Rosimeire Simprini Padula

Job rotation designed to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and control risk in manufacturing industries: A systematic review

UNLABELLED To better understand job rotation in the manufacturing industry, we completed a systematic review asking the following questions: 1) How do job-rotation programs impact work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and related risk control for these MSDs, as well as psychosocial factors? and 2) How best should the job rotation programs be designed? We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Business Source Premier, ISI Web of Knowledge, CINAHL, PsyINFO, Scopus, and SciELO databases for articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Eligible studies were examined by two independent reviewers for relevance (population of manufacturing workers, outcomes of musculoskeletal disorders, physical factors, psychosocial factors, and strategies used in job-rotation implantation) and methodological quality rating. From 10,809 potential articles, 71 were read for full text analysis. Of the 14 studies included for data extraction, two were non-randomized control trial studies, one was a case-control study, and 11 were cross-sectional comparisons. Only one, with a case-control design, was scored with good methodological quality. Currently, weak evidence exists supporting job rotation as a strategy for the prevention and control of musculoskeletal disorders. Job rotation did not appear to reduce the exposure of physical risk factors; yet, there are positive correlations between job rotation and higher job satisfaction. Worker training has been described as a crucial component of a successful job-rotation program. The studies reported a range of parameters used to implement and measure job-rotation programs. More rigorous studies are needed to better understand the full impact of job rotation on production and health. PROSPERO REGISTER CRD42014013319.

Musculoskeletal symptoms, postural disorders and occupational risk factors: correlation analysis.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) include a list of inflammatory and degenerative diseases characterized by the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms, compensatory posture changes and functional disabilities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the kinetic/functional characteristics of textile plant workers, their level of exposure to risk factors and the contribution these make to musculoskeletal symptoms. The sample of 42 workers answered the Nordic Questionnaire and the Job Factors Questionnaire. The kinetic/functional characteristics of each worker were verified by a blinded evaluator. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearsons correlation. Musculoskeletal symptoms were more prevalent in the spinal region and upper limbs. The exposure levels to risk factors were identified as a serious problem. Postural disorders, musculoskeletal symptoms and risk factors were correlated (P ≤ 0.05).

Analysis of the suitability of furniture university - anthropometric characteristics of user

This study objective show if the furniture university are according anthropometric characteristics of user.

Musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial risk factors among workers of the aircraft maintenance industry.

During the recent decades Brazil has experienced an exponential growth in the aviation sector resulting in an increasing workforce. The aircraft maintenance industry stands out, where the workers have to handle different kind of objects. The aim of this study was to evaluate psychosocial indicators as well as musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders among aircraft maintenance workers. One hundred and one employees were evaluated (32.69 ± 8.25 yr, 79.8 ± 13.4 kg, and 1.75 ± 0.07 m). Musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders were assessed through the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and a standardized physical examination. The Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) were applied to evaluate psychosocial indicators. Results of the NMQ indicate the lower back as the most affected body region. On the other hand, the physical examination has shown clinical diagnosis of shoulder disorders. Neck, upper back and ankle/foot were also reported as painful sites. Most of workers have active work-demand profile and high work engagement levels. We suggest that musculoskeletal symptoms may be related to high biomechanical demand of the tasks performed by workers, what must be further investigated.

Ergonomic risk assessment in textile industry workers by two instruments: quick exposure check and job factors questionnaire

The analysis of ergonomic risk factors that are present in the textile industry helps to plan strategies that can contribute to the improvement of work conditions and the consequent reduction of musculoskeletal disorders. This study aimed at measuring levels of exposure to ergonomic risk factors among workers of two production sections in a textile factory. For this purpose, the instruments Job Factors Questionnaire (JFQ) and Quick Exposure Check (QEC) were applied in 107 workers. The results were analyzed through descriptive statistics. We used Mann-Whitneys test to compare the results between the production sections. The level of exposure to ergonomic risks, obtained through both instruments, was moderate. The risk factors considered as being critical by the JFQ are related to environmental temperature, posture maintained over long periods of time, inadequate spinal posture, and to working even when the worker feels pain or sustains injuries. The QEC identified regions of the lumbar spine and wrists/hands as being exposed to high risk. There were no statistically significant differences between the sections.Correspondence to: Maria Luiza Caires Comper – Rua Cesario Galeno, 448 – CEP: 03071-000 – Sao Paulo (SP), Brazil – E-mail: marialuizacaires21@hotmail.com Presentation: Sep. 2012 – Accepted for publication: Jul. 2013 – Financing source: none – Conflict of interests: nothing to declare – Approval at the Ethics Committee n. 1.658/2010. Ergonomic risk assessment among textile industry workers using two instruments: Quick Exposure Check and Job Factors Questionnaire Avaliacao do risco ergonomico em trabalhadores da industria textil por dois instrumentos: Quick Exposure Check e Job Factors Questionnaire Evaluacion del riesgo ergonomico en trabajadores de la industria textil con dos instrumentos: Quick Exposure Check y Job Factors Questionnaire Maria Luiza Caires Comper , Rosimeire Simprini Padula

How is a box handled when all surfaces can be freely held

In this study, we investigated how experienced and inexperienced subjects handle a box when it could be approached from any of its sides. Subjects moved a box (11 kg) either to a high (HS) or a low surface (LS). Wrist movements and grip force were synchronised and recorded, respectively, by electrogoniometers and an instrumented box. All subjects adopted a lateral-and-bottom grip, with parts of the hands simultaneously placed on the side and bottom of the box. This grip allowed the 50th percentile of wrist movements to be within safe limits, particularly in the sagittal plane. Low force was associated with lowering the box to LS and equally distributed but greater force when lifting to HS. Larger ulnar deviation was recorded when the box was lifted to HS. Only peak of wrist extension differentiated experienced from inexperienced subjects, with experienced presenting larger wrist extension. Alternative box designs are suggested to improve handling in real settings. Practitioner Summary Understanding worker preferences for box lifting behaviour can contribute to the development of new designs that facilitate the adoption of more efficient postures while reducing the risk of upper-limb musculoskeletal disorders and promoting safer manual material handling.

Effect of time of exposure to environmental risk on the lung function of foundry workers: a cross-sectional study.

[Purpose] This cross-sectional study aimed to compare foundry workers of the metallurgical industry with high and low exposure time and with a control group. [Subject and Methods] The workers were evaluated for pulmonary function and peak expiratory flow (PEF), respiratory symptoms, smoking habits, and physical activity level. Descriptive statistical analysis and ANOVA one-way test were used. [Results] The mean age was 33.9 ± 8.25 years (18–59), pulmonary function: FVC: 95 ± 18% of predicted, FEV1: 95.0 ± 15.8% of predicted, FEV1/FVC ratio of 0.82 ± 0.09, and PEF = 499.7 ± 118.5 l/min. Overall, 85.1% of workers were classified that physically active, 7.93% of workers reported respiratory symptoms, and 14.28% reported being smokers. There was no statistically significant difference between groups for the variables of lung function. [Conclusion] The pulmonary function is preserved in foundry workers independently of exposure time.

Lung function and functional capacity among foundry workers using effective risk control measures.

BACKGROUND Inhaled dust in the environment can trigger specific reactions in the airways and cause various respiratory diseases. OBJECTIVE Evaluate the lung function and functional capacity of foundry workers who are exposed to metals and use effective control measures. METHOD A cross-sectional study was realized with 108 workers at a bronze foundry and machining plant and in maintenance at a private university, both in Brazil. The workers were divided into two groups: the study group exposed to metals but using risk control measues and a control group not exposed to metal work. The Medical Research Council Questionnaire on Respiratory Symptoms and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were administered, and lung function and functional capacity were evaluated. Comparative statistics were used to identify differences in the outcome measures between the two groups. RESULTS The groups had similar personal and anthropometric characteristics and time on the job. Spirometry and peak expiratory flow presented no significant differences between the groups. And there was also no statistically significant difference between groups in functional capacity as assessed by performance on the six-minute walk test. CONCLUSION Foundry industry workers in Brazil who were exposed to metal but used risk control measures had similar lung function and functional capacity when compared to the control group who were not exposed to metal. This is a positive results and maybe related to age, time exposure and control of occupational hazards. However, these workers need to continue being monitored in longitudinal studies.

The influence of the tasks characteristics in physical performance and psychosocial aspects of workers

The work and life conditions have influence on the health and life quality of workers. Physically active persons can demonstrate a life style that are and affect the physical performance, psychosocial aspects and work capacity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the physical activity level and work capacity in different tasks characteristics, one with more physical exertion and other with more cognitive exertion. A total of 193 workers from an institution of higher education and 457 workers from a metallurgical industry participated in the current study. All participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-short) and Work Ability Index (WAI). The results indicated that both groups were classified as having high level of physical activity while only few of them were considered sedentary (less than 27%). However, the group of metallurgical workers had greater indices (82%) than the workers from higher education institution (74%). Overall, the workers reported their work ability as moderate to excellent, suggesting that overall they are satisfied with their working and health conditions. It can be concluded that even though workers performed tasks with different demands (cognitive versus physical), they demonstrated similar level of physical activity as well as work ability.

Assessment of quality of sleep and sleepiness in workers with rotating shifts.

The study aims to evaluate the sleep quality and presence of daytime sleepiness in workers.