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Showing 7 results for Risk Factors
Identifying individual and work-related risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders in an industrial organization
Narmin Hassanzadeh Rangi, Ali-Asghar Farshad, Majid Motamedzade, Yahya Khosravi, Sakineh Varmazyar,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (12-2013)
Abstract
Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the main causes of work related injuries and disabilities in developed as well as developing countries. Few studies have considered different interactive effects of individual and work-related factors on MSDs, simultaneously. Methods and Materials: Data were gathered by Nordic questionnaire and Quick Exposure Check (QEC) method and were analyzed using logistic regression model in order to study the correlation between the prevalence and intensity of MSDs and individual and work-related factors. Results: More than half of all participants (61.6%) reported suffering from one form of MSDs during the past 6 months. Results showed that risk factors such as work stress, sleeping position, lifestyle and poor posture had an important role in the prevalence and intensity of MSDs. Discussion: The effect of a risk factor is constantly in interaction with other risk factors, and is modified by other factors. Participatory ergonomic intervention programs, work station intervention, ergo stress intervention and life-style interventions were suggested in order to decrease the prevalence and intensity of MSDs.
Comprehensive ergonomic interventions for improving ergonomic conditions in an automobile spare part manufacturing plant: A case study
Naser Sadra Abarghouei,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (9-2015)
Abstract
 

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are major concerns of the modern world due to their effect on the physical health and productivity of the workforce. More extensive research is therefore required to identify and prevent these injuries and control the risk factors causing their development.

 Materials and Methods: The present study uses a theoretical model of ergonomic interventions to examine and improve ergonomic conditions in an automobile spare part manufacturing plant. A total of 44 employees were selected through simple random sampling and according to the Morgan table from the 50 personnel working at the plant. The Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire and the review of ergonomics tips inventory were used to identify the ergonomic risk factors. Based on the theoretical model used in the research, the ergonomic intervention was performed in two stages.

Findings: In the macro stage of the ergonomic intervention, 7 goals were set and 13 ergonomic recommendations were made in the form of several workshops and task forces. In the micro stage of the ergonomic intervention, 20 ergonomic risk factors were identified and 13 strategies and plans were suggested. With the senior manager's approval, 11 strategies entered the implementation stage with the aim of improving ergonomic conditions and increasing productivity at the workplace.

Conclusion: The main outcome of the comprehensive ergonomic interventions performed in the present study was a modified organizational culture, entailing both direct and indirect benefits, such as providing low-cost or no-cost solutions to the problems, creating an active environment of continuous improvement, increasing employees' motivation for participation and being innovative in solving the problems, increasing the inclination among the employees to be an innovative thinker, improving communication between the authorities and the personnel and increasing the employees' general knowledge and capabilities.

 
Evaluation, Identification & Control of Ergonomic Risk Factors in Electronics Companies (Case Study Engineering Company Behpajooh)
Fatemeh Hashempour, Naser Sadra Abarghouei,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (3-2018)
Abstract
Background: The design and manufacturing process in electronic companies is the most time consuming work behind computers. Because of the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in computer users, researchers need to identify risk factors and ergonomic problems and ways to reduce them.
 
Methods: This study was a descriptive-analytical study and was conducted as an intervention in Behpajooh engineering company in Isfahan. Statistical sampling was done by global sampling (31 people). The Nordic questionnaire and the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) were used to evaluate the risk factors of ergonomics. Data analysis was performed by using McNemar and Wilcoxon's non-parametric tests and using SPSS software.
Results: The results of the Nordic questionnaire, before ergonomic intervention, the frequency of problems in elbow is zero, in waist, upper back, neck and shoulders is 45-38%. Evaluation of Ergonomic Risk Factors derived from the Rapid Office Strain Assessment before intervention showed 35.5% (11 people) at low risk, 38.7% (12 people) in the warning zone and 25.8% (8 people) in the area requiring ergonomic intervention. Statistical analysis of ergonomic interventions showed that the number of people in the area of ​​warning and necessity are less than the number of people before intervention.
 
Conclusion: The most musculoskeletal disorders were reported in the neck, lower back, upper back and shoulders. Statistical results after ergonomic intervention indicate a decrease in these disorders. The results led to the understanding that the risks in electronic companies could be reduced by ergonomic interventions. Implementation of ergonomic interventions based on engineering, management and educational proceeding can be effective in reducing musculoskeletal disorders.
 

Implementation of Ergonomic Interventions using Participatory Program Method of PErforM
Neda Mahdavi, Masoud Shafiee Motlagh, Ebrahim Darvishi,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract

Background and Objectives: Exposure limit of employees with ergonomic risk factors should be managed based on domestic and international laws and regulations. Manual tasks are tasks due to which a person is required to use part of the body to lift, lower, push, pull, carry and hold the material. The purpose of this study was to introduce ergonomics with the implementation of the PErforM Participatory ergonomics program.
Methods: The present study was carried out on all employees working in the Reactor Charging Unit of a resin company during the year 2017. The participatory ergonomics for manual tasks (PErforM) Method was used to manage ergonomic risks due to manual tasks. After holding several training sessions, ergonomic risks have been identified and evaluated using the ManTRA (Manual Tasks Risk Assessment) tool and also by staff. Then interventions suggested by the staff using the DotMocracy tool were eventually implemented. Also, the proposed interventions were simulated before implementation, in order to assess interventions’ implementation.
Results: The tasks of pushing pallets containing 800 kg bags and machines with 25 kg bags were identified as risky manual tasks using ManTRA. After the interventions using participatory ergonomics, the intensity of repetitive tasks and force in the areas of the hands, shoulders and lower back were reduced.
Conclusion: Generally, the PErforM has a high capacity to modify employee’s exposure to ergonomic risk factors, as well as to discover effective, simple, and effective control strategies. However, achieving this goal requires the promotion of ergonomic knowledge and management commitment.


Investigating the Relationship Between the Risk of Psychosocial Factors and Grip Fatigue of Employees with Manual Tasks
Neda Mahdavi, Javad Faradmal, Iman Dianat, Hassan Khotanlou, Rashid Haidari Moghadam,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (10-2020)
Abstract
Backgrond and Aim: Fatigue is a common and highly prevalent problem among workers. Muscle fatigue is the result of general fatigue that is caused by different risk factors. This research was conducted to assess grip fatigue between workers with manual tasks and its relationship to psychosocial risk factors.
Methods: In this study, Jamar hydraulic dynamometer was used to investigate the decrease in the production of grip force or grip fatigue. The grip force of 157 subjects in three job levels that met inclusion criteria recorded, three times in an 8 hours shift. The psychosocial risk factors were also assessed using the Copenhagen psychosocial questionnaire and their relationship with grip force and grip fatigue was analyzed.
Results: sixty-one percent, 62%, and 69% of employees in light, medium, and heavy tasks, respectively, experienced grip fatigue in the second phase of the study. It seems that as the power/speed increased and the tasks became more difficult, employees experienced more grip fatigue in the right hand. The declining trend of grip force and the increase in grip fatigue was more evident in heavy task jobs. No moderate or strong correlation was observed between the psychosocial risk factors and grip fatigue.
Conclusion: Because the nature of worker tasks in heavy manual tasks required more force exertion, they experienced more grip fatigue in their right hand than other workers. It is not possible to draw definitive conclusions about the impact of psychosocial risk factors on grip fatigue. Investigating the impact of cognitive loads and anthropometric dimensions on grip fatigue can be an interesting topic for future studies.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Musical Play-related Musculoskeletal Pain among Female Music Students in Tehran
Zahra Akbari-Chehrehbargh, Sedigheh Sadat Tavafian,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Female music students report a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain compared with male music students. Incorrect posture while playing a musical instrument, is a key factor causing musculoskeletal pain in this group. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of play-related musculoskeletal pain and related factors among female music students in Tehran.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 243 female music students from October 2021 to November 2021. Data was collected using a self-report questionnaire, Numeric pain rating scale and Nordic Body Map respectively. Participants’ posture was assessed using theRapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) checklist. Correlation and chi-square tests were applied to obtain the relationship between the presence of musculoskeletal pain and posture. A significance level of 0.05 was considered.
Results: Of the 243 surveyed female music students, 65% (n = 80) reported at least one symptomatic area in the last week. The neck (33.7%), shoulders (24.7%), lower back (23.9%) and wrists/hands (22.6%) were most often affected. Participants who were older or had incorrect posture, have reported musculoskeletal pain significantly (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001 respectively). In addition, there was significant relationship between types of instruments with pain (P = 0.018). There was no significant relationship between the history and duration playing and educational status with pain.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that musculoskeletal pain was a major health problem among female music students. Educating about correct posture in music conservatories could be important in prevention and treatment of such disorders in this group.

The Impact of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Occupational Risk Factors on the Physical Status of Iranian Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review
Mehran Maleki Roveshti, Mehdi Raei, Firouz Valipour,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders are an important issue in many healthcare work environments. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate musculoskeletal disorders and occupational risk factors on the physical status of medical staff in Iran.
Methods: In this systematic review, eligible studies from national and international databases, such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, SID, Magiran and IranMedex from 1390 to 1400 were independently analyzed by two researchers based on the preferred reporting cases of the Guidelines for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) . MeSH keywords and phrases were used to implement the search strategy.
Results: Of the 360 articles, the full text of 24 articles was finally examined. The results of the study showed that the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal abnormalities and complaints among workers in the last 12 months was related to neck pain (46.01%). Furthermore, among the 24 occupational risk factors identified, prolonged standing (20.83%) and repetitive movements (16.66%) are the most important factors for the occurrence of physical complaints among healthcare workers.
Conclusion: The results of this study can play an important role in strengthening and improving the country's health system in terms of individual, administrative and organizational measures in health centers. In this way, the physical needs, the psychological and ergonomic stresses of the working environment and the health of the treatment staff can be improved.

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