The impact of remote work using mobile information and communication technologies on physical health: a systematic review.

Remote e-working with information and communication technology (ICT) has long been on the rise, with its implementation accelerated by mandatory working from home regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This systematic literature review summarises the influencing factors of ICT-based remote e-working (device types, duration of use, user interfaces, etc.) on the physical health (musculoskeletal system and eyes) of knowledge workers. A search in four electronic databases and a manual search in four German journals resulted in 21 articles being included in this review. A bias analysis was conducted for all articles. Unfavourable postures, inappropriate working devices and certain environmental factors may cause a range of physical complaints, even after comparably short periods of time. Mostly, these complaints are greater compared to those experienced when working on a fully equipped stationary computer. Therefore, remote e-working requires careful planning, awareness, and the willingness to embrace working situations that counteract these problems.

Different factors associated with remote e-working may influence physical health. This systematic literature review found that unfavourable postures, inappropriate working devices and certain environmental factors may cause physical complaints, even after short periods of time. Mostly, these complaints are greater compared to those experienced when working on a stationary computer.

Epidemiological study of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and related risk factors among automobile maintenance workers.

BACKGROUND: The automotive industry is labor-intensive, and workers are involved in highly repetitive tasks, long hours, and medium to low workloads, resulting in work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), which have become a major health concern for workers in this industry. China is a major automotive country with tens of thousands of auto repair workers, but their conditions of WMSDs have been poorly reported. OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to analyze the current prevalence of WMSDs and their associated risk factors among automobile maintenance workers. METHODS: A total of 539 respondents from 50 automotive repair and maintenance companies in China were selected to investigate the prevalence of WMSDs via the modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire. Chi-square test and logistic regression models were applied to analyze their associated risk factors. RESULTS: The total prevalence of WMSDs among 539 workers was 32.8%. The top three body parts for prevalence were the lower back (17.1%), neck (16.3%), and shoulders (14.5%). The highest prevalence of WMSDs was found in the neck (23.6%) and lower back (14.3%) for sheet metal workers and mechanics, respectively, whereas painters had the highest prevalence of WMSDs in the lower back and feet (both at 15.4%). Logistic regression analysis showed that females were at higher risk of WMSDs than males (OR 5.027, [95% CI] [1.278-19.772], p < 0.05). Workers subjected to uncomfortable positions were at increased risk of WMSDs (OR 1.79, [95% CI] [1.333-2.410], p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of WMSDs is high among automotive maintenance workers, with the highest prevalence in the lower back (17.1%). Uncomfortable working postures and frequent repetitive movements with lower limbs and ankles at work may be important risk factors.

Computer vision syndrome-related symptoms in presbyopic computer workers.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of computer vision syndrome (CVS)-related symptoms in a presbyopic population using the computer as the main work tool, as well as the relationship of CVS with the electronic device use habits and the ergonomic factors. METHODS: A sample of 198 presbyopic participants (aged 45-65 years) who regularly work with a computer completed a customised questionnaire divided into: general demographics, optical correction commonly used and for work, habits of electronic devices use, ergonomic conditions during the working hours and CVS-related symptoms during work performance. A total of 10 CVS-related symptoms were questioned indicating the severity with which they occurred (0-4) and the median total symptom score (MTSS) was calculated as the sum of the symptoms. RESULTS: The MTSS in this presbyopic population is 7 ± 5 symptoms. The most common symptoms reported by participants are dry eyes, tired eyes and difficulties in refocusing. MTSS is higher in women (p < 0.05), in laptop computer users (p < 0.05) and in teleworkers compared to office workers (p < 0.05). Regarding ergonomic conditions, MTSS is higher in participants who do not take breaks while working (p < 0.05), who have an inadequately lighting in the workspace (p < 0.05) and in the participants reporting neck (p < 0.01) or back pain (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is a relationship between CVS-related symptoms, the use of electronic devices and the ergonomic factors, which indicates the importance of adapting workplaces, especially for home-based teleworkers, and following basic visual ergonomics rules.

Risk of symptomatic osteoarthritis associated with exposure to ergonomic factors at work in a nationwide Italian survey.

OBJECTIVE: The risk of developing osteoarthritis (OA) has been reported to increase with exposure to various ergonomic factors at work, although this finding is still debated in the literature. Aim of this study was to assess the association between prevalence of symptomatic OA and exposure to workplace ergonomic factors assigned through a job-exposures matrix (JEM). METHODS: The study population was composed of 24,604 persons of 40-69 years who participated in the National Health Survey 2013 and were employed at that occasion. Exposure to ergonomic factors was assigned to the study population through a JEM constructed from the Italian O*NET database, consisting of 17 physical factors, which were summed and averaged by job title (796 jobs) to obtain a combined exposure index. The outcome was self-reported OA characterized by moderate or severe limitations in daily activities. The relationship between OA prevalence and the combined exposure index in quartiles was examined using robust Poisson regression models adjusted for socio-demographics and potential confounders. RESULTS: In the analysis adjusted for age and gender, the risk of OA was increased by approximately 20-30% in the second and third quartiles, and by 80% in the highest exposure quartile, compared to the least exposed, with a risk attenuation by approximately 15-20% controlling for other significant covariates. CONCLUSION: Our results support a causal role of exposure to physical factors at work in the development of OA. As OA is associated with a great burden of disability, any effort should be made to reduce workers' exposure to ergonomic factors.

Reliability of O*NET physical exposures between Italian and US databases.

BACKGROUND: Comparison between cross-national job-exposure matrices (JEMs) may provide indications of their reliability, particularly if created using the same items. This study evaluated concordance between two JEMs created from United States (US) and Italian O*NET data, using job codes linked through international job codes. METHODS: Twenty-one physical exposures were obtained from the US and Italian O*NET databases. Italian O*NET items were direct translations of US O*NET items. Six hundred and eighty-four US and 586 Italian job codes were linked via crosswalks to 281 ISCO-08 job codes. A sensitivity study also assessed concordance on 258 jobs matched one-to-one across the two national job classifications. Concordance of US and Italian O*NET exposures was estimated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) in multilevel models adjusted and not adjusted for country. RESULTS: ICCs showed moderate to poor agreement for all physical exposures in jobs linked through ISCO-08 codes. There was good to moderate agreement for 14 out of 21 exposures in models with one-to-one matched jobs between countries; greater agreement was found in all models adjusted for country. Exposure to whole-body vibration, time standing, and working outdoor exposed to weather showed the highest agreement. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed moderate to good agreement for most physical exposures across the two JEMs when US and Italian jobs were matched one-to-one and the analysis was adjusted for country. Job code assignments through crosswalks and differences in exposure levels between countries might greatly influence the observed cross-country agreement. Future multinational epidemiological studies should consider the quality of the cross-national job matching, and potential cross-national differences in exposure levels.

Neck, back, and shoulder pains and ergonomic factors among dental students.

BACKGROUND: Dynamic and static activities in dentistry cause musculoskeletal disorders, but dental students do not have sufficient awareness about the effects of ergonomic factors on their health. The aim of this study was to investigate ergonomic factors that cause pain muscle in dental students in Kerman Medical University, Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis study was carried out on dental students of the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th year, in clinical practice in the School of Dentistry, Kerman University of Medical Sciences. A convenient sample of 199 students who met the inclusion criteria was selected and those willing to participate signed an informed consent form. Data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire for ergonomic factors and the presence of pain. The variables evaluated were pain, affected zones, gender, postures, and work environment. RESULTS: The present research work reveals that over 69% of the dental students complained of pain in at least one part of their body. Most individuals suffered from hand and elbow (23%) and head (19%) pain. The clinical areas where more pain was found were endodontics and pedodontics. Furthermore, it was found that a high percentage of students usually worked with their legs slightly separated, with the sole of the feet resting on the stool when working. The presence of muscular pain was higher in males in this study. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant relationship with the final Rapid Entire Body Assessment score in different body parts and the participants' demographic data (sex, age, weight, height, sports, and smoking). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that the students' sitting positions and working environments need to be improved and it seems more training is necessary in this field.

Manual work in cold environments and its impact on selection of materials for protective gloves based on workplace observations.

This article presents a workplace observations on manual work in cold environments and its impact on the selection of materials for protective gloves. The workplace observations was conducted on 107 workers in 7 companies and involved measurements of the temperature of air and objects in the workplaces; in addition the type of surface and shape of the objects was determined. Laboratory tests were also carried out on 11 materials for protective gloves to be used in cold environments. Protective characteristics, including mechanical properties (wear, cut, tear, and puncture resistance), insulation properties (thermal resistance), functional parameters, and hygienic properties (resistance to surface wetting, material stiffness) were evaluated. Appropriate levels of performance and quality, corresponding to the protective and functional properties of the materials, were determined. Based on the results of manual work and laboratory tests, directions for the selection of materials for the construction of protective gloves were formulated with a view to improving work ergonomics.

Prevalence of low back pain among employees of Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) Tacloban City, Leyte

Introduction@#Occupational low back pain has been prevalent in many work places everywhere. The authors have encountered employees from all sorts of job coming in for a health consultation relative to low back pain, including those who work at Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC).@*Objectives@#This study aimed to assess the prevalence of low back pain among the employees of Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC). The study specifically aimed to determine the profile of the employees, their low back pain experience, and the physical, psychological, and ergonomic factors which may be contributing to low back pain.@*Methods@#This was a cross-sectional study among employees of EVRMC. A questionnaire was distributed to 1002 employees, from which 914 was returned, yielding a return rate of 91%. Eight hundred six (806) respondents were considered for the study after excluding those who were pregnant and had history of trauma, and those whose questionnaires had missing data. Under an alpha level of 0.05, associations between the employees’ profile and LBP were determined.@*Results@#Findings revealed that one hundred sixty seven out of the eight hundred six respondents (20.71%) had low back pain. One hundred forty-seven (147) of them had moderate disability. Majority of the respondents were young adults, aged 25-45 years old. Males and Females were affected equally. The most number of employees who were able to participate in the study were from the administrative (n=288) and the nursing (n=262) divisions. Twenty-one percent (21%) of the respondents had low back pain at the time of data gathering, and 51.49 % of them had ergonomic factors mostly causing their back pain.@*Conclusion@#The most common factor causing low back pain among the employees was ergonomic in nature and it had something to do with poor body mechanics. Awareness raising and giving of inputs through seminars and distribution of educational materials and pamphlets on proper body mechanics was put forth as recommendation from the findings of the study.

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS IN PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA.

INTRODUCTION: Musculoskeletal disorders represent a significant problem of modern society which are more pronounced in young people and school children. Etiology of these disorders is found in inadequate ergonomic conditions, too heavy school bag, school furniture inadequate to age, poor posture, sedentary lifestyle, reduction of physical activity and lack of exercise. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1315 pupils aged 8- 12 years. As a method was used "cluster sample" in the selection of subjects. The survey was conducted by questionnaire containing information on the demographic and individual characteristics of participants (age, gender, class), the manner and style of life and the performance of school tasks, followed by standardized Nordic questionnaire. The following parameters were measured: body height and weight for each student, and the weight of full and empty school bag that students that day brought to class. RESULTS: The incidence of musculoskeletal pain regardless of localization was 48%. There is a statistically significant correlation between acute pain in the right shoulder and total weight of school bags, duration of caring the bag in school and time of wearing bag from school to home but not with the manner in which school bag was carried. Acute pain in the right shoulder and acute neck pain were significantly associated with the duration of sitting in school or in front of a computer at home. Acute pain in the shoulder negatively correlated with BMI percentile value of the respondents. Acute pain in the neck is also significantly associated with the weight of a full school bags, as well as time spent sitting at home doing homework. Acute back pain is statistically significantly correlated with the weight of school bags and duration of sitting periods in school. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, particularly chronic pain in school children aged 8-12 years is high. Weight of school bags, manner in which the bag is carried to and from school, duration of carrying bags, time spent sitting in the school and in front of the computer, duration of sitting and posture during homework, body mass index are ergonomic reasons for the development of musculoskeletal pain.

La charla motivacional: una estrategia para abordar el desconocimiento de factores de riesgo ergonómico en un supermercado chileno / The motivational speech: a strategy to address the lack of unawareness ergonomic risk factors in a chilean supermarket

Los factores protectores y ergonómicos determinan la salud de la población trabajadora. Los factores de riesgo ergonómicos se enfocan a trastornos músculo-esqueléticos, lesiones músculo-esqueléticos, posturas forzadas, mala alimentación, obesidad y sedentarismo; y, los factores protectores se enfocan en promocionar estilos de vida saludables. Este proyecto se realizó utilizando la metodología de investigación de acción participativa. La muestra intencionada correspondió a 30 trabajadores de un supermercado de Santiago. El objetivo principal del estudio fue educar a través de charlas motivacionales sobre los factores ergonómicos y protectores. En el estudio se realizó una encuesta, previamente validad por expertos, para verificar el conocimiento y percepción de los participantes. Se descubrió que el 80% de los empleados tenía dolor físico; un 77%, estrés producto de su trabajo; un 30% de los trabajadores tenía el conocimiento de cómo adoptar una postura correcta antes de la realización de las charlas, percepción que aumentó a un 83% de conocimiento adquirido después de la realización de las charlas. Se logró apreciar una adecuada interacción entre las charlas motivacionales, la promoción de factores protectores y la información sobre riesgo ergonómico.

Protective and ergonomic factors determine the health of the working population. Ergonomic risk factors are focused on muscle-skeletal disorders, muscle-skeletal injuries, awkward postures, poor diet, obesity, sedentary and protective factors are focused on promoting healthy lifestyles. This project was conducted through participatory action research methodology. The sample consisted of 30 employees of a supermarket in Santiago. The main objective of the study was to educate through motivational talks on ergonomic and protective factors. The study used a survey, previously validated by experts to verify the knowledge and perception of the participants. It was found that 80% of employees had physical pain, stress 77% product of their work, 30% of workers had knowledge of what was correct posture before the completion of the talks, increased perception to 83% of knowledge gained after the completion of the talks. It was possible to appreciate a proper interaction between the motivational talks, promoting protective factors and ergonomic risk information.

Management of health and safety in micro companies in Cyprus: Results on ergonomic issues.

BACKGROUND: Ergonomics in Cyprus is a rather neglected area of safety. The size of the country, the lack of scientific expertise, the nature of the economy and the nature of the majority of the enterprises make it a case, different from the average. OBJECTIVE: The aims of the survey were to examine the views and perceptions of employees and owners/managers on safety issues of micro-firms in Cyprus, to collect information on accidents and other aspects of safety performance in micro-firms and to cross-check the above data with data collected from safety inspectors for the above firms. METHODS: The authors with the collaboration of the Department of Labour Inspection of the Republic of Cyprus collected information from a relatively large number of micro companies in a National survey. Information from employees, employers and labour inspectors was drawn. RESULTS: Particular emphasis is paid on the exploration of the relationship of the non-use of personal protection equipment with a number of factors. Results show the resistance of employees to the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and GPM (General Protective Measures). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the survey are in line with the relevant literature. Micro firms illustrate several interesting findings that are discussed in detail in the paper.

Evaluación de los factores ergoambientales en una institución de educación infantil / Environmental ergonomic factors in an institution childhood education

Se presenta un estudio exploratorio, descriptivo, cuantitativo y de observación directa en el que se evalúan los factores ergoambientales tales como iluminación, ruido y temperatura, al igual que el entorno físico dado por el mobiliario, áreas internas y externas, en las instalaciones de una institución de educación infantil. Se utiliza equipo de medición como el luxómetro EXTECH, sonómetro Quest modelo 1100 tipo 1, termómetro ambiental QUESTemp 34 y un flexómetro Tajima G-Lock de 10 metros. Se analizan los criterios de las Normas Oficiales Mexicanas y del Instituto Nacional de la Infraestructura Física y Educativa comparándolos con los resultados. Se encuentra que la iluminación en las aulas incumple con los parámetros de la norma. La temperatura se detecta normal y el nivel de ruido es crítico en ciertas horas de la mañana. Se recomienda realizar el estudio en épocas de frío y calor extremo respectivamente para determinar si los parámetros son los correctos. Cambiar el tipo de iluminación y mobiliario en los salones de clases y taller de juegos así como establecer programas preventivos de mantenimiento para disminuir el ruido. De igual manera, aplicar este estudio en otras escuelas de iniciación infantil.

An exploratory, descriptive, quantitative and direct observation study is presented, in which environmental ergonomic factors such as illumination, noise and temperature, as the the physical environment given by furniture, indoor and outdoor areas are evaluated in the facilities of a childhood education institution. Measuring equipment as the light meter EXTECH, sound level meter Quest Model 1100 Type 1, environmental thermometer QUESTemp 34 and a tape measure Tajima G-Lock of 10 meters. Criteria of Mexican Official Standards and the National Institute of Physical Education Infrastructure are analyzed and compared with the results. It is found that the illumination in classrooms violates the standard parameters. Normal temperature is detected and the noise level is critical in certain hours of the morning. It is recommended to perform the study in times of extreme heat and cold respectively to determine if the parameters are correct. Changing the type of illumination and furniture in classrooms and game workshops and establishing preventive maintenance programs to reduce noise as well. In a like manner, apply this study to other schools of child initiation.

A four-year follow-up study of physical working conditions and perceived mental and physical strain among food industry workers.

This study hypothesized that in a longitudinal setting deteriorating physical working conditions increases the perceived physical and mental strain among food processing employees. The study was conducted in 2003 and 2007. It examined 248 blue-collar workers, all of whom were in the same occupation throughout the entire follow-up period. The data were obtained through a structural questionnaire distributed to the employees at the workplace. Mental strain had increased (7%) significantly among younger employees during the follow-up. The changes in mental strain for the younger employees were positively associated with the changes in physical strain. The changes in physical strain were also significantly associated with the changes in physical working conditions among both younger and the older workers. The results of this study partly support the study hypothesis, namely that deteriorating physical working condition increases physical strain and also increases mental strain, especially among younger employees.

Does fatigue influence children's handwriting performance?

OBJECTIVES: Handwriting is one aspect of school children's work. This article examines the influence of fatigue on handwriting, through the use of prolonged writing. STUDY DESIGN: The study population included 157 third-grade students with good and poor handwriting. Quality and speed of handwriting, in addition to ergonomic factors, were assessed through the Hebrew Handwriting Evaluation (HHE), prior to writing and after writing for 10 consecutive minutes. RESULTS: RESULTS of this study clearly demonstrate that children with both poor and good handwriting perform more poorly after writing long texts. Although both groups were influenced by the fatigue situation, poor handwriters still scored lower than the good handwriters in both conditions (fatigue and non-fatigue), on most variables. CONCLUSIONS: Continued studies in this area are recommended, and it is suggested that children take 'writing breaks' when writing, in order to improve the quality of their handwriting.