Iranian Journal of Ergonomics

Introduction: Regarding the increasing growth in jobs dealing with computers and the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among VDT users, the assessment and identification of ergonomic risk factors are of greater importance. This study aimed to evaluate MSDs among office VDT users.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 71 participants (37 females and 34 males) selected randomly among administrative staff of Isfahan Art University. CMD questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of MSDs and for measuring ergonomic risk factors ROSA method was employed in VDT stations.

Results: According to ROSA risk levels, 21% (15 participants) were at low risk (score of less than 3), 48% (34 participants) were in the notification area (score 3 to 5) and 31% (22 participants) were in the need area for ergonomic intervention (score of more than 5). Sex, body mass index, educational level and work experience had significant impacts on ROSA final score (p<0.001). There was a positive significant correlation between ROSA final score and MSDs in the participants (p<0.001, r=0.828).

Introduction: The weak design of hand tools and their disharmony with the user's physical features comprise a major risk factor for upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. Hand-tool related injuries comprise almost 9% of all work-related injuries. The present study was conducted to examine the effect of hand tools' diameter on comfort and maximum hand torque and to estimate the optimal diameter for hand tools.

Methods: Participants included 6 men and 6 women with a mean age of 24.7 and a standard deviation of age of 5.84 years. Participants started to load and rotate the grip of 7 hand tools with different diameters with all their power and using a self-made tool for measuring the torque. The test duration, maximum torque and comfort level of the tool grip was then measured and the data obtained were analyzed using the ANOVA and the t-test.

Findings: The mean maximum torque value obtained was 1.88 (SD=0.95) newton meter, the time taken to reach the maximum torque was 13.96 (SD=9.03) seconds and the mean comfort level was 3.27 (SD=1.48) at a scale from 1 to 7. There was a significant difference between the maximum torque generated in the group of men and the group of women (p<0.001). The mean maximum torque obtained was 3.034 newton meter and the mean maximum comfort level was 4.67, achieved with a grip diameter of 38 mm.

Conclusion: The optimal hand tool diameter recommended for maximum user comfort and torque is 38 mm.

Background and Objectives: One of the most effective methods for managing ergonomic risk factors in the workplace is to involve employees in identifying and assessing ergonomic risk factors and ultimately designing and implementing interventions by themselves. Therefore, this study aimed to implement a participatory ergonomic program, focusing on the transfer of ergonomic knowledge to employees, and to examine the effects of interventions on the macroeconomic indexes.  
Methods: This semi-experimental interventional study was carried out in cooperation with all staff of one of the medical diagnostic laboratories in Isfahan (11 people) in 2017. A participatory ergonomic program was implemented based on the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc. (OHCOW) Guide. Then, the differences in the level of macro ergonomic elements such as job satisfaction and increase in motivating potential score of employees were studied before and after the interventions resulting from participatory ergonomic program (OHCOW) in this work environment. The data was analyzed using SPSS 23.
Results: Job satisfaction before and after ergonomic interventions had no significant difference (a relative increase), but in one of the scales, namely organizational climate, there was a significant change (P=0.016). Also, the motivating potential score of employees after the intervention was significantly higher than before (P=0.013).
Conclusion: In this study, participatory ergonomics were used to improve some aspects of macro ergonomic elements. Based on the results of this study, participatory ergonomics can increase some job satisfaction scores and motivating potential score of employees. Finally, it is suggested that allocate a longer duration for intervention utilization.

Background and Objectives: Playgrounds play a very important role in the development of children's communities and their physical skills. If these spaces are designed according to safety standards, they can contribute to the better social and physical growth of children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety status of children's playground equipment in Hamadan Luna Park according to the standards of the U.S. Consumer product safety commission (CPSC).
Methods: The present study was a descriptive and analytical one. The statistical population included a total of 600 persons, working in one of the regions in the Tehran Municipality. Of the 600 staff, a total of 255 were selected as the available sample group. The instruments consisted of the questionnaires, including the individual and occupational information, the Nordic questionnaire, the Walton Quality of work life, and the checklist of the ergonomic indices of the working environment for the administrative staff. In order to analyze the data, Student’s t-test and multiple regression analysis were used.
Results: The results showed that among the main playground equipments, the spiral slide has the highest ratio of 76.1% and the seesaws with 25% minimum compliance with the CPSC standard. Among the most commonly problems in this field the non-standard design of play equipment, incorrect assembly, installation and placement in use zones can be pointed.
Conclusion: According to this paper’s report, given the undeniable role of the safety of playground equipment in preventing possible harm to children, they must be secured and adapted to global standards.

Background and Objectives: Using anthropometric characteristics in the ergonomic design of workstations can be useful in the prevention and reduction of musculoskeletal discomfort and in office-work environments. The purpose of this study was to determine the anthropometric dimensions of Hormozgan province gas department staff to design desks and chairs for computer work based workstations.
Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical study for measuring 36 anthropometric variables of 121 Hormozgan province gas company staff selected by cluster random method. After collecting anthropometric data considering ergonomic design criteria, dimensions of desk and office chairs are designed.
Results: Participants were 80.2% male and 19.8% female with a mean age of 35.11 and a standard deviation of 6.6 between 25 and 59 years. The mean and standard deviation of height measured was 170.7 and 8.06 cm, respectively. Anthropometric results are shown separately by gender and percentile in the tables. Dimensions of chair and office desk are designed based on obtained data.
Conclusion: The presented anthropometric desks can be used in future studies and designs. Also, the dimensional characteristics of the furniture provided can be a practical guide for designing and manufacturing office workstations.