1
|
Tjøsvoll SO, Steiro Fimland M, Gonzalez V, Seeberg TM, Holtermann A, Færevik H, Wiggen Ø. Physical Work Demands of Maintenance Workers on Onshore Petroleum Facilities in Norway: An Observational Study Utilizing Wearable Sensor Technology. Ann Work Expo Health 2023; 67:706-719. [PMID: 37171985 PMCID: PMC10324642 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxad022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES High physical work demands can cause musculoskeletal disorders and sick leave in petroleum workers. However, our knowledge of their physical work demands is scarce and based on self-report. The objective of our study is to work towards closing this knowledge gap by assessing the physical work demands of onshore petroleum maintenance workers using body-worn sensors. METHODS A total of 46 of 69 eligible maintenance workers (37 mechanics and 9 process technicians) from three onshore petroleum facilities in Norway filled in a questionnaire and diary and wore five accelerometers and a heart rate sensor for up to six consecutive workdays. Work-related physical activity and postures were classified using rule-based modelling in a modified version of the validated Acti4 software. RESULTS The onshore maintenance petroleum workers were working an average of 10 h a day and spent on average this time with 48% (SD = 16.5) sitting, 1% (SD = 2.8) lying down, 39% (SD = 16.2) in light physical activity, and 9% (SD = 3.8) in moderate to vigorous physical activity. During work hours while at feet, we found arm elevation ≥60° to be 11% (SD = 7.1) (68 min), and forward bending of the trunk ≥60° to be 2% (SD = 2.2) (14 min). The workers spent 2% (SD = 2.5) (12 minu) of the workhours kneeling. We observed a high inter-individual variation for all these work exposures. Moreover, 26% (12) of the workers conducted static standing for >30% of the workday, and 17% (8) spent more than half of the work hours >33% of their estimated maximal cardiovascular capacity. CONCLUSIONS While onshore maintenance petroleum workers on average spend about half of the workday sitting or lying down, the remaining worktime is spent with a rather high duration of arm elevation and forward bending. Quite high fraction of the workers spends much of the workhours in static standing and kneeling. We see a substantial variation in these work exposures between the workers. The findings indicate a need for preventive measures in how work is organized and performed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Svein O Tjøsvoll
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Edvard Griegs gate 8, Trondheim N-7491, Norway
| | - Marius Steiro Fimland
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Edvard Griegs gate 8, Trondheim N-7491, Norway
- Unicare Helsefort Rehabilitation Centre, Rissa, Hysnesveien 11, 7112 Hasselvika, Norway
| | - Victor Gonzalez
- Department of Smart Sensor and Microsystems, SINTEF Digital, SINTEF AS, Dept. of Health Research, P.O. Box 124 Blindern, NO-0314 Oslo, Norway
| | - Trine M Seeberg
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Edvard Griegs gate 8, Trondheim N-7491, Norway
- Department of Smart Sensor and Microsystems, SINTEF Digital, SINTEF AS, Dept. of Health Research, P.O. Box 124 Blindern, NO-0314 Oslo, Norway
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hilde Færevik
- Department of Health Research, SINTEF Digital, SINTEF AS, P.O. Box 4760 Torgaarden, NO-7465 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Øystein Wiggen
- Department of Health Research, SINTEF Digital, SINTEF AS, P.O. Box 4760 Torgaarden, NO-7465 Trondheim, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Korshøj M, Svendsen SW, Hendriksen PF, Gupta N, Holtermann A, Andersen JH, Dalbøge A, Frost P. Agreement between an expert-rated mini job exposure matrix of occupational biomechanical exposures to the lower body and technical measurements or observation: a method comparison study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e064035. [PMID: 36576183 PMCID: PMC9723893 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Investigating the agreement between an expert-rated mini job exposure matrix (JEM) of lower body exposures and technical measurements of worktime spent standing/walking and observation-based estimates of time spent kneeling/squatting and total load lifted per workday. METHODS We chose 16 job titles from the 121 job groups in the lower body JEM and included them in the mini JEM. New expert ratings for the mini JEM were performed by the same five occupational physicians who performed the ratings for the lower body JEM. For each job title and type of exposure, the exposure estimates were a mean of the five independent ratings. Technical measurements of standing/walking for all 16 job titles, and for 8 job titles workplace observations were performed of kneeling/squatting and total load lifted per workday. Data were collected from September to December 2015 and supplemented by data from the NOMAD and DPhacto studies collected between 2011 and 2013. All data were collected in Denmark. Agreement between expert-based and measured/observed lower body exposures by job titles was evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation, Bland-Altman plots evaluated systematic deviations and limits of agreement (LoA). RESULTS Standing/walking showed a rank correlation of 0.55, kneeling/squatting 0.83 and total load lifted per workday 0.71. The mini JEM estimates did not systematically deviate from the technical measurements/observations for time spent standing/walking (mean difference 0.20 hours/workday, LoA -1.63, 2.03 hours/workday) and kneeling/squatting (mean difference -0.35 hours/workday, LoA -1.21, 0.51 hours/workday). For total load lifted per workday, the mini JEM systematically overestimated the exposures compared with the observations (mean difference -909 kg/workday, LoA -3000, 1147 kg/workday). CONCLUSIONS There was moderate to very high agreement between an expert-rated mini JEM of standing/walking, kneeling/squatting, and lifting exposures and corresponding technical measurements/observations. This method comparison study supports the use of the expert-based lower body JEM in large-scale occupational epidemiological studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mette Korshøj
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Occupational and Social Medicine, Holbæk Hospital, a part of Copenhagen University Hospital, Holbæk, Denmark
| | - Susanne Wulff Svendsen
- Danish Ramazzini Centre, Department of Occupational Medicine, Gødstrup Hospital, University Research Clinic, Gødstrup, Denmark
| | | | - Nidhi Gupta
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johan Hviid Andersen
- Danish Ramazzini Centre, Department of Occupational Medicine, Gødstrup Hospital, University Research Clinic, Gødstrup, Denmark
| | - Annett Dalbøge
- Danish Ramazzini Centre, Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Poul Frost
- Danish Ramazzini Centre, Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tjosvoll SO, Seeberg TM, Fimland MS, Wiggen Ø, Jahren SE. Classification of kneeling and squatting in workers wearing protective equipment: development and validation of a rule-based model using wireless triaxial accelerometers. ERGONOMICS 2022; 65:1410-1420. [PMID: 35133239 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2022.2039410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Several professions in industries, such as petroleum, manufacturing, construction, mining, and forestry require prolonged work tasks in awkward postures, increasing workers' risks for musculoskeletal pain and injury. Therefore, we developed and validated a rule-based model for classifying unilateral and bilateral kneeling and squatting based on 15 individuals wearing personal protective equipment and using three wireless triaxial accelerometers. The model provided both high sensitivity and specificity for classifying kneeling (0.98; 0.98) and squatting (0.96; 0.91). Hence, this model has the potential to contribute to increased knowledge of physical work demands and exposure thresholds in working populations with strict occupational safety regulations. Practitioner summary: Our results indicate that this rule-based model can be applied in a human-factors perspective enabling high-quality quantitative information in the classification of occupational kneeling and squatting, known risk factors for musculoskeletal pain, and sick leave. This study is adapted for working populations wearing personal protective equipment and aimed for long-term measurements in the workplace.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Svein O Tjosvoll
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Trine M Seeberg
- Smart Sensor Systems, SINTEF Digital, SINTEF AS, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marius S Fimland
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Unicare Helsefort Rehabilitation Centre, Rissa, Norway
| | | | - Silje E Jahren
- Smart Sensor Systems, SINTEF Digital, SINTEF AS, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wallace IJ, Lea AJ, Lim YAL, Chow SKW, Sayed IBM, Ngui R, Shaffee MTH, Ng KS, Nicholas C, Venkataraman VV, Kraft TS. Orang Asli Health and Lifeways Project (OA HeLP): a cross-sectional cohort study protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e058660. [PMID: 36127083 PMCID: PMC9490611 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-communicable disease (NCD) risk is influenced by environmental factors that are highly variable worldwide, yet prior research has focused mainly on high-income countries where most people are exposed to relatively homogeneous and static environments. Understanding the scope and complexity of environmental influences on NCD risk around the globe requires more data from people living in diverse and changing environments. Our project will investigate the prevalence and environmental causes of NCDs among the indigenous peoples of Peninsular Malaysia, known collectively as the Orang Asli, who are currently undergoing varying degrees of lifestyle and sociocultural changes that are predicted to increase vulnerability to NCDs, particularly metabolic disorders and musculoskeletal degenerative diseases. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Biospecimen sampling and screening for a suite of NCDs (eg, cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis), combined with detailed ethnographic work to assess key lifestyle and sociocultural variables (eg, diet, physical activity and wealth), will take place in Orang Asli communities spanning a gradient from remote, traditional villages to acculturated, market-integrated urban areas. Analyses will first test for relationships between environmental variables, NCD risk factors and NCD occurrence to investigate how environmental changes are affecting NCD susceptibility among the Orang Asli. Second, we will examine potential molecular and physiological mechanisms (eg, epigenetics and systemic inflammation) that mediate environmental effects on health. Third, we will identify intrinsic (eg, age and sex) and extrinsic (eg, early-life experiences) factors that predispose certain people to NCDs in the face of environmental change to better understand which Orang Asli are at greatest risk of NCDs. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Approval was obtained from multiple ethical review boards including the Malaysian Ministry of Health. This study follows established principles for ethical biomedical research among vulnerable indigenous communities, including fostering collaboration, building cultural competency, enhancing transparency, supporting capacity building and disseminating research findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian J Wallace
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Amanda J Lea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Child and Brain Development Program, CIFAR, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yvonne A L Lim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Steven K W Chow
- Federation of Private Medical Practitioners' Associations of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Pantai Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Romano Ngui
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Kee-Seong Ng
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Vivek V Venkataraman
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Thomas S Kraft
- Department of Anthropology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tjøsvoll SO, Wiggen Ø, Gonzalez V, Seeberg TM, Elez Redzovic S, Frostad Liaset I, Holtermann A, Steiro Fimland M. Assessment of Physical Work Demands of Home Care Workers in Norway: An Observational Study Using Wearable Sensor Technology. Ann Work Expo Health 2022; 66:1187-1198. [PMID: 35959647 PMCID: PMC9664225 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxac052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES High physical work demands are believed to be partly responsible for the high sickness absence among home care workers, but no studies have assessed their physical work demands using precise device-based measurements. Hence, the objective of this observational study was to assess physical work demands in home care, using wearable sensors. METHODS From six home care units in a large municipality in Norway, 114 of 195 eligible home care workers filled in a questionnaire, a diary about work hours, and wore five accelerometers, and a heart rate sensor for up to six consecutive workdays. RESULTS On average, the homecare workers spent 50% of the working hours sitting, 25.2% standing, 11.4% moving, 8.3% walking fast, 1.9% walking slow, 1.2% stair-climbing, 0.3% cycling, and 0.05% running. We found the following exposures to demanding postures: arm-elevation in an upright body position ≥30° was 36.7%, ≥60° was 4.1%, and ≥90°was 0.5%; forward trunk inclination in an upright body position ≥30° was 9.9%, ≥60° was 4%, and ≥90° was 1%; and for kneeling it was 0.8%. We found the average cardiovascular load (%heart rate reserve) during work to be 28%. There was considerable individual variation in these physical exposures at work. CONCLUSIONS This study presents precise information on various physical work demands of home care workers in Norway. Home care workers spent on average half the workday sitting and the remaining time in various occupational physical activities. Presently, few device-based exposure limits have been proposed for acceptable amounts of occupational physical exposures, but the level of arm-elevation, forward trunk inclination, and the considerable variation of physical workloads among home care workers, indicate that preventive measures should be taken.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Øystein Wiggen
- Health Research, SINTEF DIGITAL, SINTEF AS, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Victor Gonzalez
- Smart Sensor Systems, SINTEF DIGITAL, SINTEF AS, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trine M Seeberg
- Smart Sensor Systems, SINTEF DIGITAL, SINTEF AS, Oslo, Norway
| | - Skender Elez Redzovic
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ingeborg Frostad Liaset
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lerso Parkalle, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marius Steiro Fimland
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway,Unicare Helsefort Rehabilitation Centre, Rissa, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Oestergaard AS, Gupta N, Smidt TF, Sandal LF, Søgaard K. The objectively measured physical work demands and physical capacity of offshore wind technicians: An observational field study. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2022; 102:103716. [PMID: 35247832 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to assess the physical capacity and physical work demands of wind service technicians (WT) in different field conditions (onshore and offshore workdays). We recruited 27 male WTs (mean age of 31 years (SD: ±7), VO2max of 46 mL O2/kg/min (SD: ±7)) and assessed their physical work demands for a total of 110 workdays using heart rate monitors and accelerometers at five body placements. On average, each day, sitting was the most recorded activity (43%), followed by standing (19%), lying (13%) moving (9%), walking (8%) and high intensity physical activities (1%). Additionally, 1 minute was spent on vertical climbing, 20 minutes on work with forward bent trunk, 13 minutes on work with elevated arms and 6 minutes kneeling. The average cardiovascular load was 22% and 4 minutes per day were spent at high cardiovascular intensities. We found significantly higher demands on offshore compared with onshore workdays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Skov Oestergaard
- Unit for Physical Activity and Health in Working Life, Institute of Biomechanics and Sports Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Ørsted A/S, QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety, Environment) Support, Gentofte, Denmark.
| | - Nidhi Gupta
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, The National Research Centre of the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Trine Fernando Smidt
- Ørsted A/S, QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety, Environment) Support, Gentofte, Denmark.
| | - Louise Fleng Sandal
- Unit for Physical Activity and Health in Working Life, Institute of Biomechanics and Sports Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Karen Søgaard
- Unit for Physical Activity and Health in Working Life, Institute of Biomechanics and Sports Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Laudanski AF, Buchman-Pearle JM, Acker SM. Quantifying high flexion postures in occupational childcare as they relate to the potential for increased risk of knee osteoarthritis. ERGONOMICS 2022; 65:253-264. [PMID: 34397308 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2021.1969041] [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: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
High knee flexion postures, despite their association with increased incidences of osteoarthritis, are frequently adopted in occupational childcare. This study sought to define and quantify high flexion postures typically adopted in childcare to evaluate any increased likelihood of knee osteoarthritis development. Through video analysis of eighteen childcare workers caring for infant, toddler, and preschool-aged children, eight high knee flexion postures were identified and quantified by duration and frequency. An analysis of postural adoption by task was subsequently performed to determine which might pose the greatest risk for cumulative joint trauma. Childcare workers caring for children of all ages were found to adopt kneeling and seated postures for extended durations and at elevated frequencies, exceeding proposed thresholds for incidences of knee osteoarthritis development. Structured activities, playing, and feeding tasks demanded the greatest adoption of high flexion postures and should be evaluated to minimise the potential childcare-related risks of osteoarthritis. Practitioner summary: High knee flexion postures (kneeling, squatting, etc.) have been associated with increased incidences of knee injury yet are commonly adopted in childcare. Childcare workers' postures were examined through video analysis revealing that proposed adoption thresholds for knee health are commonly exceeded when caring for children of all ages. Abbreviations: OA: osteoarthritis; WSIB: workplace safety insurance board; CAD: Canadian Dollar; DK: dorsiflexed kneeling; PK: plantarflexed kneeling; SAK: single arm supported kneeling; DAK: double arm supported kneeling; FS: flatfoot squatting; HS: heels up squatting; FLRS: floor sitting; SS: side sitting or leaning; STLS: stool sitting; BR: bending and reaching.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie F Laudanski
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessa M Buchman-Pearle
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stacey M Acker
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bahns C, Bolm-Audorff U, Seidler A, Romero Starke K, Ochsmann E. Occupational risk factors for meniscal lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2021; 22:1042. [PMID: 34911509 PMCID: PMC8672613 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04900-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meniscal lesions are common and are associated with the development of knee osteoarthritis. Knee-straining activities at work such as kneeling or squatting cause high biomechanical stresses on the knee joints that can lead to acute or chronic injuries. The objective of this systematic review is to update the evidence on the potential relationship between occupational risk factors and meniscal lesions. METHODS We searched the Medline, Embase and Web of Science databases until August 2021 to identify epidemiological observational studies on the association between occupational risk factors and meniscal lesions. Study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Effect measures were extracted from individual studies and pooled with random effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity analyses were conducted. We used GRADE (Grades of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) to assess the overall quality of evidence. RESULTS The database search resulted in 11,006 references, and 46 additional studies were identified through hand search. Twenty-two studies (represented in 25 publications) met the predefined eligibility criteria and nine records were included in the meta-analysis. There was only one study with an overall low risk of bias. Significant associations between occupational risk factors and the development of meniscal lesions were found for kneeling (effect size (ES) 2.15, 95% CI 1.67-2.76), squatting (ES 2.01, 95% CI 1.34-3.03), climbing stairs (ES 2.28, 95% CI 1.58-3.30), lifting and carrying weights ≥ 10 kg (ES 1.63, 95% CI 1.35-1.96), lifting and carrying weights ≥ 25 kg (ES 1.56, 95% CI 1.08-2.24), playing football on a professional level (ES 5.22, 95% CI 3.24-8.41), working as a hard coal miner (ES 5.23, 95% CI 2.16-12.69) and floor layers (ES 1.99, 95% CI 1.43-2.78). The overall quality of evidence according GRADE was moderate to low. CONCLUSION We found consistent evidence of an increased risk of meniscal lesions by occupational knee-straining exposures. Our findings are important for the development of preventive strategies to reduce work-related knee disorders and work absence. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO (registration no. CRD42020196279 ).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Bahns
- Luebeck Institute of Occupational Health (LIOH), University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany. .,Department of Therapy Science I, Brandenburg Technical University Cottbus - Senftenberg, Senftenberg, Germany.
| | - Ulrich Bolm-Audorff
- Division of Occupational Health, Department of Occupational Safety, Regional Government of South Hesse, Wiesbaden, Germany.,Associate Professor of Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Seidler
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine (IPAS), Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Karla Romero Starke
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine (IPAS), Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Institute of Sociology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Elke Ochsmann
- Luebeck Institute of Occupational Health (LIOH), University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Holtermann A, Fjeldstad Hendriksen P, Greby Schmidt K, Jagd Svendsen M, Nørregaard Rasmussen CD. Physical Work Demands of Childcare Workers in Denmark: Device-Based Measurements and Workplace Observations Among 199 Childcare Workers from 16 Day Nurseries. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 64:586-595. [PMID: 32490511 PMCID: PMC7328469 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxaa041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Childcare workers in Denmark have high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) and sickness absence, but the existing knowledge of their physical work demands is limited, hampering preventive initiatives. This study aimed to assess the physical work demands with accelerometers and workplace observations of childcare workers handling children age 0–3. Methods Data collection consisted of an electronic survey, anthropometric measurements, accelerometer measurements providing information of physical activity types and postures with Acti4 software from five consecutive workdays, as well as 4-h visual workplace observation per childcare worker from 16 Danish nurseries. Results In total, 199 childcare workers were enrolled in the study. A total of 4181 working hours of accelerometer measurements and 722 h of workplace observations were carried out. Accelerometer measurements showed that they spent about half of the working day (44.8%) in sedentary postures, and the rest standing (22.8%), moving (13.0%), walking (14.6%), running (0.1%), and climbing stairs (0.7%), with 4.1% in knee straining postures (kneeling and squatting) and 4.3% forward trunk inclination >60°. Workplace observations showed that they carried children 1.8% of the working hours. Conclusions Physical work demands of Danish childcare workers are characterized by about half of the workday being sedentary, and the remaining of the workday being quite evenly distributed between standing and dynamic activities, with low exposures to carrying children. Their exposure to forward bending of the trunk and knee straining postures could impose a risk for MSP and sickness absence, and preventive initiatives should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Holtermann
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.,Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Peter Fjeldstad Hendriksen
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Kathrine Greby Schmidt
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Malene Jagd Svendsen
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.,Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Diana Nørregaard Rasmussen
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Velasco Garrido M, Mette J, Mache S, Harth V, Preisser AM. Musculoskeletal pain among offshore wind industry workers: a cross-sectional study. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2020; 93:899-909. [PMID: 32338301 PMCID: PMC7452945 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-020-01544-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective To assess whether there are differences in musculoskeletal pain among different types of occupations offshore and their relationship to ergonomic demands. Methods We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey among workers from offshore wind energy companies operating within the German exclusive economic zone. We selected workers with regular offshore commitments and at least 28 days spent offshore in the past year (n = 268). Musculoskeletal pain was assessed using the Subjective Health Complaints inventory (SHC), which considers the past month. Results Of the 268 male participants eligible for analysis, 54% reported back pain 50.4% neck pain, 40.3% lower back pain, 35.5% shoulder, 23.3% arm and 22.1% leg pain, all of them during the past month. Compared to other offshore occupations, technicians reported more frequently arm (OR 3.13; 95% CI 1.58–6.19), back (OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.15–3.39), shoulder (OR 1.94; 95% CI 1.11–3.40) and neck pain (OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.11–3.22). After adjusting for age and nationality, lifting and carrying heavy loads were associated with all types of pain except leg pain. Overhead work, work in awkward postures, and the use of personal protection equipment and heavy tools was associated with shoulder, back and arm pain. Conclusions Our findings suggest that occupational health counselling, health promotion and preventive interventions of offshore wind energy workers needs to consider the specific tasks of the employee and be particularly tailored to the ergonomic needs of technicians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcial Velasco Garrido
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstr. 10, 20459, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Janika Mette
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstr. 10, 20459, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Mache
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstr. 10, 20459, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Volker Harth
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstr. 10, 20459, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra M Preisser
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstr. 10, 20459, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ferrari GLDM, Kovalskys I, Fisberg M, Gómez G, Rigotti A, Sanabria LYC, García MCY, Torres RGP, Herrera-Cuenca M, Zimberg IZ, Guajardo V, Pratt M, Scholes S, Gonçalves PB, Solé D. Methodological design for the assessment of physical activity and sedentary time in eight Latin American countries - The ELANS study. MethodsX 2020; 7:100843. [PMID: 32211304 PMCID: PMC7082600 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2020.100843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide studies of physical activity and sedentary time have historically under-represented low- and middle-income countries due to the lack of surveillance data. The purpose of this paper is to describe the methods and procedures used for the assessment of physical activity and sedentary time in the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (Estudio Latinoamericano de Nutrición y Salud; ELANS). ELANS is a multicentre, cross-sectional and surveillance study of a nationally representative sample from eight Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Two instruments were used to evaluate different domains and intensities of physical activity and sedentary time: self-reported data and a triaxial accelerometer (model GT3X+). ELANS will generate important self-reported and objective information for the Latin American populations, namely:•evidence on the distribution of physical activity and sedentary time across population subgroups (e.g. sex, age, socioeconomic- and educational level). These sets of information will increase the evidence base and can help to inform future intervention strategies in Latin America;•self-reported and objective information on physical activity and sedentary time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerson Luis de Moraes Ferrari
- Centro de Investigación en Fisiologia del Ejercicio - CIFE, Universidad Mayor, Av. Sánchez Fontecilla #13.010, Campus Estadio Mayor, Peñalolén, Santiago, Chile.,Departamento de Pediatria da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Irina Kovalskys
- Commitee of Nutrition and Wellbeing, International Life Science Institute (ILSI-Argentina), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mauro Fisberg
- Departamento de Pediatria da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Instituto Pensi, Fundação José Luiz Egydio Setubal, Hospital Infantil Sabará, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Georgina Gómez
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Attilio Rigotti
- Departamento de Nutrición, Diabetes y Metabolismo, Escuela de Medicina, Centro de Nutrición Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | | | - Marianella Herrera-Cuenca
- Centro de Estudios del Desarrollo, Universidad Central de Venezuela (CENDES-UCV)/Fundación Bengoa, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Ioná Zalcman Zimberg
- Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Viviana Guajardo
- Commitee of Nutrition and Wellbeing, International Life Science Institute (ILSI-Argentina), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Michael Pratt
- Institute for Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shaun Scholes
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Priscila Bezerra Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologia em Saúde, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Paraná, Brazil.,Grupo de Pesquisa em Atividade Física e Qualidade de Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Dirceu Solé
- Departamento de Pediatria da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|