Cervical spondylosis among maintenance workers of the aerial electrical network in Alexandria city: an ergonomic study

ABSTRACT

This study had the dual aim of revealing the health status of those high risk workers as well as analysis of extreme body postures and movements encountered during their work in order to stimulate efforts, to improve their work conditions. An interview made of 173 workers representing the maintenance teams of all districts of Alexandria, followed by fasting blood sugar, blood pressure measurements and cervical X-rays were performed. Workers were divided into 3 groups according to their use of different equipment. The group of workers using the stretchable ladder [n = 67] exhibited significantly higher prevalence of vertigo during work, more neck pain and higher prevalence of cervical spondylosis [22.4%]. An ergonomic analysis of work posture considered of examining 5 different repair sessions for each involved group. Neck extension was predominant significantly in workers using the stretchable ladder group. This might be causal factor of cervical spine affections. Better equipment and modified repairing processes are highly recommended