[Determination of effective risk factors in incidence of occupational accidents in one of the large metal industries, Arak [2005-2007]]

Occupational accident is an unplanned and harmful event which occurs in workplace environments. Among various occupations and activities, large metal industries are the most hazardous industries in the world. This study was designed in one of the Arak metal industries in order to determine the incidence rate of occupational accidents as well as its risk factors. Initially in an incidence study, 873 workers were followed historically to determine the number of accidents since 2005 to 2007. Then the cases were compared with a random sample of workers with no accident [251 workers] in a case control study. After data collection by a structured questionnaire, statistical analysis was conducted using chi-square test, t-test and logistic regression in SPSS software [V.16]. During these three years, 359 accidents had been occurred and the annual incidence rate of accident was equal to 137 per 1000 workers. There was a significant relationship between occurrence of accident and age, work experience, education level, height, and systolic blood pressure as well as shift work [p<0.05].The marital status and number of children were not significant risk factors. Moreover, unsafe practices was the first case of accident, age and educational level were remained in regression model as the most important predictors of incident of occupational accidents. Considering the high frequency rate of accidents and based on our findings, planning and implementation of safety training, modifying non-safe conditions, supplying workers with appropriate standard protective equipment and appropriate facilities are recommended.

[Work stations revision by ergonomic posture analyzing of Arak bakery workers]

Regarding high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders [MSDs] among bakery workers and due to lack of information concerning posture analyzing, this study was carried out to identify working postures precisely in order to revise their work stations. In this cross-sectional study 334 Araki bakery workers were randomly selected .The data was collected using Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire [NMQ] through interview and Ovako Working-posture. Analysis System[OWAS] by video tapes. Based on OWAS postural analyzing. The averages of age and job experiences were 33 +/- 10.4 yr and 13.9 +/- 10 yr respectively. Most musculoskeletal disorders were in the knees [62.2%], low back [58.5%] and legs [53.9%] respectively. This research revealed that 42.2% of Araki bakery workers postures were in slightly up to very harmful postures. High prevalence of MSDs in different body regions caused 33.7% of workers to leave the work stations. Meanwhile awkward postures occurred in bent back [5.1%], twisted back [4.3%], bent and twisted back [2.8%] bent of knees [8.8%] and arms upper the shoulder [22.2%]. The most awkward postures observed in job group of Shatters and there was a significant relation between neck, elbow, shoulder, knee disorders and work experiences [p<0/05]. With regard to the results of this study, due to a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and harmful postures [bending, rotation and combined postures with time prolonged percentage] in bakery workers, revision of work operation and use of appropriate equipments in these jobs seems imperative. Therefore, an ergonomic intervention in order to correct poor postures is suggested