• Title/Summary/Keyword: occupational musculoskeletal disorders

Search Result 247, Processing Time 0.027 seconds

Promoting Effectiveness of Occupational Health and Safely Education Program (산업안전보건교육 실효성 제고방안에 관한 연구)

  • Kang, Jong-Cheol;Chang, Seong-Rok
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
    • /
    • v.20 no.1 s.69
    • /
    • pp.143-147
    • /
    • 2005
  • Immediate responsibilities for occupational health and safety (OHS) management reside in business proprietors and supervisors whose voluntary participation in OHS educational programs, not legal sanctions, may thus lead to safe and pleasant work environments. This study investigates how to promote the effectiveness of OHS educational programs to draw voluntary participations in such programs in Korea To this end, drawbacks of current practices in OHS education are first analyzed, and then OHS related policies in advanced countries in the area of disaster prevention such as United States and Germany, are also scrutinized. Based on the preliminary investigations, the following propositions are made to lay out the foundation for promoting effective OHS educational programs in Korea: improvement of government regulations, revitalizing job training initiatives, on-site OHS education, compensation and incentive programs for OHS education. These propositions may also facilitate the deployment of disaster prevention activities across the organization and prevent various occupational disorders (for example, musculoskeletal disorders). This study emphasizes that monolithic OHS education systems led by regulatory agencies may not be efficient to ensure healthy and safe work environments. Globally competitive OHS educational systems may be established only when they are based on the health and safety requirements specified by proprietors and workers.

Occupational Health Protection for Health Workers in China With Lessons Learned From the UK: Qualitative Interview and Policy Analysis

  • Xu, Huan;Zhang, Min;Hudson, Alan
    • Safety and Health at Work
    • /
    • v.12 no.3
    • /
    • pp.304-310
    • /
    • 2021
  • Background: Healthcare settings have been recognized among the most hazardous places to work. Based on the five categories of occupational hazards that were identified by the ILO and WHO, this study aimed to analyze policy framework relevant to occupational health protection of health workers (HWs) in public health service in China, then discussed how to share the experience of the National Health Service (NHS) England for improvement. Methods: Based on policy learning theories, policy analysis and qualitative interview were used in this study. Results: In the Chinese public health service, at least five laws related to the regulation of occupational health protection for HWs; however, enforcement of relevant laws was separated and multi-centered; the national monitoring system, which targeted to occupational hazards and health outcome for HWs in China, had yet to be developed; the top three priorities were workplace violence, bloodborne pathogens, and musculoskeletal disorders; national strategies included Security Hospital, and Healthy China 2030. In NHS England, three laws were fundamental; several monitoring systems had been set up, including NHS Staff Survey, Commissioning for Quality and Innovation incentive scheme; mental health, musculoskeletal problem, and nutrition disorder and overweight were raised great concern; Health and Safety, and NHS Healthy Workforce Program were critical nationwide strategies. Conclusion: There were several similarities as well as differences between the Chinese public health system and NHS England, which laid foundation of learning by China. Recommendations of improving occupational health policies in China were provided, based on the lessons learned from the NHS England.

The Study of Muscle Fatigue and Risks of Musculoskeletal System Disorders from Text Inputting on a Smartphone

  • Ko, Kyung;Kim, Hee-Soo;Woo, Ji-Hea
    • Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
    • /
    • v.32 no.3
    • /
    • pp.273-278
    • /
    • 2013
  • Objective: This study aims to analyze and evaluate fatigue in upper trapezius muscles of adults when inputting text on a smart phone, thereby examining the risk of cumulative trauma disorders in the musculoskeletal system of the upper extremity. Method: Forty-five healthy adults were divided equally into three groups: a smartphone group, a notebook group, and a desktop group. A surface electromyogram was placed on the upper trapezius muscle of each participant, after which they inputted text for ten minutes within an ergonomic setting; their side posture was recorded on video and analyzed. Results: The spectral edge frequency values for the smartphone group, as recorded from the upper right trapezius muscles on the surface electromyogram, showed a significant decrease(p<.05). Regarding the RULA, all three groups had results indicating "action level 2". Conclusion: All three groups had results indicating "action level 2" according to the RULA, which means that additional research on the posture of the participants while performing tasks is necessary, and their posture needs to be corrected. In particular, the smartphone group has the highest levels of fatigue in the upper trapezius muscles, suggesting that the task of inputting text on a smartphone is a high risk for causing cumulative trauma disorders.

Psychological Distress and Pain Reporting in Australian Coal Miners

  • Carlisle, Kristy N.;Parker, Anthony W.
    • Safety and Health at Work
    • /
    • v.5 no.4
    • /
    • pp.203-209
    • /
    • 2014
  • Background: Coal mining is of significant economic importance to the Australian economy. Despite this fact, the related workforce is subjected to a number of psychosocial risks and musculoskeletal injury, and various psychological disorders are common among this population group. Because only limited research has been conducted in this population group, we sought to examine the relationship between physical (pain) and psychological (distress) factors, as well as the effects of various demographic, lifestyle, and fatigue indicators on this relationship. Methods: Coal miners (N = 231) participated in a survey of musculoskeletal pain and distress on-site during their work shifts. Participants also provided demographic information (job type, age, experience in the industry, and body mass index) and responded to questions about exercise and sleep quality (on-and off-shift) as well as physical and mental tiredness after work. Results: A total of 177 workers (80.5%) reported experiencing pain in at least one region of their body. The majority of the sample population (61.9%) was classified as having low-level distress, 28.4% had scores indicating mild to moderate distress, and 9.6% had scores indicating high levels of distress. Both number of pain regions and job type (being an operator) significantly predicted distress. Higher distress score was also associated with greater absenteeism in workers who reported lower back pain. In addition, perceived sleep quality during work periods partially mediated the relationship between pain and distress. Conclusion: The study findings support the existence of widespread musculoskeletal pain among the coal-mining workforce, and this pain is associated with increased psychological distress. Operators (truck drivers) and workers reporting poor sleep quality during work periods are most likely to report increased distress, which highlights the importance of supporting the mining workforce for sustained productivity.

Examining the Predictors of Turnover Behavior in Newly Employed Certified Nurse Aides: A Prospective Cohort Study

  • Hsiao-Ching Chen;Jiun-Yi Wang;Ya-Chen Lee ;Shang-Yu Yang
    • Safety and Health at Work
    • /
    • v.14 no.2
    • /
    • pp.185-192
    • /
    • 2023
  • Background: The turnover rate of nurse aides in Taiwan is high. However, the predictors of turnover behavior in the newly employed are still unclear. Objective: To examine the predictors of turnover behavior in newly employed licensed nurse aides. Methods: A longitudinal study design was used and subjects were newly employed certified nurse aides from a nurse aid training association in Taiwan. A total of five questionnaire surveys were conducted. The questionnaire was mainly used to collect information on turnover behavior, personal socioeconomic background, workplace psychosocial hazards, worker health hazards, and musculoskeletal disorders. Results: A total of 300 participants were recruited in the study. Cox regression analysis results showed that short working experience (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.21, p < 0.01), work as non-home nurse aides (HR = 0.58, p = 0.01), low monthly salary (HR = 0.68, p < 0.01), high work mental load (HR = 1.01, p = 0.01), low workplace justice (HR = 0.97, p < 0.01), high workplace violence (HR = 1.60, p < 0.01), high burnout (HR = 1.01, p = 0.04), poor mental health (HR = 1.06, p = 0.04), and high total number of musculoskeletal disorder sites (HR = 1.08, p = 0.01) contribute to a higher risk of turnover. Conclusion: The results indicated that employment period, work as a home nurse aide, monthly salary, work mental load, workplace justice, workplace violence, work-related burnout, mental health, and total number of musculoskeletal disorder sites are predictors of turnover behavior in newly employed certified nurse aides.

Ergonomic Risk Factors and Musculoskeletal Symptoms among University Laboratory Researchers (일부 대학 실험실 연구자들의 근골격계질환 위험 요인과 증상)

  • Lee, Yun Keun;Lee, Ik Mo;Park, Jeong Im;Yoon, Chung Sik;Rhie, Kwang Won;Park, Hee Sok
    • Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
    • /
    • v.23 no.3
    • /
    • pp.307-314
    • /
    • 2013
  • Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of symptoms relating to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and investigate the risk factors among researchers at university laboratories. Methods: 209 researchers were included in this study, drawn from 27 laboratories at three universities in Korea. Checklists for MSD symptoms and risk factor assessment were utilized. Results: The symptoms checklist showed reliable results with Cohen's Kappa 0.33-0.56, percent agreement 81.0-96.8%, and correlation coefficient 0.41-0.63. The overall prevalence of MSD symptoms was 68.9%, while the prevalence in specific parts of body were as follows: shoulders (47.6%), lower back (46.9%), neck (46.9%), knees (25.4%), wrists (20.1%), elbows (13.6%). The symptom prevalence among women was higher than among men (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.37-5.18). Daily exposure time was observed to be a significant risk factor for developing MSD symptoms (OR 2.14-6.07). Conclusions: This study suggested that repetitive pipetting and static work posture are the most significant risk factors for MSD symptoms among laboratory researchers.

Effect of Job Rotation on Job Satisfaction, Occupational Safety and Health

  • Jeon, In Sik;Jeong, Byung Yong
    • Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
    • /
    • v.32 no.5
    • /
    • pp.429-435
    • /
    • 2013
  • Objective: This study aims to analyze job satisfaction and accident prevention according to job rotation system types in a motor company. Background: The study of a motor company's job rotation system has come to attention with enhancing productivity, preventing musculoskeletal disorders, and improving quality. Method: In this study, a survey was conducted to show job satisfaction rates according to job rotation systems. Also an investigation was done regarding industrial accidents and previous workers who are receiving treatment for musculoskeletal disorder over the last five years. Results: The job rotation system in this study has been carried out by voluntary decision of workers. Out of the job rotation types, the medium rotation complexity type had high job satisfaction whereas in a high or low rotation complexity type, which many workers prefer, led to less number of accidents and days of sick leave. Application: The results of this study are expected to be a fundamental data to job design.

A Study on Oriental Medical Diagnosis of Musculoskeletal Disorders using Moire Image (Moire 영상을 이용한 근골격계 질환의 한의학적 진단에 관한 연구)

  • Lee Eun-Kyoung;Yu Seung-Hyun;Lee Su-Kyung;Kang Sung-Ho;Han Jong-Min;Chong Myong-Soo;Chun Eun-Joo;Song Yung-Sun;Lee Ki-Nam
    • Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
    • /
    • v.4 no.2
    • /
    • pp.72-92
    • /
    • 2000
  • This research has conducted studies on an Oriental medicine-based method of diagnosing of occupational musculoskeletal system diseases. This researcher has searched through existing relevant medical literature. Also, this researcher has worked on a moire topography using moire topography. In this course, this researcher has reached the following conclusion in relation to the possibility of using a moire topography as a diagnosing device of musculoskeletal system diseases under Oriental medicine . 1 The Western medicine outlines its criteria of screening occupational musculoskeletal system diseases as follows A. The occupational musculoskeletal diseases must clearly include one or more of the subjective symptoms characterized by pain, hypoesthesia dysaesthesia, anaesthesia. etc . B, There should be clinically admitted objective observations and diagnosis outlining that the disease concerned shows symptoms such as tenderness, induration. and edema that can appear with occupational musculoskeletal system diseases. dyscinesia should be admitted with the disease concerned, or there should be observations and diagnosis outlining that abnormality exists in electric muscular or nervous diagnosis and examination . C. It should be admitted that prior to the occurrence of symptoms or observations and diagnosis on musculoskeletal system-related diseases, a patient has been engaged in works with conditions requiring improper work posture or work movement. That is, this is an approach whereby they see abnormality in the musculoskeletal system come from material and structural defect, and adjust and control abnormality in the musculoskeletal system and secreta . 2. The Oriental medicines sees that a patient develops the pain of occupational musculoskeletal diseases as he cannot properly activate the flow of his life force and blood thus not only causing formation of lumps in the body and blocking the flow of life force and blood in some parts of the body. Hence, The Oriental medicine focuses on resolving the cause of weakening the flow of life force and blood, instead of taking material approach of correcting structural abnormality Furthermore , Oriental medicine sees that when muscle tension builds up, this presses blood vessels and nerves passing by, triggering circulation dyscrasia and neurological reaction and thus leading to lesion. Thus, instead of taking skeletal or neurophysiological approach. it seeks to fundamentally resolve the cause of the flow of the life force and blood in muscles not being activated. As a result Oriental medicine attributes the main cause of musculoskeletal system diseases to muscle tension and its build-up that stem from an individual's long formed chronicle habit and work environment. This approach considers not only the social structure aspect including companies owners and work environment that the existing methods have looked at, but also individual workers' responsibility and their environmental factors. Hence, this is a step forward method. 3 The diagnosis of musculoskeletal diseases under Oriental medicine is characterized by the fact that an Oriental medicine doctor uses not only photos taken by himself, but also various detection devices to gather information and pass comprehensive judgment on it. Thus, it is the core of diagnosis under Oriental medicine to develop diagnosing devices matching the characteristics of information to be induced and to interpret information so induced from the views of Oriental medicine. Diagnosis using diagnosing devices values the whole state of a patient and formal abnormality alike, and the whole balance and muscular state of a patient serves as the basis of diagnosis. Hence, this method, instead of depending on the information gathered from devices under Western medicine, requires devices that provide information on the whole state of a patient in addition to the local abnormality information that X-ray. CT, etc., can offer. This method sees muscle as the central part of the abnormality in the musculoskeletal system and thus requires diagnosing devices enabling the muscular state. 4. The diagnosing device using moire topography under Oriental medicine has advantages below and can be used for diagnosing musculoskeletal system diseases with industrial workers . First, the device can Provide information on the body in an unbalanced state. and thus identify the imbalance and difference of height in the left and right stature that a patient can not notice at normal times. Second, the device shows the twisting of muscles or induration regions in a contour map. This is not possible with existing shooting machines such as X-ray, CT, etc., thus differentiating itself from existing machines. Third, this device makes it possible for Oriental medicine to take its unique approach to the abnormality in the musculoskeletal system. Oriental medicine sees the state and imbalance state in muscles as major factors in determining the lesion of musculoskeletal system, and the device makes it possible to shoot the state of muscles in detail. In this respect, the device is significant. Fourth, the device has an advantage as non-aggression diagnosing device.

  • PDF

A Study on Musculoskeletal Disorders Symptoms and the Work Ability of Shipbuilding Workers (조선업 근로자의 근골격계질환 증상과 작업능력에 관한 연구)

  • Kim, Tae-Hyeong;Chang, Seong Rok
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
    • /
    • v.27 no.4
    • /
    • pp.101-107
    • /
    • 2012
  • The statistics of industrial accident reported by ministry of Employment and Labor denoted a significant increase of musculoskeletal disorders(MSDs) after 1993, and showed the higher incident rate by 71.3% over the overall worker's disorders. Also, it was expected that Korean society will become the post-aged society in 2026 with 20.8% of elderly who is over 65 years old. The reports suggest possible problems caused by the older worker known to have reduced working ability than the young counterparts. On this basis, the goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between MSDs symptoms and work ability in the shipbuilding industry. To achieve this goal, this study distributed a questionnaire for total 1,244 shipbuilding employers, and used 910 employers' reports which revealed validity for this study. The questionnaire included the MSDs symptoms report developed by the Korean Occupational Safety and Health Association(KOSHA) and the work ability index(WAI) developed by Finnish Institute of Occupational Health(FIOH). Results showed no relationship between MSDs symptoms and age, years of work and exercise. Also, the work ability was increased until 44 years old, but it was decreased after that time because of the reduced physical capacity. Meanwhile, the years of work and exercise have positive correlation with work ability. However, the results revealed significant relationships between WAI and age, years of work, task characteristics and exercise. All together, the MSDs symptoms have a close relationship with the work ability in that the work ability of workers with the MSDs symptoms was reduced. This study may suggest the needs of more efforts and attention on the MSDs prevention to increase the work ability.

Development of Self Administered Questionnaire and Validity Evaluation for American National Standards Z-365 Checklist (미국표준연구원 체크리스트 Z-365의 자가보고형 설문개발 및 타당도 평가)

  • Park, Kyung Sik;Kang, Dongmug;Lee, Yong Hwan;Woo, Ji Hoon;Shin, Yong Chul
    • Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
    • /
    • v.16 no.2
    • /
    • pp.172-182
    • /
    • 2006
  • Self administered checklist is needed to be developed to evaluate ergonomic risk factors. This study was conducted to develop self administered form of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z-365 checklist which represents comprehensive ergonomic risk factors, and to evaluate validity of this checklist. This study had been conducted from May 2004 to July 2005, of which subjects were 147 workers from 4 workplaces. Response rates for every items of self administered form of ANSI Z-365 were evaluated. To estimate the validity of checklist, relationship between the checklist grade that ANSI recommended and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) symptom were calculated with and without adjustment of related variables. To evaluate the utility of checklist, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. Because response rates of almost items were over 90 %, item development was successful. Because the checklist was related with WMSDs symptom after adjusting related variables, the checklist might represents ergonomic risk well. Because of low sensitivity and NPV, high specificity and PPV, the checklist is not suitable for screening tool. The checklist has better relationship with more severe symptom. Because of high specificity of the checklist, using it with high sensitive tool would enhance it's utility. Further study to develop high sensitive and comprehensive self administered ergonomic checklist is needed.