Papers by Keyword: Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WMSD)

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: In the new era of advanced manufacturing technology, machine tool design plays an important role in maximizing productivity and occupational health of industrial workers. However, the machine tool manufacturers face difficulty in designing an ergonomic machine tool that can be suited to Malaysian industrial workers because almost all machine tools were designed according to physical dimensions, capabilities and limitations of European or American populations. This mismatch between machine design and worker abilities may eventually lead to occupational injuries. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to disseminate information on ergonomics problem, assessment methods, and control measures associated with CNC machining operation. Published articles related to CNC machining operation have been reviewed. Based on published researches, work-related musculoskeletal disorders such as low-back pain, neck and shoulder problem have been identified as common health problems associated with the machine operation. Engineering and administrative controls have been proposed to minimize the health problems.

Abstract: Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) in the agricultural industry is a very serious problem but it is not well investigated and understood. In this paper, the authors have made an attempt to evaluate the prevalence of WMSD in oil palm industry during harvesting fresh fruit bunches (FFB). Data collection was conducted by conducting face-to-face structured interviews with FFB harvesters. In addition, video recording on seven FFB harvesters were conducted while they are performing the harvesting work. Demographic data shows that the mean age of FFB harvester was 41.3 years and 71.4% of them are smokers. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method was used to evaluate the prevalence of WMSD by observing the working postures of the FFB harvesters. RULA analysis of the observed results showed that 83% of the FFB harvesters have scored 7 during harvesting work, which means postural changes must be carried out immediately. Meanwhile, 17% FFB harvesters have scored 5, which means postural change must be carried out soon. Repetitive work is also a main factor that contributes to high prevalence of WMSD among FFB harvesters while they are pulling and pushing the FFB.

Abstract: Musculoskeletal disorder (WMSDs) is the common health problems for the industrial workers. This health problem can contribute to long term effect on the production performance. The objective of this study is to analyze the posture of industrial worker in packaging industry using the RULA assessment in CATIA P3 V5R14 software. The working posture was reconstructed and developed in the CATIA P3 V5R14 software and then RULA assessment was conducted. From the RULA analysis, several awkward postures were detected to be high in risk factors. The postures in risk are postures 1,2 and 5 which mainly involve lifting heavy product and excessive bending. As a conclusion the RULA assessment was able to detect the problematic postures and further improvement can be conducted to avoid discomfort or further health complication.

Abstract: The performance of workers is a very important factor that could affect the overall productivity result. In the industrial repetitive task, the performance of direct workers has a significant impact on the work productivity. In this kind of task, the work productivity loss is not only seen from time loss but also due to functional incapacity of the workers. The workers are present at work but functionally limited due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). There are various studies which have reported on the effects of WMSDs on the work productivity, but few attempts have been made to investigate the relationship. This study aims to develop a conceptual model of work productivity associated with WMSDs as an aid to identify the relationship between the risks of WMSDs and the work productivity. The knowledge on the relationship is important to reduce the risk of WMSDs and at the same time can optimize the work productivity. A conceptual model of work productivity associated with WMSDs in the industrial repetitive task was developed based on the review on the existing models and theories. The factors involved in the model were discussed. The factors involved were work-related physical risk factors, muscle fatigue, work-related musculoskeletal disorders and work productivity.

Abstract: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), a type of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is the most commonly work related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) that can lead to temporary as well as permanent disabilities. The CTS is marked by pain and paresthesia. Present study has been conducted on the 60 workers comprising of 46 men (mean age of 34.43 ± 8.40 years, range 18-52 years) and 14 women (mean age of 34.78 ± 9.14 years, range 22-50 years) engaged in Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (E.P.D.M.) assembly unit. Symptoms present are nocturnal pain, numbness, tingling and low hand grip strength. The study has been done in actual industrial environment through health surveillance, Phalen’s and Tinel’s Tests, hand grip strength tester, and weighing machine. The aim of this study is to do analysis to check the susceptibility of CTS symptoms amongst men and women on the basis of repetitive and non repetitive work. The F-Test and ANOVA using orthogonal array have been applied for statistical data analysis in order to quantify and evaluate the importance of possible symptoms on CTS risk factor. Analysis shows that the women workers are more susceptible to CTS symptoms than their male counterparts. It also reveals that grip strength below 35 Kg and high tingling prevalence ratio are the most alarming symptoms for CTS occurrence among workers in E.P.D.M assembly unit.