-Gutiérrez M, Gómez-Galán M, Díaz-Pérez M, Callejón-Ferre ÁJ. An Overview of REBA Method Applications in the World. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17082635. [PMID: 32290561 PMCID: PMC7215911 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this work is to review literature, worldwide, in which the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) ergonomic assessment method was applied and count the number of times that REBA was applied together with other methods and subsequent incidence. The database used was the "Web of Science-Core Collection". Only scientific articles and bibliographic reviews were included, analysing a total of 314 documents and selecting only 91. The use of the REBA method is indicated in terms of knowledge, country, year and journal sectors. It was most used in the knowledge areas of "Manufacturing" (24.18%), "Agriculture, forestry and fishing" (21.98%) and in "Other activities" (19.78%). One of the benefits of REBA is that it evaluates different body parts: upper limbs (arm, forearm and wrist), lower extremities, trunk and neck. It is a useful method to identify the forced postures adopted by workers to thus develop improvement measures if necessary. It is concluded that REBA method use has increased over the last decade, probably due to the digitization of knowledge. It is almost always applied in combination with other methods, and its use can be a positive indicator of company sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Hita-Gutiérrez
- Department of Engineering, University of Almería, Research Center CIMEDES (CeiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.H.-G.); (M.G.-G.); (M.D.-P.)
| | - Marta Gómez-Galán
- Department of Engineering, University of Almería, Research Center CIMEDES (CeiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.H.-G.); (M.G.-G.); (M.D.-P.)
| | - Manuel Díaz-Pérez
- Department of Engineering, University of Almería, Research Center CIMEDES (CeiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.H.-G.); (M.G.-G.); (M.D.-P.)
| | - Ángel-Jesús Callejón-Ferre
- Department of Engineering, University of Almería, Research Center CIMEDES (CeiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.H.-G.); (M.G.-G.); (M.D.-P.)
- Laboratory-Observatory Andalusian Working Conditions in the Agricultural Sector (LASA), 41092 Seville, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-950-214-236; Fax: +34-950-015-491
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Molinaro DD, King AS, Young AJ. Biomechanical analysis of common solid waste collection throwing techniques using OpenSim and an EMG-assisted solver. J Biomech 2020; 104:109704. [PMID: 32248942 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.109704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The solid waste collection industry is one of the most common occupations resulting in low back pain (LBP). Lumbar peak joint reaction forces and peak and integrated moments are strong correlates of LBP. To investigate these risks, this study compared three common waste collection throwing techniques of varying lumbar symmetry: the symmetric (SYM) technique, the asymmetric fixed stance (AFS) technique, and the asymmetric with pivot (AWP) technique. Lumbar moments and joint reaction loads were computed for throwing garbage bags of 3, 7, and 11 kg to quantify the effects that technique and object weight have on LBP risk. LBP risk factors were computed using a full-body musculoskeletal model in OpenSim. Muscle activations were estimated using two methods: the EMG-assisted method, which included electromyography data in the solution, and the conventional static optimization method, which did not. The EMG-assisted method more accurately reproduced measured muscle activation, resulting in significantly larger peak compressive and shear forces (p < 0.05) of magnitudes indicative of LBP risk. Risk factors associated with the SYM technique were either larger or not statistically different compared to the asymmetric techniques for the 3 kg condition; however, the opposite result occurred for the 7 and 11 kg conditions (p < 0.05). These results suggest using rapid, asymmetric techniques when handling lightweight objects and slower, symmetric techniques for heavier objects to reduce LBP risk during waste collection throwing techniques. Results indicating increased risk between asymmetric techniques were mostly inconclusive. As expected, increasing bag mass generally increased LBP risk factors, regardless of technique (p < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean D Molinaro
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA; Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Andrew S King
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Aaron J Young
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA; Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Wuni IY, Shen GQP, Mahmud AT. Critical risk factors in the application of modular integrated construction: a systematic review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/15623599.2019.1613212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Y. Wuni
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Geoffrey Q. P. Shen
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Abba Tahir Mahmud
- Centre for Sustainable Building Design, School of Energy Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
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Wearable Monitoring Devices for Biomechanical Risk Assessment at Work: Current Status and Future Challenges-A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15092001. [PMID: 30217079 PMCID: PMC6163390 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15092001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: In order to reduce the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) several methods have been developed, accepted by the international literature and used in the workplace. The purpose of this systematic review was to describe recent implementations of wearable sensors for quantitative instrumental-based biomechanical risk assessments in prevention of WMSDs. Methods: Articles written until 7 May 2018 were selected from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Web of Science using specific keywords. Results: Instrumental approaches based on inertial measurement units and sEMG sensors have been used for direct evaluations to classify lifting tasks into low and high risk categories. Wearable sensors have also been used for direct instrumental evaluations in handling of low loads at high frequency activities by using the local myoelectric manifestation of muscle fatigue estimation. In the field of the rating of standard methods, on-body wireless sensors network-based approaches for real-time ergonomic assessment in industrial manufacturing have been proposed. Conclusions: Few studies foresee the use of wearable technologies for biomechanical risk assessment although the requirement to obtain increasingly quantitative evaluations, the recent miniaturization process and the need to follow a constantly evolving manual handling scenario is prompting their use.
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Dale AM, Jaegers L, Welch L, Gardner BT, Buchholz B, Weaver N, Evanoff BA. Evaluation of a participatory ergonomics intervention in small commercial construction firms. Am J Ind Med 2016; 59:465-75. [PMID: 27094450 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) among construction workers remain high. Participatory ergonomics (PE) interventions that engage workers and employers in reducing work injury risks have shown mixed results. METHODS Eight-six workers from seven contractors participated in a PE program. A logic model guided the process evaluation and summative evaluation of short-term and intermediate impacts and long-term outcomes from surveys and field records. RESULTS Process measures showed good delivery of training, high worker engagement, and low contractor participation. Workers' knowledge improved and workers reported changes to work practices and tools used; contractor provision of appropriate equipment was low (33%). No changes were seen in symptoms or reported physical effort. CONCLUSIONS The PE program produced many worker-identified ergonomic solutions, but lacked needed support from contractors. Future interventions should engage higher levels of the construction organizational system to improve contractor involvement for reducing WMSD. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:465-475, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Marie Dale
- Division of General Medical Sciences; Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis Missouri
| | - Lisa Jaegers
- Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy; Saint Louis University Doisy College of Health Sciences; St. Louis Missouri
| | - Laura Welch
- CPWR-Center for Construction Research and Training; Silver Spring; Maryland
| | - Bethany T. Gardner
- Division of General Medical Sciences; Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis Missouri
| | - Bryan Buchholz
- Work Environment Department; University of Massachusetts Lowell; Lowell Massachusetts
| | - Nancy Weaver
- Department of Behavioral Science and Health Education; Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice; St. Louis Missouri
| | - Bradley A. Evanoff
- Division of General Medical Sciences; Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis Missouri
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Valero E, Sivanathan A, Bosché F, Abdel-Wahab M. Musculoskeletal disorders in construction: A review and a novel system for activity tracking with body area network. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2016; 54:120-130. [PMID: 26851471 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2015.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Revised: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Human body motions have been analysed for decades with a view on enhancing occupational well-being and performance of workers. On-going progresses in miniaturised wearable sensors are set to revolutionise biomechanical analysis by providing accurate and real-time quantitative motion data. The construction industry has a poor record of occupational health, in particular with regard to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). In this article, we therefore focus on the study of human body motions that could cause WMSDs in construction-related activities. We first present an in-depth review of existing assessment frameworks used in practice for the evaluation of human body motion. Subsequently different methods for measuring working postures and motions are reviewed and compared, pointing out the technological developments, limitations and gaps; Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) are particularly investigated. Finally, we introduce a new system to detect and characterise unsafe postures of construction workers based on the measurement of motion data from wearable wireless IMUs integrated in a body area network. The potential of this system is demonstrated through experiments conducts in a laboratory as well as in a college with actual construction trade trainees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Valero
- RAE Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom.
| | - Aparajithan Sivanathan
- RAE Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom.
| | - Frédéric Bosché
- RAE Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom.
| | - Mohamed Abdel-Wahab
- RAE Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom.
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Lamarão AM, Costa LCM, Comper MLC, Padula RS. Translation, cross-cultural adaptation to Brazilian- Portuguese and reliability analysis of the instrument Rapid Entire Body Assessment-REBA. Braz J Phys Ther 2014; 18:211-7. [PMID: 25003273 PMCID: PMC4183493 DOI: 10.1590/bjpt-rbf.2014.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Observational instruments, such as the Rapid Entire Body Assessment, quickly
assess biomechanical risks present in the workplace. However, in order to use
these instruments, it is necessary to conduct the translational/cross-cultural
adaptation of the instrument and test its measurement properties. Objectives: To perform the translation and the cross-cultural adaptation to
Brazilian-Portuguese and test the reliability of the REBA instrument. Method: The procedures of translation and cross-cultural adaptation to
Brazilian-Portuguese were conducted following proposed guidelines that involved
translation, synthesis of translations, back translation, committee review and
testing of the pre-final version. In addition, reliability and the intra- and
inter-rater percent agreement were obtained with the Linear Weighted Kappa
Coefficient that was associated with the 95% Confidence Interval and the cross
tabulation 2×2. Results : The procedures for translation and adaptation were adequate and the necessary
adjustments were conducted on the instrument. The intra- and inter-rater
reliability showed values of 0.104 to 0.504, respectively, ranging from very poor
to moderate. The percentage agreement values ranged from 5.66% to 69.81%. The
percentage agreement was closer to 100% at the item 'upper arm' (69.81%) for the
Intra-rater 1 and at the items 'legs' and 'upper arm' for the Intra-rater 2
(62.26%). Conclusions: The processes of translation and cross-cultural adaptation were conducted on the
REBA instrument and the Brazilian version of the instrument was obtained. However,
despite the reliability of the tests used to correct the translated and adapted
version, the reliability values are unacceptable according to the guidelines
standard, indicating that the reliability must be re-evaluated. Therefore, caution
in the interpretation of the biomechanical risks measured by this instrument
should be taken.
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Kim S, Nussbaum MA, Jia B. The benefits of an additional worker are task-dependent: assessing low-back injury risks during prefabricated (panelized) wall construction. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2012; 43:843-849. [PMID: 22226545 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2011.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2011] [Revised: 12/12/2011] [Accepted: 12/15/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Team manual material handling is a common practice in residential construction where prefabricated building components (e.g., wall panels) are increasingly used. As part of a larger effort to enable proactive control of ergonomic exposures among workers handling panels, this study explored the effects of additional workers on injury risks during team-based panel erection tasks, specifically by quantifying how injury risks are affected by increasing the number of workers (by one, above the nominal or most common number). Twenty-four participants completed panel erection tasks with and without an additional worker under different panel mass and size conditions. Four risk assessment methods were employed that emphasized the low back. Though including an additional worker generally reduced injury risk across several panel masses and sizes, the magnitude of these benefits varied depending on the specific task and exhibited somewhat high variability within a given task. These results suggest that a simple, generalizable recommendation regarding team-based panel erection tasks is not warranted. Rather, a more systems-level approach accounting for both injury risk and productivity (a strength of panelized wall systems) should be undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunwook Kim
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, 250 Durham Hall (0118), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
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