A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Survey of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Analysis of Its Influencing Factors among Coal Mine Workers in Xinjiang

Work fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders in gas station operators in Pontianak city, Indonesia

This study analyzes the relationship between work fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders in gas station operators in Pontianak City. This study used with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consists of 150 gas station workers. Data collection was carried out by observing and interviewing. Respondents characteristics were recorded through interviews using a questionnaire. Data on work fatigue were obtained by interviews using the IFRC questionnaire and musculoskeletal data using the Nordic Body Map questionnaire. The study results show that 50% of workers experience a high level of work fatigue, and 26% of workers experience severe musculoskeletal disorders. There is a significant relationship between work fatigue and musculoskeletal diseases (p = 0.001). The study established the need for intervention as a preventive measure by providing sufficient rest time, stretching, setting work shifts, improving ergonomic work positions for gas station operators, and controlling the work environment through environmental improvement and monitoring and using personal protective equipment.

Occupational stress and musculoskeletal disorders in firefighters: the mediating effect of depression and job burnout

The firefighting profession carries a heightened risk of musculoskeletal disorders. A firefighter's job is physically demanding and includes activities such as running, climbing, dragging, and lifting. Often, these tasks are unpredictable, performed in harsh environments, and have been found to cause psychological stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of occupational stress on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) in firefighters. In addition, the mediating effects of depression and job burnout on proposed relationships were examined. Data informing this study were collected using a survey questionnaire. The survey questionnaire included the Beck Depression Inventory, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Inventory (PCL), and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling approach in AMOS. The results of the 2339 responding firefighters suggest that work related stress is positively related to WRMSDs in firefighters and can lead to musculoskeletal symptoms through four paths, being emotional exhaustion, personal accomplishment, CES-D total score, and depersonalization. Through depersonalization, job stress had the most significant impact on musculoskeletal symptoms (coefficient = 0.053). Furthermore, the results showed that post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) can affect musculoskeletal symptoms through ten paths, again through depersonalization, PTSD had the most significant impact on musculoskeletal symptoms (coefficient = 0.141). The results of this study suggest that organizations should design interventions and policies to prevent and manage occupational stress, depression, and job burnout to negate its undesired consequences on firefighters' health (i.e. WRMSD).

Inequalities in employment and gender differences in the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders cases: a nationwide survey from Brazil, 2019

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) and to determine whether differences regarding the employment status (standard and non-standard), according to gender, increased the probability of WRMDs.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Data from the 2019 National Health Survey (NHS) in Brazil were used. In total, 50,066 participants, both women and men, aged 18-65 years were included. Data were analysed for self-reported WRMDs. The binary logistic regression model, adjusting for possible covariables, was used to evaluate the association between working in the labour market and the occurrence of WRMDs. For covariates in the multivariate analysis, a P-value of <0.20 was considered in the univariate analysis. The variables with a P-value of <0.05 remained in the model. The odds ratio (OR), together with their confidence intervals at 95% (95% CI), were estimates both in the univariate and multivariate models.

RESULTS

The prevalence of WRMDs was higher in women (4.2%) than men (1.9%). The likelihood of WRMDs was associated with the employment status only among men and proved to be lower for non-standard employment than standard employment (OR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.43-0.87). Only among women, an increase in the likelihood of WRMDs associated with exposure to occupational noise was observed (OR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.31-2.38) and a less favourable self-reported health (OR = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.08-2.54). Results showed higher change of WRMD for men and women associated with rheumatoid arthritis (men: OR = 3.94; 95% CI = 2.10-7.38; women: OR = 2.39; 95% CI = 1.68-3.39), depression (men: OR = 2.62; 95% CI = 1.54-4.45; women: OR = 2.39; 95% CI = 1.68-3.39) and occupational accidents (men: OR = 4.36; 95% CI = 2.34-8.14; women: OR = 2.20; 95% CI = 1.19-4.07).

CONCLUSIONS

It is possible that the "double presence" that involves both the productive and reproductive spheres explains the higher prevalence of WRMDs among women Indicators that are sensitive to the effects of gender norms are necessary to understand the context of inequalities in the prevalence of WRMDs. The results of this study should be considered when developing strategies in the workplace and public health policies to reduce the prevalence of WRMDs.

The prevalence and risk factors of work related musculoskeletal disorders among electronics manufacturing workers: a cross-sectional analytical study in China

OBJECTIVES

To describe the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal disorders among workers in the electronics manufacturing industry and to investigate the relations between work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and work-related variables.

METHODS

An interview-based questionnaire survey was carried out in thirty electronics manufacturing factories in China in 2018. The prevalence of WMSDs was estimated using the modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to evaluate the effects of risk factors on WMSDs on multiple body parts.

RESULTS

The 12-month prevalence of WMSDs among participants was 40.6%, and the common body sites affected were the neck (26.8%), shoulder (22.8%), upper back (14.9%), and lower back (14.8%). The results of logistic regression showed that female adults, > 5 job tenure and work-related factors (including awkward posture, lifting or carrying weights, excessive repetition, prolonged sitting, monotonous work and working under conditions of cold or temperature variations) led to a higher risk of WMSDs on most body parts. Upper back, wrist/hand and elbow pain levels were significantly higher for workers with vibration. However, more frequently, physical exercise was a protective factor against WMSDs on most body parts except the upper back, leg and knee.

CONCLUSIONS

The study indicates a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among the electronics manufacturing industry in China. Different personal and work factors are related to the occurrence of WMSD on different body parts. Preventive measures should be implemented based on the characteristics of WMSD in the electronic manufacturing industry. Furthermore, the training and intervention guidance of ergonomic hazards in the workplace need to be strengthened by understanding the impact of bad posture, avoiding long-term sitting posture and increasing physical activities.

Analysis of Mining-Related Injuries in Chinese Coal Mines and Related Risk Factors: A Statistical Research Study Based on a Meta-Analysis

Background and Objectives: Coal mine injuries commonly occur, affecting both the safety and health of miners, and the normal operation of the coal mine. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore the regularity of injury and injury-related risk factors in coal mines in China so as to establish a scientific basis for reducing the incidence and promoting the prevention and control of injuries. Methods: A meta-analysis of casualty cases and injury-related risk factors from 1956 to 2017 in China was conducted utilizing data from six databases, including CNKI, Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Wanfang data. Summary estimates were obtained using random effects models. Results: There were statistically significant variations in coal mine accident types, types of work, injury sites, age, experience, months, and shifts (p < 0.001). Eight types of accidents were susceptible to the risk of injury, and the greatest risk was presented by roof-related accidents (odds ratio (OR) = 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.32−0.6). Coal miners and drillers were at a greater risk of injury (OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.35−0.44; OR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.17−0.26, respectively). The extremities and the soft tissues of the skin were at the greatest risk of injury (OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.3−0.58; OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.1−0.48, respectively). Compared with other ages, miners aged 21−30 were at a greater risk of injury (21−30 years, OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.42−0.47; 31−40 years, OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.25−0.32; <20 years, OR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.03−0.23; >40 years, OR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.09−0.25). Compared with other miners, those with 6−10 years of experience were at a greater risk of injury (6−10 years, OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.25−0.32; 2−5 years, OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.25−0.41; <1 year, OR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.08−0.33; >11 years, OR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.17−0.27). During the months of July to September, the risk of injury was elevated (7−9th months, OR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.25−0.39; 10−12th months, OR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.16−0.31; 1st−3rd months, OR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.16−0.28; 4−6th months, OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.16−0.27). In the three-shift work system, the risk of injury was higher during night shifts (22:00−06:00, OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.3−0.56; 14:00−22:00, OR = 0.3, 95% CI = 0.23−0.27; 06:00−14:00, OR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.18−0.35). Conclusions: The results of this research study reveal that coal mine injuries are prevalent among coal miners. These injuries are often related to the age, experience, months of work, and the three-shift work system of miners.

Evaluation of vertical and multi-axial suspension seats for reducing vertical-dominant and multi-axial whole body vibration and associated neck and low back joint torque and muscle activity

The primary aim of this laboratory-based human subject study was to evaluate the biomechanical loading associated with mining vehicles' multi-axial whole body vibration (WBV) by comparing joint torque and muscle activity in the neck and low back during three vibration conditions: mining vehicles' multi-axial, on-road vehicles' vertical-dominant, and no vibration. Moreover, the secondary aim was to determine the efficacy of a vertical passive air suspension and a prototype multi-axial active suspension seat in reducing WBV exposures and associated biomechanical loading measures. The peak joint torque and muscle activity in the neck and low back were higher when exposed to multi-axial vibration compared to the vertical-dominant or no vibration condition. When comparing the two suspension seats, there were limited differences in WBV, joint torque, and muscle activity. These results indicate that there is a need to develop more effective engineering controls to lower exposures to multi-axial WBV and related biomechanical loading. Practitioner Summary: This study found that mining vehicles' multi-axial WBV can increase biomechanical loading in the neck and back more so than on-road vehicles' vertical-dominant WBV. While a newly-developed multi-axial active suspension seat slightly reduced the overall WBV exposures, the results indicate that more effective engineering controls should be developed. Abbreviation: APDF: amplitude probability density function; Aw: weighted average vibration; BMI: body mass index; C7: The 7th cervical vertebra; EMG: electromyography; ES: erector spinae; IRB: institutional review board; ISO: International Organization for Standardization; L5/S1: the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5)/the first sacral vertebra(S1); MSDs: musculoskeletal disorders; MVC: maximum voluntary contraction; PSD: power spectral density; RVC: reference voluntary contraction; SCM: sternocleidomastoid; SD: standard deviation; SPL: splenius capitis; TRAP: trapezius; VDV: vibration dose value; WBV: whole body vibration.

Occupational Factors Affecting Women Workers’ Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes in Oil, Gas, and Mining Industry: A Scoping Review

Objectives: Globally, female workers workforce in Oil, Gas, and Mining (OGM) industry have increased significantly. The complexities of the OGM operations and the extensive exposure to workplace hazards potentially affect the health status of workers, including sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes of female workers. Yet, the current state of knowledge on SRH issues in OGM contexts seems to be limited and fragmented. This scoping review aims to identify the occupational factors that influence women’s SRH outcomes in OGM industry.

Methods: This scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute’s guidelines (PRISMA) and was conducted in five databases, including the citation chaining via Google Scholar and manual search through relevant organisations and Government websites. Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were analysed.

Results: Despite the scarcity of evidence, chemical and physical are found to be the predominant factors greatly influencing women workers’ SRH outcomes in OGM. Most studies showed menstrual and cycle disorders, and risky pregnancy as key SRH issues. However, menstruation disorder was considerably linked with psychological and organisational factors.

Conclusion: This review suggests further empirical research on the relationship between OGM occupational hazards and women workers’ SRH. This will contribute to improvements in workplace safety legislations, measures, policies, and management systems taking into account women’s needs.

Associations of musculoskeletal disorders with occupational stress and mental health among coal miners in Xinjiang, China: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), a common type of occupational diseases, have become the main cause of absenteeism and early retirement in the occupational population, as well as a major risk factor for occupational disability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of occupational stress and mental health on MSDs in coal miners in Xinjiang, China, to provide a theoretical basis for reducing the incidence of MSDs in coal miners and improving their physical and mental health.

METHODS

In this study, stratified cluster random sampling was used to randomly select six coal mining companies in Xinjiang, and 1675 coal miners were surveyed by questionnaire. The status of occupational stress, mental health and MSDs among coal miners was investigated by means of the Effort-Reward Imbalance questionnaire (ERI), Symptom Checklist-90(SCL-90), and Musculoskeletal disorders scale (MSDs) questionnaire.

RESULTS

The prevalence of MSDs among coal miners was higher, and there were statistical differences among different sexes, ages, working years, shifts, types of work, educational level and monthly income (P < 0.001). The prevalence of MSDs in different body parts in the occupational stress group and mental disorder group was higher than that in the normal group. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that females had an increased risk of developing MSDs (OR = 2.23, 95% CI.:1.50,3.33). The risk of MSDs was higher with age < 30 years (30-39 years,OR = 2.39, 95% CI.,1.68,3.40; 40-49 years,OR = 2.15, 95% CI.:1.52,3.04; 50-60 years:OR = 3.25, 95% CI.:2.09,5.07), and the longer the working years, the higher the risk of MSDs (OR = 1.90, 95% CI.:1.38,2.62). The two shifts group (OR = 2.18, 95% CI.:1.59,2.98) had an increased risk of developing MSDs compared with the fixed day shift group. The risk of MSDs was lower in heading drivers (OR = 0.41, 95% CI.:0.29,0.60,) and transport workers (OR = 0.30, 95% CI.:0.20,0.43). The higher the education level, the lower the risk of MSDs (high school: OR = 0.46, 95% CI.:0.34,0.62, junior college and above: OR = 0.12, 95% CI.:0.08,0.17), and the higher the monthly income, the lower the risk of MSDs (OR = 0.50, 95% CI.:0.34,0.74). Occupational stress (OR = 1.32, 95% CI.:1.05,1.67) and mental disorder(OR = 2.94, 95% CI.:2.25,3.84) increased the risk of MSDs. A Bayesian network diagram showed that occupational stress and MSDs have direct effects on mental disorders, and occupational stress can have indirect effects on mental disorders through MSDs.

CONCLUSION

Our research shows that MSDs are common among coal miners. Occupational stress and psychological disorders can increase the incidence of MSDs.