Papers by Keyword: Ergonomic Risk Factors

Abstract: The professional work usually carried out by the dental surgeons results in developing ergonomic risk factors such as forward bends and rotated positions of the body while handling variety of tools. The successful application of ergonomics assures high productivity, avoidance of illnesses and injuries and increased satisfaction among dental surgeons. The study was carried out to find the effectiveness of ergonomics awareness training programme in minimizing the ergonomic risk factors in dental surgeons. For this purpose, one hundred and thirty dental surgeons among post graduate dental students, faculty members and private practitioners from in and around Mangalore city, Southern Karnataka District, India, with more than one year of experience were selected by using non-probability convenience sampling method. A six week of ergonomics awareness training programme for selected dental surgeons was developed and imparted during the training. In order to determine the effectiveness of ergonomics awareness training programme, a pre-tested structured dental work station observation check list was used. The result indicates that, mean post-test scores of manual material handling (0.23), physical energy demands (0.18), instruments (0.00), environment (0.00) and other musculoskeletal demands (1.35) were lower than the mean pre-test scores i.e., 1.98, 1.95, 0.14, 0.01 and 7.53 respectively. Based on the results of the study we conclude that, ergonomics awareness training programme will be effective in minimizing the ergonomic risk factors in dental surgeons. Key words: Ergonomics awareness; Ergonomic risk factors; Dental surgeons; Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs)

Abstract: The objective of the study is to identify the symptoms ofmusculoskeletal disorder (MSD) and ergonomic risks on manual handling task at a metal stamping company. Data were collected using Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) and the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). The results revealed that there were significant relationships between self-reported pain and RULA posture scores on the trunk and neck regions with reference to MSD symptoms. Further, the results of RULA score also indicated high risk posture level on the task being investigated.

Abstract: Construction as a complex industry challenges the protection of safety and health of workers who are exposed to many risk factors in construction sites. Exposure to these risk factors may develop Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). The study is aimed at prioritizing Ergonomic Risk Factors (ERFs) in order of risk. To achieve the aim of this study, a questionnaire survey was distributed among respondents randomly selected from construction sites in Malaysia. The results of this study indicated that the most critical ERFs are Extreme hot temperature, Leaning forward/side, twisting the back and Organizational factors, while the least critical ERFs are Kneeling positions on hard surfaces, Holding tools with longitudinal ridges on handles tightly and Using hands or knees as a hammer. Identification of ERFs and their risk levels are the results of this study. Successful safety performance and management necessitate the investigation of ERFs and hazards regarding risk levels.