Effect of Physical Ergonomics on VDT Workers' Health: A Longitudinal Intervention Field Study in a Service Organization

This article examines the effect of physical ergonomic work conditions on occupational health in video display terminal (VDT)-intensive work settings. A longitudinal intervention field study was conducted in a catalog retail service organization in the Midwest to explore the impact of ergonomic interventions. There were 3 levels of ergonomic interventions, each adding incrementally to the previous one. The 1st level was ergonomic training for all VDT users accompanied by workstation ergonomic analysis leading to specific customized adjustments (Group C). The 2nd level added specific workstation accessories supplied by Details, Inc. if the analysis indicated a need for them (Group B). The 3rd level added a Steelcase Criterion(tm) 453 Series chair (Group A). Health data were gathered from 80 volunteer participants by administering a survey before (baseline), 6 months after, and 12 months after interventions were put in place. The findings show that neck, back, and shoulders as well as wrists stand out in terms of self-reported musculoskeletal pain in VDT-intensive work. Reductions in self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort were found for all 3 levels of incremental ergonomic interventions. The number of cases showing improvement in health over time was significant for intervention Groups A and B, but not C.     

Implementation of a participatory ergonomics program in the rehabilitation of workers suffering from subacute back pain

This paper describes a participatory ergonomics program aimed at early return to regular work of workers suffering from subacute occupational back pain and assesses the perceptions of the participants on the implementation of ergonomic solutions in the workplace. The participatory ergonomics program was used in the rehabilitation of workers suffering from subacute back pain for more than 6 weeks, a program that was associated with an increased rate of return to work. The perceptions of the participatory ergonomics participants were assessed 6 months after completion of the ergonomic intervention through a questionnaire sent to employer representatives, union representatives and injured workers of participating workplaces. About half of the ergonomic solutions were implemented according to the perception of the participants, with a substantial agreement between respondents.     

Assessing exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders using Quick Exposure Check (QEC) in taxi drivers

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a common health problem throughout the world. This study aimed to examine the risk factors that are involved in the development of WMSDs in taxi drivers. In total 382 taxi drivers were observed using Quick Exposure Check (QEC) observational tool, which allows practitioners and workers to assess four key areas of the body. Results of the QEC scores were found to be very high for the shoulder/arm, wrist/hand and neck, whereas the scores for the back were found to be high for static use and moderate for moving. The results also showed that the occupational risk factors for WMSDs were associated with restricted postures, repetitive movements, vibration, work related stress. Essential ergonomic interventions are needed to eliminate risk of exposures to WMSDs in taxi drivers.Relevance to industryThe study results have relevance for ergonomists, health and safety practitioners as well as the drivers themselves, and helpful for estimating the main physical risk factors for WMDSs before choosing a method prior to an ergonomic intervention in industry.     

The injury profile of a large telecommunication company: a statistical summary

Overexertion injuries have been a major concern to occupational safety and health professionals for quite some time. Over the years, these injuries have continued to increase despite ergonomic interventions to control their frequency of occurrence. It has been speculated that this increase may be due primarily to enhanced awareness and better record-keeping. Many occupational safety and health professionals also presume that overexertion injuries and occupational illnesses are confined to heavy manufacturing industries. This paper reports occupational injury and illness data from a large telecommunication industry, collected over a 7-year period. Three observations were made from the statistical summary: (1) better record keeping may be a reason behind the reported increase in injuries; workday losses decline as a result of improved ergonomic and occupational health interventions; (2) serious injuries are not just limited to heavy manufacturing industries; and (3) reduction in workday losses may not translate in injury cost savings.     

Alternatives to lifting concrete masonry blocks onto rebar: biomechanical and perceptual evaluations

This study examined the use of and barriers to H-block and high lift grouting, two alternatives to lifting concrete masonry blocks onto vertical rebar. Peak and cumulative shoulder motions were evaluated, as well as adoption barriers: H-block cost and stakeholder perceptions. Results indicated that using the alternatives significantly decreased peak shoulder flexion (p < 0.001). A case study indicated that building cost was higher with H-block, but the difference was less than 2% of the total cost. Contractors and specifiers reported important differences in perceptions, work norms, and material use and practices. For example, 48% of specifiers reported that use of high lift grouting was the contractor's choice, while 28% of contractors thought it must be specified. Use of H-block or high-lift grouting should be considered as methods to reduce awkward upper extremity postures. Cost and stakeholders’ other perceptions present barriers that are important considerations when developing diffusion strategies for these alternatives.

Practitioner Summary: This study provides information from several perspectives about ergonomic controls for a high risk bricklaying task, which will benefit occupational safety experts, health professionals and ergonomists. It adds to the understanding of shoulder stresses, material cost and stakeholder perceptions that will contribute to developing effective diffusion strategies.     

Ergonomic intervention research for improved musculoskeletal health: A critical review

This literature review of ergonomic intervention studies aims to identify effective ergonomic interventions for improved musculoskeletal health in the workplace and to make recommendations for quality criteria in ergonomic intervention research. To avoid ambiguity in terminology a list of definitions of the ergonomic terms used in this paper is provided in an appendix. Models were developed for use in the classification of ergonomic intervention research and to illustrate the problems in interpreting ergonomic intervention data. The relevant literature was identified by a two-step process. First the relevant literature was identified by inclusion criteria, then, quality criteria were applied to identify studies of good quality for effective intervention. These appear to be firstly “organizational culture” and secondly modifier interventions, the former using multiple interventions with high stakeholder commitment to reduce identified risk factors, and the latter especially focusing workers at risk and using measures which actively involve the individual. A list of recommendations is provided.     

Exposure probabilities to ergonomic hazards among miners

The National Occupational Health Survey of Mining (NOHSM) was designed to provide estimates of health and safety hazards, including ergonomic hazards, to which miners are exposed. Nine specially-trained observers documented health hazards for 144 mines that were representative of the metal-nonmetal mining industry. The observers documented 9,121 exposures to 12 different ergonomic hazards. Almost 25% of these exposures were to hazards involving the neck and back. Other major ergonomic hazards included: Movement of the forearms, arms and shoulder; and finger-hand movement. The mining categories (i.e., ‘commodities’) most at risk for ergonomic hazards were (in order of diminishing risk, with the total workforce at risk in parentheses): Trona (N = 749), Leonardite (N = 52), Gold-Lode/Placer (N = 4,290), Gemstones (N = 80), Rare Earths (N = 218), and Aluminium Ore (N = 3,801). These results are discussed in terms of evaluating the effectiveness of various ergonomic interventions, as well as improving the efficacy of current health and safety inspection strategies.     

Occupational musculoskeletal and mental health: Significance of rationalization and opportunities to create sustainable production systems – A systematic review

This literature review aims to identify occupational musculoskeletal and mental health effects of production system rationalization as well as organizational-level measures that may improve health outcome (“modifiers” in this review). A short review of the effect of ergonomic interventions is included as background and rationalization is discussed as a theoretical concept. Indicator variables for occupational musculoskeletal and mental health and related risk factors are presented. Variables with a generalized format were allowed in the literature searches (e.g., job satisfaction and absenteeism were accepted as risk factor and health indicator, respectively), suitable for the research fields of work sociology, organization science, human resource management (HRM) and economics research.One hundred and sixty-two studies of rationalization effects on health and risk factors and 72 organization-level modifier results were accepted into the final database. Entries were sorted by rationalization strategy and work life sector, and trends in outcome (positive, mixed, no effect, or negative effect on health and risk factors) were determined.Rationalizations have a dominant negative effect on health and risk factors (57% negative, 19% positive); the most negative effects were found for downsizing and restructuring rationalizations in general (71 studies negative, 13 positive) and for the health care sector in particular (36 studies negative, 2 positive). The rationalization strategy High Performance Work System (HPWS) was associated with the highest fraction positive outcome studies (6 of 10 studies). Other rationalization strategies (lean practices, parallel vs. serial production and mechanization level) reported intermediate results, in part dependent on work life sector, but also on the year when studies were carried out. Worker participation, resonant management style, information, support, group autonomy and procedural justice were modifiers with favourable influence on outcome.It is concluded that production system rationalization represents a pervasive work life intervention without a primary occupational health focus. It has considerable and mostly negative influence on worker health, but this can be reduced by attention to modifiers. The results create a basis for new priorities in ergonomic intervention research.     

Physical ergonomic hazards in highway tunnel construction: overview from the Construction Occupational Health Program

This report provides an overview of physical ergonomic exposures in highway construction work across trades and major operations. For each operation, the observational method “PATH” (Posture, Activity, Tools and Handling) was used to estimate the percentage of time that workers spent in specific tasks and with exposure to awkward postures and load handling. The observations were carried out on 73 different days, typically for about 4 h per day, covering 120 construction workers in 5 different trades: laborers, carpenters, ironworkers, plasterers, and tilers. Non-neutral trunk postures (forward or sideways flexion or twisting) were frequently observed, representing over 40% of observations for all trades except laborers (28%). Kneeling and squatting were common in all operations, especially tiling and underground utility relocation work. Handling loads was frequent, especially for plasterers and tilers, with a range of load weights but most often under 15 pounds. The results of this study provide quantitative evidence that workers in highway tunnel construction operations are exposed to ergonomic factors known to present significant health hazards. Numerous opportunities exist for the development and implementation of ergonomic interventions to protect the health and safety of construction workers.     

Developing guidance on the safe use of air-fed suits in the nuclear industry

Air-fed suits are used for protection from radioactive particulate contamination. Managing air-fed suit operations safely and efficiently involves complex interactions between people, personal protective equipment and work systems. The nuclear industry and the Office for Nuclear Regulation identified the need for clear guidance on the non-radiological aspects of their use, especially the management of ergonomic and physiological issues, including thermal stress. We describe the key principles that need to be considered when managing the ergonomic and physiological risks from air-fed suits, and how we can tailor these to different applications. The information gathered in our research confirmed that the safety of operations employing air-fed suits will depend on a unified strategic approach to design and usage. Detailed implementation of this strategy can be adjusted according to specific tasks and hazards. We explain that the balance between engineering and behavioural safety issues for air-fed suits is different for operational and decommissioning activities.     

Process and implementation of participatory ergonomic interventions: a systematic review

Participatory ergonomic (PE) interventions may vary in implementation. A systematic review was done to determine the evidence regarding context, barriers and facilitators to the implementation of participatory ergonomic interventions in workplaces. In total, 17 electronic databases were searched. Data on PE process and implementation were extracted from documents meeting content and quality criteria and synthesised. The search yielded 2151 references. Of these, 190 documents were relevant and 52 met content and quality criteria. Different ergonomic teams were described in the documents as were the type, duration and content of ergonomic training. PE interventions tended to focus on physical and work process changes and report positive impacts. Resources, programme support, ergonomic training, organisational training and communication were the most often noted facilitators or barriers. Successful PE interventions require the right people to be involved, appropriate ergonomic training and clear responsibilities. Addressing key facilitators and barriers such as programme support, resources, and communication is paramount.

Statement of Relevance: A recent systematic review has suggested that PE has some effect on reducing symptoms, lost days of work and claims. Systematic reviews of effectiveness provide practitioners with the desire to implement but do not provide clear information about how. This article reviews the literature on process and implementation of PE.     

Effectiveness of participatory ergonomic interventions on health outcomes: a systematic review

The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of participatory ergonomic (PE) interventions for improving workers' health. The search strategy targeted six electronic databases and identified 442 potential articles. Each article was examined by pairs of reviewers for relevance (assessed a participative ergonomic workplace intervention, with at least one health outcome, published in English in peer reviewed literature). Twenty-three articles met relevance criteria and were then appraised for methodological strength. Using a best evidence synthesis approach, 12 studies that were rated as 'medium' or higher provided partial to moderate evidence that PE interventions have a positive impact on: musculoskeletal symptoms, reducing injuries and workers' compensation claims, and a reduction in lost days from work or sickness absence. However, the magnitude of the effect requires more precise definition.     

Ergonomics and occupational safety and health: An ILO perspective

The ILO has a mandate to protect workers against sickness, diseases and injuries due to workplace hazards and risks including ergonomic and work organization risk factors. One of the main functions for the ILO is to develop international standards related to labour and work. ILO standards have exerted considerable influence on the laws and regulations of member States. The ILO standards take the form of international Conventions and Recommendations. ILO Conventions and Recommendations relevant to protection of workers against ergonomic risk factors at the workplace include Convention No. 127 and Recommendation No.128 which specify the international requirements concerning the manual transport of a load. To help member States in applying the ILO standards, the ILO produces practical guides and training manuals on ergonomics at work and collects and analyses national practices and laws on ergonomics at the workplace. The ILO also conducts technical cooperation activities in many countries on ergonomics to support and strengthen the capacities of its tripartite constituents in dealing with workplace ergonomic and work organization risks. The ILO’s technical cooperation activities give priorities on the promotion of voluntary, participatory and action-oriented actions to improve working conditions and work organizations of the small and medium sized enterprises. This paper reviews ILO’s policies and activities on ergonomics in relation to occupational safety and health and prescribes ILO’s considerations for its future work on ergonomics.     

Associations of ergonomic and psychosocial work hazards with musculoskeletal disorders of specific body parts: A study of general employees in Taiwan

Background and aimsMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are major occupational health concerns. This study examined the associations of ergonomic and psychosocial work hazards with the risks of MSDs of specific body parts and their distribution across a wide range of occupational groups.MethodsStudy participants comprised 8,937 male and 7,052 female employees aged 20–65 years from a nationwide survey in 2016. A self-report questionnaire was administered to obtain information regarding demographic characteristics, work conditions, ergonomic and psychosocial work hazards, and MSDs of different body parts in 12 months. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios of MSDs in relation to ergonomic and psychosocial work hazards.ResultsIn professionals and skilled workers, MSDs of the neck and shoulders were more prevalent, whereas in manual workers, MSDs of the hands, wrists, and lower back were more prevalent. Psychosocial work hazards, including high psychological demand and low workplace justice, were major work-related risk factors for shoulder and neck disorders, whereas ergonomic hazards were major work-related risk factors for lower back and wrist or hand disorders.ConclusionDifferent workplace hazards contribute to the risks of different MSDs. To prevent the development of MSDs, occupational health professionals should evaluate both ergonomic and psychosocial work hazards and develop health prevention programs tailored to the risk profiles of working populations.     

Ergonomic interventions among waste collection workers: A systematic review

Waste collection workers are frequently exposed to significant occupational hazards. Even though ergonomic interventions can mitigate these occupational hazards, only a few studies have attempted to study the importance of the interventions. The current review identifies the gaps in ergonomic interventions among waste collection workers. A systematic review and a bibliometric analysis of the literature on the assessment of occupational hazards and ergonomic interventions in different countries were performed to identify the scope of the interventions. A literature search was carried out in Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus for articles published until December 2018. The search yielded seventy articles on the assessment of occupational health and ten articles on ergonomic interventions among waste collection workers. Based on the review, this paper proposes a hierarchical framework for the implementation of ergonomic interventions in waste associated occupations. The problems faced by formal and informal waste collectors are critical, particularly in developing countries and there is a growing need for low-cost interventions. It is suggested that the potential interventions have to be implemented based on the nature of occupational hazard considering social, cultural and economic factors.     

Macroergonomics intervention programs: Recommendations for their design and implementation

The purpose of this article is twofold: 1) to consider the intervention programs that emerged before ergonomic research, and 2) to develop a methodology for design and implementation of a macroergonomics intervention program in a manufacturing organization. A design that has been used is shown, which allows subsequent specialists' actions to achieve the expected results and avoid mistakes during implementation. A case study in the shoe industry is used to validate the procedure and illustrate the results, which include improvement in the quality of work processes (from 6.14% to 1.54% defects) and in quality of work life (from 58.03% to 93.33%). The conclusions highlight the need to carry out intervention programs relating to both micro and macro levels to achieve optimization of work systems. The recent increase in research activity in this area and the positive results encourage the future development of such macroergonomics intervention programs. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Barriers to the adoption of ergonomic innovations to control musculoskeletal disorders and improve performance

Despite a growing number of published articles describing studies of ergonomic interventions, little is known about the barriers potential adopters face when deciding whether or not to adopt such innovations. To this end, the purpose of this paper is to examine the barriers identified by potential adopters of ergonomic innovations and compare barriers identified by individuals not interested in adopting to those identified by individuals planning to adopt. Eight hundred forty-eight fresh market vegetable farmers were mailed surveys measuring the adoption of and barriers to the adoption of several ergonomic innovations as part of a multi-year intervention study. Barriers such as cost, lack of information, never having seen the innovation used and not being able to try out the innovation were among the barriers identified. The barriers identified were moderated by whether or not the respondents were likely to adopt. Implications for diffusing ergonomic and safety innovations are discussed.     

Assessing the effects of positive feedback and reinforcement in the introduction phase of an ergonomic intervention

Resistance to change is common in ergonomic interventions, often resulting in negative consequences when the intervention's effectiveness is studied. A lab-based study assessed the effects of positive reinforcement during the intervention process. On Day 1 all participants performed a simple screw-driving task that placed stress on the cervicobrachial region through static loading. On Day 2 a control group received basic information about ergonomics and then performed the task using an ergonomic intervention that has been shown to reduce loading on these muscle groups. The experimental group received the same basic information but also received positive reinforcement while performing the task with the ergonomic intervention. Subjective task assessment surveys and body-part discomfort surveys were administered, and these, along with speed of performance, were assessed in both groups. The results showed a significantly (p < .05) more positive subjective impression of the intervention for the feedback group than for the control group (29%-57% improvement) with no real changes in either the performance or discomfort levels. Applications of this research include improving workers' acceptance of ergonomic interventions in industrial and other settings. The reinforcement technique evaluated in this paper has yielded consistently positive effects in our ongoing ergonomic intervention research.     

Factors influencing implementation of occupational safety and health management systems by enterprises in Poland

Implementing legal regulations in occupational safety and health (OSH) as well as other actions aimed at improving working conditions in industry in many countries run in parallel with promoting nonobligatory OSH management systems (OSH MS). To define a scientific basis for working out a set of guidelines for promoting OSH MS, a survey was conducted in 40 companies. This research aimed to identify motivational factors for decisions to introduce OSH MS. Four groups of professionals who participated in the decision‐making process related to implementing OSH MS were interviewed: (a) the most senior managers of the enterprise, (b) representatives of top management for implementation and maintenance of OSH MS, (c) safety and health managers, and (d) workers' safety representatives. The results indicate the need for: (1) improving the efficiency of programs promoting implementation of OSH MS; (2) considering the role of economic incentives in promoting these systems; (3) developing and promoting training packages related to OSH management, adjusted particularly to the needs of employees and their representatives to increase their involvement in OSH activities; and (4) modifying legal solutions establishing a system of differentiated premium rates for social insurance against occupational accidents and diseases. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 16: 255–267, 2006.     

Job stress management and ergonomic intervention for work-related upper extremity symptoms

In practice the secondary prevention of work-related upper extremity (WRUE) symptoms generally targets biomechanical risk factors. Psychosocial risk factors have also been shown to play an important role in the development of WRUE symptom severity and future disability. The addition of a stress management component to biomechanically focused interventions may result in greater improvements in WRUE symptoms and functional limitations than intervening in the biomechanical risk factors alone. Seventy office workers with WRUE symptoms were randomly assigned to an ergonomics intervention group (assessment and modification of work station and stretching exercises) or a combined ergonomic and job stress intervention group (ergonomic intervention plus two 1-h workshops on the identification and management of workplace stress). Baseline, 3- and 12-month follow-up measures of observed ergonomic risks and self-reported ergonomic risks, job stress, pain, symptoms, functional limitation, and general physical and mental health were obtained from all participants. While both groups experienced significant decreases in pain, symptoms, and functional limitation from baseline to three months with improvements continuing to 12 months post baseline, no significant differences between groups were observed for any outcome measures. Findings indicate that the additional two-session job stress management component did not significantly enhance the short- or long-term improvements brought about by the ergonomic intervention alone.