Iranian Journal of Ergonomics

An investigation on commercial cell phones radiation and self report symptoms of users

Rostam Golmohammadi

Introduction: Many calls already perform by cell phones that have need to radiation exposure by users. Because of health reasons and some doubts about effects, this study was conducted to determine the extent of the mobile phones radiations and self report symptoms of users. Material and Method: In this cross-sectional study, 80 available randomly users contain students and staffs of Hamadan University of medical sciences in 2012 were selected. Electro Smog meter TES-593 was used as radiation measurements tool. In order to assess health effects of mobile phones’ radiation, a self-administered survey questionnaire were used. Statistical analyses were performed using T-test, ANOVA and X2 tests by SPSS 11.5. Results: Results showed that the conversation mode had a highest level of electromagnetic indices in the studied cell phones. Compare means of power density that emitted from studied mobile phones had significantly difference (P=0.001). Relationship between exposure to the mobile phones radiation by symptoms of head-ache, anxiety and sleep disturb were significant (P=0.02, P=0.03, and P=0.002 respectively). Conclusion: Although, there is founding the relations between exposure to cell phones electromagnetic fields and some self-reported symptoms in line with same reports, These symptoms can not be absolutely attributed to the use of mobile phones. With these considerations it is recommended that for prevention of health risks from cell phones, safe type selection, control of call duration and frequency of use of these devices should be mentioned.

Match between school furniture dimensions and children’s anthropometric dimentions in male elementary schools

Rasoul Ahmadi

Match between school furniture dimensions and children’s anthropometric dimentions in male elementary schools. Rashid Heidari Moghaddam1, Rasoul Ahmadi2 , Majid Motamedzade3, Ghodratollah Roshanaie4 stract: Introduction: Given the important role of appropriate furniture in the posture of the students and that non ergonomic furniture can produce uncomfortable posture, low back pain, neck pain, lack of concentration and discomfort, therefore, this study examine match between school furniture dimensions and children’s anthropometric dimensions in male elementary schools in Hamadan city. Materials and Methods: In this study 600 children have been studied. Their weight and height and their anthropometric dimensions included shoulder height, elbow height, knee height, popliteal height, popliteal-bottock length and hip breadth have been measured. Then, the fitness between current furniture's dimensions and calculated ergonomic dimensions have compared. Results: : Findings showed that dimensions of available furniture included seat height, seat depth, seat width, back rest height, desk height, underneath desk height and anthropometric dimensions of students was not matched. This study has shown that by increasing the seat depth and decreasing the seat height in new designs, they have relatively improved in compare with the old designs. Conclusion: Available school furniture dimensions in Hamadan elementary schools are not appropriate for most students and induce postural discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders. Key words: Ergonomics, Anthropometrics, Design, Furniture 1- Department of Ergonomics, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Research Center, School of Public Health. Hamadan University of Medical Science, Hamedan, Iran. 2- Corresponding author, Ergonomics graduate student, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran. 3- Professor, Department of Occupational Hygiene, School of Health and Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran. 4- Roshanaei, Ghodratollah, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology. Modeling of Noncommunicable diseases Research center, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.

Assessment impact of musculoskeletal disorders and physical activity on quality of life automobile factory workers

Yousef Mohammadian

Background: One of the main problems in the occupational workplace is musculoskeletal disorders. Quality of life is a multidimensional concept, including the ability of performance, health and mental statues that important factors such as physical, psychological, social relationships and personal attitude influence on quality of life .The aim of current study is assessment of impact of musculoskeletal disorders and physical activity on quality of life in automobile factory workers. Materials and Methods: In this study, from 453 automobile factory workers, 140 workers participated. In order to determine musculoskeletal disorders, quality of life and physical activity, Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, quality of life questionnaire (SF 36) and physical activity questionnaire were used respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 software with descriptive analysis and Pierson correlation analysis. Result: The results showed that the between physical function, activity limitation due to physical problems, bodily pain, vitality, public health and fatigue with musculoskeletal disorders were statistically significant correlation (P< 0.05). Between regular physical activity and musculoskeletal disorders and consequent with quality of life obtained significant correlation. Discussion: Physical activity (exercise) increases worker fitness and reduces probability risk of musculoskeletal disorders and increase quality of life.

Identification and Evaluation of Human Errors among the nurses of Coronary Care Unit Using CREAM Techniques

Saeid Bashirian

Background: Adverse events are injuries and problems are derived from management than the original condition. In particular, Intensive care units are as a place of significant human errors and preventable adverse events in the health care system. The present study was conducted to identify and evaluate human errors among cardiac intensive care nurses in a teaching hospital in Hamadan city. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using the cream technique. in this study nursing job were analyzed using hierarchical task analysis. Then the work sheet of cream techniques completed through observation and interviews with the nurses. Data analysis was performed using spss-16 software. Results: Findings show that the maximum probability of error are in setting tasks and use DC shock in urgent cases, data recording in the hospital system, said start code resuscitation of heart and lung (CPR) respectively 0.02108, 0.02088 and 0.02086. Minimum probability of error were Determine nutritional needs and diet, gavages and necessary care and giving oral medications respectively 0.01100, 0.01013 and 0.00966. Conclusions: The most important suggestion to improve of working situation and reducing of human error probability are modification of nurses shift work, providing of practical training and decrease of additional duties.

The Association between psychosocial factors and Occupational Accidents among Iranian Drilling Workers

Majid Motamedzade

Background: Psychosocial factors are present in most workplaces that could affect various aspects of workers’ health. Accordingly, psychosocial risks may lead to work related musculoskeletal disorders, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, effect on quality of working life, sickness absence, depression work injuries and accidents and various health problems. The aim of the present study was to assess work psychosocial problems and their association with non-fatal occupational accidents among Aghmary workers of Iranian drilling rigs. Methods: A cross-sectional study using the short version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) was carried out on a total sample of 270 employees working on Aghmary system in drilling rigs. History of non-fatal occupational accidents was assessed by self-report during one year prior to the study. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS 16.0. Results: The results showed that high work pace (OR=1.55), high emotional demands (OR=1.62), high influence at work (OR=1.5), low quality of leadership (OR=1.8), low social support (OR=1.87), high burnout (OR=1.72) and high threat of violence (OR=6.2) were significantly related to non-fatal occupational accident. Conclusions: This study revealed the significant association between occupational accident and some psychosocial dimensions and recommended the incorporation of psychosocial factors in preventive measures.

Shift work and its complications: A case study in the security personnel of a refinery complex

Mojtaba Abbaszadeh

Background: Shift work is one of the inevitable consequences of technology in which in the recent years numerous studies have been done about its effect on health. Somatic, psychological and social disturbances are among the problems that are seen more in people with shift work than other people. The current study aims to determine the prevalence of these disturbances in one of the LPG and gas refinery complex, oil companies. Methods: This cross-sectional case-control study was carried out at 180 shift-work people as case group and 90 day-work people as control group at the security section of the oil refinery company. Data of shift workers were collected with Survey of Shift workers (SOS) questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of questions on demographic characteristics and health problems associated with shift work. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Ver.19 at a significance level of 5%. Results: The mean (SD) of shift working and day-work workers were estimated to be 41 ± 4.8 and 39 ± 4.1 years, respectively. The results showed that health problems shift-workers were more prevalent than day-work workers. The differences were significant in gastrointestinal disease, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and fatigue (P < 0.05). Conclusion: According to the result of this study, shift work can be a risk factor for the incidence of somatic and psychological disturbances. Initiatives should be implemented to prevent these complications in shift workers.

The relationship between musculoskeletal disorders, stress and fatigue in the food industry employees

habibollah Dehghan

Introduction: The development of the industry has led to an increased incidence of muscle-skeletal disorders. The disorders increased caused by factors such as type of job, repetition of work, intensity and duration of the work. Food industries, including industries that are doing the type of job that involves repetitive movements, this study examined was conducted the role of stress and other psychosocial factors on musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: The present cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in different organs and factors affecting food production was one of the workers. According to a random sample of 215 workers were studied with an average age of 39 years. To evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was used of the Nordic questionnaire, also for of occupational stress was used OSIPOW questionnaire the data obtained are analyzed by SPSS 16 software and processing of data with the descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation test. Results: The results showed that the study population in the past 12 months the most common symptoms of lower back 69.8%. We were founded between stress and musculoskeletal discomfort in the neck, shoulder, wrist, upper back, a significant relationship (P<0.05). We were founded between smoking and low back pain (P <0.05), shoulder pain (P = 0.023), leg pain (P = 0.008) statistical test significant. As well as we were found between the average working hours per day and work experience, with musculoskeletal symptoms, fatigue, and BMI also a significant relationship. Conclusions: The results obtained in this study shows that job stress, work experience, BMI, the number of working hours and fatigue is considered a risk factor for upper extremity musculoskeletal disorder.

Health status of city staff shiftwork in a hospital Razan

ghasem zahirian

Background & Objectives: Shiftwork is a social phenomenon that can have adverse effects on human life. Given the importance of the shiftwork system and caused by the related health problems, the present study was conducted to determine the health status of and shift workers in a hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in one of the hospitals in Razan (Iran). The sample size consisted of 120 medical, administration and service staff. The SOS questionnaire was used for data collection. The data analysis was performed in SPSS software by χ2. Results: The results showed that 98.3% of complaints were about personal, social and familial problems, and 84.9% were related to musculoskeletal disorders. . Satisfaction of rotating shift work and shift work voluntarily chosen variables, the rotation of the shift, shift work and adverse effects on personal life, adverse effects on family life revealed a significant relationship (P<0.05). Instead, insomnia common variables, adverse effects on social life and social problems showed no significant relationship.