Musculoskeletal problems among workers of an Iranian communication company

Arabic version of the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric testing

BACKGROUND

The Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ-E) had never been adapted into Arabic. We culturally adapted the NMQ-E to Arabic in five stages and investigated its psychometric properties.

METHODS

After translating and cross-culturally adapting the NMQ-E into Arabic, through forward translation, translation synthesis, backward translation, expert committee review, and pilot testing, the psychometric properties were investigated. The construct validity was assessed by having the participants completing the Arabic version of the NMQ-E with four Arabic scales that measured musculoskeletal pain in all regions covered in the NMQ-E. Participants' baseline records were also used to evaluate internal consistency (Cronbach's α). Seven days later, participants completed the Arabic NMQ-E again to evaluate its test-retest reliability employing intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) for the age questions, and Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ), the proportion of observed agreement (Po), the proportion of positive agreement (Ppos), and the proportion of negative agreement (Pneg) for the dichotomous items.

RESULTS

A total of 127 participants, 70 males and 57 females with mean age 32.5 ± 12.2 years, were included. Significant differences were found between participants with and without musculoskeletal pain in the corresponding scales, signifying the content validity of the questionnaire. Cronbach's α for both the prevalence and consequences pain sections combined ranged from 0.30 to 1.00. The test-retest reliability of the age questions was excellent, with ICC values ranging between 0.995 and 1.00. The SEM was 0.77 for the neck region and 0 for the rest of the regions. The prevalence questions demonstrated almost perfect agreement, with κ values ranging between 0.82 and 1.00, the Po between 0.94 and 1.00, the Ppos between 0.80 and 1.00, and the Pneg between 0.93 and 1.00. The consequences of pain questions showed moderate-to-perfect agreement, with κ values ranging between 0.57 and 1.00, between 0.83 and 1.00 for the Po, between 0.50 and 1.00 for the Ppos, and between 0.86 and 1.00 for the Pneg.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the Arabic NMQ-E is a valid and reliable tool that can be used to screen Arab adults for the prevalence and consequences of musculoskeletal pain.

Common errors in selecting and implementing pen-paper observational methods by Iranian practitioners for assessing work-related musculoskeletal disorders risk: a systematic review

Objectives. This study aimed to determine the types and frequency of pen-paper observational methods (OMs) used by Iranian practitioners and to identify their errors in selecting and implementing these methods. Methods. This was a systematic review and analytical study of papers in which the OMs had been used. Scientific databases were analyzed from September 1970 to September 2018. Errors were determined based on a list of wrong practices both in the selection and implementation of methods. Three ergonomists carried out the process of identifying errors independently. Results. The most frequently used methods were rapid upper limb assessment (RULA), quick exposure check (QEC) and rapid entire body assessment (REBA), respectively. Errors in selecting and implementing pen-paper OMs were 53.3 and 36.4%, respectively. Conclusions. Despite the abundant number of pen-paper OMs, Iranian practitioners use few of them. The high rate of errors can indicate a lack of knowledge and skills among practitioners for selecting and implementing OMs. The development of decision-making tools may help practitioners to select appropriate pen-paper OMs for assessing different types of tasks.

Assessment of upper limb musculoskeletal pain and posture in workers of packaging units of pharmaceutical industries

BACKGROUND

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are defined as the disabling or painful injury to the muscles, nerves or tendons that are caused by work or aggravated by it. Some studies confirm the association between working in packaging units in various industries and the pain in the upper limb, but also there are controversies about the possible risk factors among different working populations.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to define the potential ergonomic risk factors for musculoskeletal pain in the upper limb.

METHODS

The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used for assessment of the musculoskeletal pain. Some other questions about the possible risk factors were included in the questionnaire. In order to assess posture, rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) test was performed by trained ergonomists.

RESULTS

The findings of the study reveals that shoulder pain is associated with work history (P-value = 0.01), smoking (P-value = 0.02), the level of education (P-value = 0.04) and age more than 40 years old (P-value = 0.01). Wrist pain was associated with shiftwork (P-value = 0.04) and especially fixed shiftwork (P-value = 0.04) and also age more than 40(P-value = 0.03) and missed days from work with a cut point of 7 days (P-value = 0.03). After regression, only the work history (OR = 14.4 for 10 to 20 years and OR = 32.2 for more than 20 years) and shiftwork (OR = 2.35) remained statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, RULA was not associated with symptoms in the upper limb in non-heavy working industries so we do not recommend it for screening purposes. The use of decades of working history and shiftwork can be considered for this purpose in the shoulder and wrist pain respectively.

Musculoskeletal Problems in Iranian Hand-Woven Shoe-Sole Making Operation and Developing Guidelines for Workstation Design

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among important health problems in working population. Because of performing difficult physical activities, hand-woven shoe-sole makers are at risk of developing various types of MSDs.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in different body areas of hand-woven shoe-sole makers, assess workers' postures and workstations, evaluate ergonomic and individual factors associated with MSDs, and develop guidelines for designing hand-woven shoe-sole making workstation.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, the prevalence of MSDs symptoms and their risk factors were studied among 240 hand-woven shoe-sole makers. Working posture and workstations were ergonomically assessed as well. The data were collected through interviewing and using Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and by direct observation of posture using RULA method. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors associated with MSDs symptoms.

RESULTS

The prevalence and severity of MSDs symptoms were high among the study population. Ergonomic factors including daily working time, working posture, and force exertion, as well as individual factors, such as age, job tenure, and education were significantly associated with MSDs symptoms.

CONCLUSION

It seems that the majority of ergonomics shortcomings originate from poorly designed workstation. Some general guidelines for designing shoe-sole making workstation are presented.

Occupational musculoskeletal disorders management using Fuzzy TOPSIS Assessment of Repetitive Tasks (ART)

BACKGROUND

In order to evaluate occupational disorders and ergonomic problems in a workplace, Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) problem solving methods such as Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) can be utilized.

OBJECTIVE

In this paper, Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) risk factors were evaluated in a manufacturing company in Iran by a method called Assessment of Repetitive Tasks (ART) of the upper limbs integrated with Fuzzy TOPSIS in order to prioritize the corrective actions.

METHODS

This study was done with a descriptive-analytical approach. The company under study had 240 employees who were working in seven different shops. Out of all tasks, 13 tasks were included in the study. Required information was gathered by a demographic questionnaire and ART method. Also, Fuzzy TOPSIS was utilized for the prioritization of the company shops based on the ergonomic control needs.

RESULTS

Data analysis from ART indicated that 74.6% of the reviewed tasks were high risk. Based on the F- TOPSIS-ART results, Production shop prioritized as the highest need for MSD control.

CONCLUSIONS

Because there is time and financial resources limit in ergonomic control activities, a fuzzy prioritization approach such as Fuzzy TOPSIS ART can be used to take advantage of the available resources and control risks to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) level.

Prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Iranian Workforce and Job Groups

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are known to cause occupational injuries. This study aimed to collate the existed relevant data and develop a general feature of MSDs problem among Iranian workforce.

METHODS

In this study, we used the raw data related to 8004 employees from 20 Iranian industrial settings distributed throughout the country. In all studies, participants were selected based on simple random sampling method, and the data were collected using demographic characteristics and Nordic MSDs questionnaires.

RESULTS

The most prevalent MSDs symptoms were reported in the lower back (48.9%), shoulders (45.9%), neck (44.2%), upper back (43.8%), and knees (43.8%). Prevalence rates of MSDs at least in one body region were found to be the highest (90.3%) among health-care workers. Prevalence rates of MSDs symptoms in all body regions were higher among workers with dynamic activities as compared to those of workers with static activities.

CONCLUSIONS

MSDs symptoms were common among the study population. Health-care provider and workers with dynamic activities had the highest rate of MSDs. These results merit attention in planning and implementing ergonomics interventional program in Iranian industrial settings.

Ergonomic Risk Factors and Their Association With Lower Back and Neck Pain Among Pharmaceutical Employees in Iran

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the ergonomic risk factors for low back pain (LBP) and neck pain in an industry in which only light tasks are performed. These common disorders can be significant work-related musculoskeletal disorders. This study included 396 employees who worked in packaging units of pharmaceutical companies. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) were used to generate data. This study showed an association between LBP, RULA scores, and workers' education. For neck pain, an association was found with age, gender, and subjective questions about working posture (mostly sitting/standing or alternating between the two). Absence from work more than 3 days, which could have been associated with pain, was significantly associated with both disorders.

Improving body posture while fueling with a newly designed pump nozzle

BACKGROUND

Although petrol pumps are a very common and highly used simple technology, their design consideration for comfort and safety to prevent high-pressure load and musculoskeletal injuries to the body is a neglected area in many countries including Iran.

OBJECTIVES

This study attempted to design a new pump nozzle, and to assess the differences in musculoskeletal load related to body posture when a price/volume display is mounted on the pump nozzle.

METHODS

For postural analysis, photographs recording the posture of 100 randomly selected customers while fueling at petrol pumps and the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) technique were used.

RESULTS

The results of this study showed that RULA scores improved significantly after the newly designed pump nozzle was used.

CONCLUSION

The newly designed pump nozzle is useful in reducing load related to body posture while fueling.

MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS AMONG BANK OFFICE WORKERS: TWO YEARS FOLLOW-UP SURVEY

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent one of the leading causes of occupational injury and disability in the developed and industrially developing countries. The economic loss due to such disorders is high and affects not only the individual but also the organization and the society as a whole. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence rate of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) among employees of the bank office sectors and also identifying majors factors associated with symptoms in the study population in the city of Kerman, Iran. Between 2008 and 2009, 324 (224 male and 100 female) bank office workers was interviewed individually in a private one-on-one interview. A modified version of the nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) and cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire (CMDQ) translated into Farsi by the author was used in this study. The response rate of questionnaire was 68% (152 male and 61 female). The highest prevalence of symptoms were found for male and female upper back, female Hip/Buttocks and neck, and female lower back (62%). The highest prevalence of symptoms was found for female neck, upper back and lower back. Finding indicated that females have been experiencing more complaints than males. The prevalence of MSS among targeted population occurred in high rate.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort among the workers engaged in jewelry manufacturing

Background:

The workers engaged in jewellery manufacturing exposed to various occupational risk factors that lead to development of musculoskeletal disorders. But there is scarcity of reporting the prevalence of the musculoskeletal disorders among them.

Aims:

To evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort among the workers engaged in jewellery manufacturing in India.

Setting and Design:

Case Control Study.

Materials and Methods:

This study was divided into two phases. First phase: prevalence rate were calculated using Modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and compared with the control group. Second phase: strength, flexibility and tightness of the muscle groups (neck, lower back and knee) were evaluated through physical examination for the subjects who reported positive prevalence.

Statistical Analysis:

A comparative inferential statistics was used.

Results:

This study was divided into two phases. First phase: prevalence rate were calculated using Modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and compared with the control group. Second phase:strength, flexibility and tightness of the muscle groups (neck, lower back and knee) were evaluated through physical examination for the subjects who reported positive prevalence.

Conclusions:

The musculoskeletal disorders among the workers engaged in jewellery manufacturing were found to be specific to the occupation.

Novel ergonomic postural assessment method (NERPA) using product-process computer aided engineering for ergonomic workplace design

Background

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that result from poor ergonomic design are one of the occupational disorders of greatest concern in the industrial sector. A key advantage in the primary design phase is to focus on a method of assessment that detects and evaluates the potential risks experienced by the operative when faced with these types of physical injuries. The method of assessment will improve the process design identifying potential ergonomic improvements from various design alternatives or activities undertaken as part of the cycle of continuous improvement throughout the differing phases of the product life cycle.

Methodology/Principal Findings

This paper presents a novel postural assessment method (NERPA) fit for product-process design, which was developed with the help of a digital human model together with a 3D CAD tool, which is widely used in the aeronautic and automotive industries. The power of 3D visualization and the possibility of studying the actual assembly sequence in a virtual environment can allow the functional performance of the parts to be addressed. Such tools can also provide us with an ergonomic workstation design, together with a competitive advantage in the assembly process.

Conclusions

The method developed was used in the design of six production lines, studying 240 manual assembly operations and improving 21 of them. This study demonstrated the proposed method’s usefulness and found statistically significant differences in the evaluations of the proposed method and the widely used Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method.

RISK FACTORS FOR THE PREVALENCE OF THE UPPER LIMB AND NECK WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG POULTRY SLAUGHTER WORKERS

Poultry slaughtering reports a high prevalence of upper limb work-related musculoskeletal disorders (UL-WMSDs). The main risk factors associated with upper limb and neck work-related musculoskeletal disorders are repetitiveness, high frequency of action, excessive force, awkward posture, insufficient recovery time and exposure to cold temperature. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the prevalence of upper limb and neck symptoms among poultry slaughter workers in Iran, using the Nordic standardized questionnaire and occupational repetitive action (OCRA) checklist method. The study subjects consisted of 68% male and 32% female with a mean age 28.88 ± 0.56. Two hundred twelve poultry slaughter workers were interviewed. Out of every 20 workers, in the last 12 months, 12 reported pain in the upper limb and neck. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between the OCRA level of risk and UP-WMSD symptom (ρ < 0.05). The results of this study revealed that upper limb and neck symptoms occurred in high rates among poultry slaughter workers. This study provides information for the prevalence of upper limb and neck symptoms among poultry slaughter workers in Iran, and the results suggest interventions for hands/wrist, elbow, shoulder and neck pain should be important and major priority.