• Journal of the Korea Safety Management & Science
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.25-33
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• 2011

Workers in logistics centers also are exposed to serious musculoskeletal disorders the same as workers in general manufacturing due to operating forklifts and other labor duties. The frequency of these work related injuries decreases, workers' job satisfaction In addition, it causes many employees questioning a job change, which is regarded as the primary factor which drops the productivity. In this paper, we conducted a survey ti perceive the correlation between work related injuries in the fields of distribution centers and job satisfaction. Furthermore we made statistical analysis with our findings. The results of our analysis showed that the frequency of work related injuries due to workers' repetitive loading and unloading work is the primary factor which lowers job satisfaction. In order to improve aforementioned problem we propose first of all loading and unloading on pallet basis, second of all automation and computerization of logistics systems, and third of all ensurinf sufficient break time.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.90-96
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• 2015

Background: The physical work demands of construction work can be reduced using ergonomic measures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of ergonomic measures related to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among construction workers. Methods: A questionnaire was sent at baseline and 2 years later to 1,130 construction workers. We established (1) the proportion of workers reporting an increase in their use of ergonomic measures, (2) the proportion of workers reporting a decrease in MSDs, (3) the relative risk for an increase in the use of ergonomic measures and a decrease in MSDs, and (4) workers' knowledge and opinions about the use of ergonomic measures. Results: At follow-up, response rate was 63% (713/1,130). The proportion of workers using ergonomic measures for vertical transport increased (34%, 144/419, p < 0.01); for measures regarding horizontal transport and the positioning of materials, no change was reported. The proportion of workers reporting shoulder complaints decreased (28%, 176/638, p = 0.02). A relationship between the use of ergonomic measures and MSDs was not found; 83% (581/704) of the workers indicated having sufficient knowledge about ergonomic measures. Lightening the physical load was reported to be the main reason for using them. Conclusion: Only the use of ergonomic measures for vertical transport increased over a 2-year period. No relationship between the use of ergonomic measures and MSDs was found. Strategies aimed at improving the availability of ergonomic equipment complemented with individualized advice and training in using them might be the required next steps to increase the use of ergonomic measures.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.111-119
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• 2016

This study aimed to analyze postures that were frequently conducted in manufacturing industry. To find grip strength and muscle activities of each posture, Maximum Voluntary Contraction (MVC) and ElectroMyoGraphy (EMG) were measured. Based on the results of this study, the most appropriate posture could be suggested and used as a basic information for preventing musculoskeletal disorders. Most work-related musculoskeletal disorders have been occurred in the fields of manufacturing industry. According to previous studies, it was reported that the rate of musculoskeletal diseases of upper extremity was higher than that of other body parts. Accordingly, there were many studies about discomfort and grip strength of upper extremity. However, these studies dealt with single selection of wrist, elbow and shoulder. So, it was insufficient for comprehensive studies about upper extremity. And in order to improve the work posture, the physiological changes being generated by the combination of wrist, elbow and shoulder postures should be observed and analyzed. In order to conduct this study, thirty university students who had no records of MSDs involved were recruited. Independent variables were postures of wrist(pronation, neutral, supination), postures of elbow(flexion $45^{\circ}$, $90^{\circ}$) and postures of shoulder(flexion $0^{\circ}$, $90^{\circ}$). And dependent variables were MVC values and EMG values. Jamar dynamometer and TeleMyo 2400T G2 was used to measure MVC and EMG. MVC and EMG for 12 postures were measured for three second and for three times. Experiment was performed randomly. A 10 minutes rest period was provided after each t. To measure muscle load, the EMG signals of eight muscles (Biceps, Medial triceps, Lateral triceps, Brachioradialis, Extensor carpi ulnaris, Extensor carpi radialis, Flexor carpi ulnaris and Flexor carpi radialis) were evaluated. MVC values and EMG values were analyzed using Minitab ver. 14. The results showed that MVC value was the highest at shoulder $0^{\circ}$, elbow $45^{\circ}$ and wrist supination. In case of wrist postures, MVC of supination is the highest. In case of elbow and shoulder postures, MVC of flexion $45^{\circ}$ and $0^{\circ}$ was the highest. It was found that there were interaction between wrist and elbow posture under shoulder flexion and between shoulder and wrist under elbow flexion $45^{\circ}$. In case of the angle of shoulder $0^{\circ}$, elbow $45^{\circ}$ and wrist supination, the EMG values of four muscles(Medial Triceps, Extensor carpi ulnaris, Extensor carpi radialis, Flexor carpi ulnaris) were the highest. Based on this study, it is worth to note that the combination postures of upper extremity have a large impact on the MVC and EMG. The optimal condition upper extremity was shoulder flexion $0^{\circ}$, elbow flexion $45^{\circ}$ and wrist supination for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disease.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.121-134
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• 2004

A research project was conducted to study work-related musculoskeletal disorders （MSDs） at subway train repair plant in Korea. The project was consisted of 4 main parts; education on the topics of MSDs for all workers, symptom survey, medical check-up, investigation of MSD risk factors. The result of symptom survey showed that 95.2％ of the respondents complained pains on at least one part of the body. After cross-sectional analysis of various information and risk factors, 86.8％ of respondents were considered as active health surveillance level 1 that require continuous monitoring on their symptoms and working conditions. And 57.1％ of the respondents were considered as active health surveillance level 2 that needed medical check-ups for proper medical treatment. The analysis of occupational risk factors revealed that handling of heavy object (46.15％) and repeated awkward postures (46.15％) were two most contributing risk factors for the on-set of MSD at this work site followed by static strain (7.7％), and vibration and impact (3.8％). Medical examination was performed by an industrial medicine MD on 156 workers those considered as active health surveillance level 2. The result showed that 35 workers (20.7％) were considered as MSD patient group at severe level, and 68.6 workers (68.6％) were considered as moderate group and 18 workers (10.6％) were considered minor or normal group those have no symptom.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.35-41
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• 2005

The KOSHA codes H-31 and H-30 provide general guidelines to establish a prevention program for work-related musculoskeletal disorders(WMSD). Understanding of the components and practitioner needs for a WMSD prevention program is necessary for effective revision and implementation of the KOSHA codes. The present study established a comprehensive structure for a WMSD prevention program and surveyed practitioner needs for the KOSHA codes. The comprehensive prevention program structure, consisting of 7 parts(organization, education, risk management, medical management, program evaluation, and record keeping) and 90 items, was constructed by analyzing WMSD prevention guidelines published by various government agencies such as KOSHA, OSHA and NIOSH. Next, 20 practitioners, from four industry sectors(auto manufacturing, auto part manufacturing, shipbuilding, and machinery), working in a safety and health department or labor union, were interviewed to collect opinions for the KOSHA codes in terms of relevance, government support, and additional information needed. Guidelines of the KOSHA codes requiring modifications and government supports were identified, which can be used to revise the KOSHA codes and to establish a government policy to promote the implementation of the KOSHA codes. Lastly, the survey revealed that integrated, customized, quantitative, and case information for WMSD prevention is additionally needed, which can be used as design guidelines for a WMSD prevention program manual for practitioners.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.325-341
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• 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study is to suggest the guidelines of operation phases to minimize injuries and musculoskeletal disorders in manual material handling (MMH) tasks through literature reviews. The guidelines are presented as the preparing phase, lifting phase, carrying phase, and lowering phase. Also, we summarized the non-numerical general guidelines for MMH tasks. Background: Manual material handling is still a main cause to musculoskeletal disorders. Method: Procedures of a literature review are classified into database selection, keyword search, title review, abstract review related to literature selection, guideline review and arrangement. A total 48 papers and books were analyzed in detail by title and abstract reviews. Results: In the preparing phase, we suggested the basic conditions in MMH, preparing procedure, clothing and protective equipment, and education. In the lifting and carrying phases, we recommended maximal acceptable weight by frequency and body posture. In the lowering phase, we suggested the lowest weight and safety body postures. Finally, we recommended general guidelines and guideline items for MMH. General guidelines are presented to suggest worker selection, technical education, and work design parts. Conclusion: We suggested the guidelines on the four operation phases of MMH tasks such as preparing, lifting, carrying, and lowering phases. Application: The findings of this study can be utilized as guidelines for proactive recommendations according to workers in MMH tasks.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.83-89
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• 2005

This study aims to compare a self-reported and expert-observed method on ergonomic risk factors of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). The checklist was developed based on the results of previous studies, and the symptoms of WMSDs were obtained using a self-reported questionnaire from 1,029 shipyard workers. The risk factors were assessed through the self-report by workers and video analysis by ergonomists. The symptom prevalence at the low back (59.2%), shoulders (50.8 %), and knees (49.7%) were relatively higher than those at other body parts. Odds ratios (ORs) by body parts were 2.48 to 2.90 for the risk job, and the ORs were significantly different from those of the low risk job. The risk factor scores by body parts between workers and ergonomist were very high correlation(r=0.82 to 0.92). The rates of self-report from risk job were 54.0% (elbow and arm) to 72.1 % (low back), but sometimes overestimated(105.7 to 122.6%) than those by ergonomists. The checklist, developed in this study, will be an efficient tool for the evaluation of risk jobs using self-report by workers.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.22 no.3 s.81
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• pp.81-87
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• 2007

In this study digital human models of ship construction tasks using modeling & simulation were constructed and human models' activities through human activity analysis were evaluated. Human Factors experts analyzed the actual workers' tasks using the same technique used in human activity analysis at the same time. The main objective of this study is to check a possibility of applying digital human modeling technique to ship construction tasks that are mostly non-standardized(not uniformed) whereas most applications of digital human modeling technique have been applied to standardized tasks. We evaluated postures of both real workers and digital humans by RULA. It turned out that the final scores of RULA evaluation on real workers are the same as the RULA scores for digital humans. However, there were differences of RULA detail scores between real workers and digital humans in the several processes related with the wrist twist and deviations. Those differences are considered to be resulted from the error in the on-site measuring worker's body dimension which could be reduced by accurate tools to correct data for body dimension and digital real drawings for facilities. The results showed possibility of application of digital human modeling and ergonomic analysis on informal work operations as well as formal operations in the shipbuilding industry.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.17-25
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• 2009

This study was aimed to analyze of characteristics of Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) based on the industrial accident statistics which were extracted from the Ministry of Labor. In this study all MSDs cases in 2007, 7,723 cases, were investigated. First of all, for the analysis of a wide view point concerning the characteristics of MSDs, We have inspected characteristics of the user population (i.e. age, gender, employed periods, etc.). Secondly, work-related risk factors such as repetitive motions, awkward postures, manual material handling were analyzed in terms of disease code, injured part of body, types of business, etc. Next, characteristics of handling of heavy materials were analyzed according to weight, types of handling, agency of cause, etc. Finally, we have compared and analyzed the features between the period of hospitalization and other variables. In addition to that we also conducted statistics analysis. The study results showed that there were significant characteristics of MSDs that could be used as basis data for the MSDs prevention policy.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.20 no.3 s.71
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• pp.202-211
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• 2005

Musculoskeletal Disorders(MSDs) have been a growing problems with higher incidence rate every year. The 65% of all work-related diseases in the US has been MSDs since the middle of the 90s according to BLS(Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1995). The MSDs in Korea has been increased in recent 10 years as well. This study has tried to focus on job stress associated with MSDs that has not been usually studied before. Specifically job stress of workers at automobile manufacturing industry and relationship between job stress and symptoms of MSDs have been major concerns in this study. The workers had higher stress with longer working experience, longer working hours, and worse working environment. The job stress had strong association with the symptoms at hand, wrist and low back. Specifically, job stress factors such as job requirement and job future ambiguity had more effects on the symptoms of MSDs.