ABSTRACT
Background and aims: Development and rapid increase of computer usage in all aspects of industry and society has been caused remarkable increase in musculoskeletal disorders of upper limbs. So, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of upper musculoskeletal limbs disorders, to assess potential risk to them and their relations with demographic characteristics among computer users of a power company`s Computer Users
Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional and descriptive - analytic study, all computer users who worked in official units [60 people] of a power company that had entry criteria were chosen in 1390. In this study, Nordic questionnaire and RULA method were used. Data gathering was analyzed by applying SPSS13 software, statistical tests, Chi-Square and Independent Sample T- test
Results: The results of the questionnaire revealed that the most pain was related to back [80.00%], neck [73.30%], arms/ wrists [73.30%], and shoulder [46.70%] respectively, in past year. There was also significant relation between the outbreak of back musculoskeletal disorders with age variations, job experience, and users` length [p<0.05]. The results of RULA revealed that 73.3%, 6.7% and 20% of computer users were exposed to medium, high, and very high risk of exposure to work, respectively
Conclusion: Computer users were determined from the medium risk level to very high risk level. Thus, in accordance with determined priority level of corrective action, ergonomic intervention and changes commensurate with working condition should be carried out. In order to prevent disorders and obtaining more efficiency, ergonomic instructions related to working with computer were trained to staffs and recommendations were presented in this field
ABSTRACT
Manual material handling is one of the major health and safety hazards in industry. This study aims to assess the lifting tasks, before and after intervention using NIOSH lifting equation and Manual Handling Assessment Charts [MAC]. This interventional study was performed in 2011 in a tile manufacturing industry in Hamadan, located in the West of Iran. The prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort was determined using Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. In order to assess the risk factors related to lifting and identify the high-risk activities, MAC and NIOSH lifting equation were used. In intervention phase, we designed a load-carrying cart with shelves capable of moving vertically up and down, similar to scissor lifts. After intervention, the reassessment of risk factors was conducted to determine the success of the intervention and to compare risk levels before and after intervention using t-test. The outputs of MAC and NIOSH lifting equation assessments before intervention revealed that all activities were at high-risk level. After intervention, the risk level decreased to average level. In conclusion, the results of intervention revealed a considerable decrease in risk level. It may be concluded that the given intervention was acceptable and favorably effective in preventing musculoskeletal disorders especially low back pain.