Iranian Journal of Ergonomics

Introduction: One of the major problems in hospitals leading to high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among the health staff is associated with patients handling. This study was aimed to reduce musculoskeletal disorders using ergonomic intervention among Nahavand Alimoradian hospital staff.

Material and Methods: This study was conducted in four wards of 160-bed Nahavand Alimoradian hospital. The data collecting tool was Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. SPSS software was used for data analysis. The questionnaire was completed, before and after educational intervention, for 46 employees of the four wards which had the most complaints about musculoskeletal disorders. Training classes were held for the target group covering prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, proper techniques for patient handling and stretching exercises for low back pain prevention.

Results: The main results tended to be the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders especially in low back, shoulders and wrists of the employees. Low back pain was the most prevalent disorder among the personnel. The educational intervention had not significant effect on lessening the musculoskeletal disorders in hospital staff (p > 0.05).

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are amongst dominant occupational injuries and disabilities in developed and developing countries. The RULA technique is one of the best methods for assessing upper limbs postures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the working postures using RULA and ergonomic interventions in the quality control unit of a glass manufacturing company.

Material and Methods: This interventional study was conducted in the mirror control workstations of a glass manufacturing company. To assess workers’ postures, the RULA technique was applied before and after the intervention. After data analysis, corrective engineering measures were recommended and implemented in all workstations.

Results: The findings showed that 40% of workers had a grand score of 7, 40% with a grand score of 6 and 20% with a grand score of 5. Accordingly, 60% of workstations were in action level of 3 (i.e. investigation and changes are required soon) and 40% of workstations were in action level of 4 (i. e. investigation and changes are required immediately). After intervention, 20% of workstations were in action level of 3 and 80% were in action level of 2.