Workplace Well-Being in Industry 5.0: A Worker-Centered Systematic Review.

The paradigm of Industry 5.0 pushes the transition from the traditional to a novel, smart, digital, and connected industry, where well-being is key to enhance productivity, optimize man-machine interaction and guarantee workers' safety. This work aims to conduct a systematic review of current methodologies for monitoring and analyzing physical and cognitive ergonomics. Three research questions are addressed: (1) which technologies are used to assess the physical and cognitive well-being of workers in the workplace, (2) how the acquired data are processed, and (3) what purpose this well-being is evaluated for. This way, individual factors within the holistic assessment of worker well-being are highlighted, and information is provided synthetically. The analysis was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 statement guidelines. From the sixty-five articles collected, the most adopted (1) technological solutions, (2) parameters, and (3) data analysis and processing were identified. Wearable inertial measurement units and RGB-D cameras are the most prevalent devices used for physical monitoring; in the cognitive ergonomics, and cardiac activity is the most adopted physiological parameter. Furthermore, insights on practical issues and future developments are provided. Future research should focus on developing multi-modal systems that combine these aspects with particular emphasis on their practical application in real industrial settings.

Postural analysis and ergonomic intervention of unorganized workers in indian construction sectors.

BACKGROUND: In India's fast-growing economy, the construction sector offers significant developments with huge employment opportunities but poses risks due to poor working environments and uncomfortable postures. Traditional methods, such as manual material handling, can lead to health hazards and musculoskeletal disorders such as overexertion, low back pain, etc. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the working postures of unorganized employees engaged in residential buildings using Ergofellow software and to recommend changes in their unsafe working postures. METHODS: Participants' working positions were video recorded and the postures were analyzed using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Ovako Working Posture Analysis (OWAS). Paired sample t-tests were used to analyze significant differences between the RULA and REBA scores after the ergonomic interventions were implemented. RESULTS: From the analysis of RULA, REBA and OWAS, the working postures showed a high risk of potential injury and required an immediate change in employees' working postures. The RULA and REBA scores were subsequently lower after the ergonomic interventions, which were based on ergonomic and safety principles. The paired sample t-tests with p-values of less than 0.05 demonstrated decreased risks after ergonomic interventions. CONCLUSION: Working postures of the construction workers exposed to musculoskeletal disorders were examined and the ergonomic interventions were implemented. According to the recommendations, working positions were changed, and employee well-being was enhanced by reduced operational risks.

Optimizing radiology remote reading: leveraging technology to improve efficiency.

Remote work has been increasingly utilized in the profession of radiology over recent years. Setting up your individual workstation offers an opportunity to tailor it to suit your preferences without the restriction of a universal setup to accommodate multiple users. Important considerations when setting up a home workstation include selecting the optimal work location, choosing the proper desk and chair, and configuring an ideal computer monitor layout. The use of peripheral devices, such as programmable mice and hands-free dictation tools can improve efficiency and reduce repetitive strain injuries. This article also explores the use of smart home devices and programmable scripts using AutoHotKey to further streamline workflow and maximize the benefits of a remote workstation.

The effect of weapon handling during load carriage across a range of military-relevant walking speeds.

This study investigated the effects of weapon handling on the physiological responses and walking-gait kinematics during load carriage. Seventeen soldiers completed four twelve-minute bouts of treadmill walking at incremental speeds (3.5, 5.5, 6.5 km.h-1 and self-selected) carrying 23.2-kg of additional load, while either handling a weapon or not handling a weapon. Physiological, perceptual and biomechanical outcomes were measured throughout each trial. A weapon-by-speed interaction (p < .05) was observed for hip flexion-extension during loading response and mid-swing. Weapon handling elevated (p < .05) cardiorespiratory responses at 6.5 km.h-1. Main effects (p < .05) of weapon handling were observed for ventilation, oxygen pulse, effort perception, stride length and knee flexion-extension during toe-off. No main effects of weapon handling were observed for any other biomechanical measures. These findings demonstrate that physiological and biomechanical responses to weapon handling are likely walking-speed dependent.Practitioner summary: Weapon handling is an important part of many load-carriage tasks but is rarely investigated. Physiological and biomechanical responses were assessed at incremental speeds during load carriage. Despite similar biomechanics, there was greater physiological demands at faster walking speeds, suggesting an increased contribution from isometric muscle contractions for weapon stabilisation.

Neurosurgical applications of the exoscope: from in vitro studies to real-life surgical use in selective dorsal rhizotomy.

BACKGROUND: The microscope has been the gold standard in neurosurgical practice due to its ability to magnify anatomical structures. However, it has limitations, including restricted visual fields and ergonomic challenges that can lead to surgeon fatigue and musculoskeletal issues. The exoscope is an emerging technology that may address these limitations by offering comparable magnification with improved ergonomics. METHODS: This study compares the traditional microscope (KINEVO 900) with a 3D digital exoscope (Aeos Digital Microscope) in visual field width, image sharpness, and ergonomic impact. Visual field assessments were conducted using millimeter paper at a fixed distance, while image sharpness was evaluated using graph paper with pins at different depths. Ergonomic evaluation involved simulating surgical positions using a spine anatomical model. The practical applicability was tested during Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) procedures, comparing the surgeon's experience with both devices over 20 consecutive cases. RESULTS: The exoscope provided a larger visual field (81.18 cm2) compared to the microscope's (54.10 cm2). Image sharpness was similar for both devices across various depths and zoom levels. Ergonomically, the exoscope allowed the surgeon to maintain a neutral posture while visualizing extreme angles, unlike the microscope, which required significant upper body movement. In SDR procedures, the exoscope improved surgeon comfort and interaction with the operating team, despite an initial learning curve. CONCLUSIONS: The exoscope presents notable advantages in terms of visual field and ergonomics. The exoscope's ability to facilitate better posture and team communication without compromising image quality makes it an addition to neurosurgical practice, as in SDR.

Pilot study of musculoskeletal discomfort in Indonesian pregnant workers during COVID-19 pandemic era.

Objective: This pilot study aims to analyze the factors influencing musculoskeletal discomfort in pregnant workers in Indonesia from occupational aspects, especially during the pandemic, to recommend further interventions and policies for a safer and healthier workplace. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study. It used an online questionnaire to collect data on individual, occupational, and work environmental factors and musculoskeletal discomfort. We used Chi-square and logistic regression analysis to determine associations between the risk factors and the musculoskeletal discomfort. Results: A total of 126 women from multiple employment sectors participated. About 59% of respondents reported discomfort, with the majority having pain in the lower back (62.2%). Chi-square analysis revealed that age, history of injury, subjective agility and speed, length of working days in a week, and subjective temperature conformity were associated with the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort. Logistic regression revealed that age (p = 0.018 and OR = 2.218) and temperature conformity (p = 0.049 and OR = 2.157) were the most significant independent predictors of musculoskeletal discomfort. Conclusion: This study shows that temperature conformity is a predictor of musculoskeletal discomfort. Employers should consider this when determining whether their workplace is suitable for pregnant women. The treatment of younger workers needs attention, especially during pregnancy, they may need extra accommodation during pregnancy.

"How Handy was early hominin 'know-how'?" An experimental approach exploring efficient early stone tool use.

OBJECTIVES: The appearance of early lithic industries has been associated with the gradual development of unique biomechanical and cognitive abilities in hominins, including human-like precision grasping and basic learning and/or communicating capacities. These include tools used for activities exclusively associated with hominin contexts (cutting flakes) and hammerstones utilized for behaviors shared with non-human primates (e.g., nut-cracking). However, no previous experimental research has focused on comparing the factors affecting efficiency between these two key behavioral patterns and their evolutionary implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here, we address this gap with an experimental design involving participants with varying tool-related experience levels (i.e., no experience, theoretical-only experience, and extensive practical knapping expertise) to monitor their success rates, biometrics, and surface electromyography (sEMG) recordings from eight important hand and forearm muscles. RESULTS: Our results showed that practical experience had a substantial impact on flake-cutting efficiency, allowing participants to achieve greater success rates with substantially less muscle effort. This relationship between success rates and muscle effort was not observed for the nut-cracking task. Moreover, even though practical experience did not significantly benefit nut-cracking success, experts exhibited increased rates of self-improvement in that task. DISCUSSION: Altogether, these experimental findings suggest that the ability to practice and retain tool-using knowledge played a fundamental role in the subsistence strategies and adaptability of early hominins, potentially providing the cognitive basis for conceptualizing the first intentional tool production strategies.

Explainable machine learning framework to predict the risk of work-related neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare professionals.

Objective: This study aims to develop risk prediction models for neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare professionals. Methods: A stratified sampling method was employed to select employees from medical institutions in Nanning City, yielding 617 samples. The Boruta algorithm was used for feature selection, and various models, including Tree-Based Models, Single Hidden-Layer Neural Network Models (MLP), Elastic Net Models (ENet), and Support Vector Machines (SVM), were applied to predict the selected variables, utilizing SHAP algorithms for individual-level local explanations. Results: The SVM model excels in both Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and exhibits more stable performance when generalizing to unseen data. The Random Forest model exhibited relatively high overall performance on the training set. The MLP model emerges as the most consistent and accurate in predicting shoulder musculoskeletal disorders, while the SVM model shows strong fitting capabilities during the training phase, with occupational factors identified as the main contributors to WMSDs. Conclusion: This study successfully constructs work-related musculoskeletal disorder risk prediction models for healthcare professionals, enabling a quantitative analysis of the impact of occupational factors. This advancement is beneficial for future economical and convenient work-related musculoskeletal disorder screening in healthcare professions.

The impact of Industry 4.0 on occupational health and safety: A systematic literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Industry 4.0 has brought new paradigms to businesses based on high levels of automation and interconnectivity and the use of technologies. This new context has an impact on the work environment and workers. Nevertheless, these impacts are still inconclusive and controversial, requiring new investigative perspectives. This study aimed to investigate the requirements sought, the risk factors identified, and the adverse effects on workers caused by the characteristics of I4.0. METHOD: The methodology was based on a systematic literature review utilizing the PRISMA protocol, and 30 articles were found eligible. A descriptive and bibliometric analysis of these studies was performed. RESULTS: The results identified the main topics that emerged and have implications for workers' Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and divided them into categories. The requirements are related mainly to cognitive, organizational, and technological demands. The most significant risk factors generated were associated with the psychosocial ones, but organizational, technological, and occupational factors were also identified. The adverse effects cited were categorized as psychic, cognitive, physical, and organizational; stress was the most cited effect. An explanatory theoretical model of interaction was proposed to represent the pathway of causal relations between the requirements and risk factors for the effects caused by I4.0. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This review has found just how complex the relationships between the principles of Industry 4.0 are (e.g., requirements, risk factors, and effects) and the human factors. It also suggests a pathway for how these relationships occur, bridging the gap left by the limited studies focused on connecting these topics. These results can help organizational managers understand the impacts of I4.0 on workers' safety and health.

Emerging occupational risks in green jobs: a review.

Green jobs are to be understood as those jobs directly associated with specific sustainability issues and activities related to the efficiency, quality and innovation of goods and services offered, from an eco-sustainability perspective. The objective of the research was to fill knowledge gaps of new and emerging environmental and occupational risks related to sustainable activities and to understand the impact these might have on workers' psychological and physical well-being. A selection of several scientific articles and a critical analysis of the selected articles was carried out from the perspective of defining the concept of "emerging occupational risks in green jobs," using different keywords in the title or abstract as search criteria. Emerging occupational risks, most prevalent in the green sector are those determined by the rapid introduction of new technologies, new materials, new processes and work organizations. In order to be able to improve prevention and protection at work, it is necessary to act on a more careful and adequate risk assessment, the definition of new professional figures expert in green issues, the expansion of research and development of scientific knowledge, and the improvement of ergonomic aspects. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(3):244-56.

A week-long field study of seated pelvis and lumbar spine kinematics during office work.

The study objective was to quantify "natural" seated pelvis and lumbar spine kinematics over multiple days of work at individuals' workstations. Twenty participants completed five days of their usual office work while seated time was characterized from a thigh-worn activity monitor. Seated pelvic tilt and lumbar spine flexion-extension were measured from tri-axial accelerometers. Seated time accounted for approximately 90% of participants' workdays. Sitting was characterized by posterior pelvic tilt and lumbar flexion (43-79% of maximum flexion) with an average of 9 shifts and 13 fidgets every 15 min. No significant differences emerged by sex or between days indicating that a single representative day can capture baseline sitting responses in the field. Average field kinematics tended to agree with the laboratory-collected kinematics, but postural variability was larger in the field. These kinematic values could be useful for designing interventions aimed at reducing spine flexion and increasing spine movement in occupational sitting.

Work-related neck pain and its association with postural and ergonomic factors among Pakistani professional drivers.

BACKGROUND: Professional drivers are most likely to experience work-related neck pain due to awkward sitting positions for extended periods of time. Globally, millions of people depend on drivers who dedicate their lives to the craft. However, there is a paucity of data available on professional drivers suffering from neck pain or other musculoskeletal pain in Pakistan. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of neck pain and its association with postural and ergonomic factors among Pakistani professional drivers. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from January to June 2022 among 369 professional drivers located in Faisalabad, Pakistan. The data were collected by using a questionnaire comprising different sections, including personal, postural and ergonomic factors among drivers. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 25 was used for data entry and analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 40.83±9.27 years. Among the 369 participants, 129 reported neck pain. The period and point prevalence of neck pain were 35% (n = 129) and 31% (n = 115), respectively. Professional drivers reported a significant association between habitual forward posture and head-neck posture (p = 0.000) and between habitual forward posture and trunk posture (p = 0.000) with neck pain. In addition, ergonomics training (p = 0.002), ergonomics awareness (p = 0.002), and mobile use while driving (p = 0.000) were significantly associated with neck pain. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that drivers have greater period prevalence of neck pain than point prevalence. Moreover, this study revealed that age, BMI, lifestyle, health status, medication use, and smoking habits were associated with neck pain in drivers. Drivers who had ergonomic training and awareness were significantly less likely to suffer from lower neck pain. Drivers with a habitual forward posture are more likely to suffer from neck pain than are drivers with a prone posture.

Prevalence, incidence and associated factors of musculoskeletal disorders before and during the Covid-19 pandemic in faculty members: a comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the broad acceptance of distance education (DE), with university professors and students conducting the teaching-learning process remotely from their homes. The propose of this study to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify risk factors associated with DE that may contribute to an increased incidence of these disorders among university professors. METHODS: This cross-sectional analytical study took a comparative approach and involved 310 university professors in Iran. Data were gathered using an online questionnaire. Initially, demographic and occupational information of the professors, hours of physical activity, and hours spent using electronic devices were recorded. Participants were then asked to report MSDs in various body areas throughout the previous year and the previous seven days. Finally, MSDs risk factors such as workstation ergonomics during computer, laptop, smartphone, and tablet use, as well as working postures during online teaching or offline content development during the COVID-19 pandemic, were examined. RESULTS: The majority of the participants were male (66.13%), with a PhD (46.77%) and a faculty member position (74.2%). On average, the use of computers and laptops increased by 2.67 h and 2.72 h, respectively, during the pandemic compared to before the pandemic. This increase was statistically significant (P < 0.001). MSDs incidence increased significantly before and during the COVID pandemic was observed in the areas of the neck, shoulders, lower and upper back, arms, forearms, wrists and fingers (P < 0.05). The highest cumulative incidence (Cin) of MSDs was related to the neck (Cin = 24.20%), upper back (Cin = 21.29%), low back (Cin = 18.06%) and fingers (Cin = 16.13%). The prevalence of MSDs during the COVID pandemic was significantly associated with employment status (P = 0.042), work experience (P = 0.016), age (P = 0.027), increase in the use of computers/ laptops (P < 0.001), decrease of the smartphone/tablet distance from the body (P = 0.047), workstation (smartphone-tablet, computer, laptop) (P < 0.05), head position (smartphone-tablet) (P = 0.029), display height (computer/laptop) (P = 0.045) and physical activity (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: It appears that the increased duration of smartphone, computer, and laptop use, combined with decreased physical activity and detrimental changes in ergonomic conditions of workstations during the quarantine period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, has resulted in a shift from dynamic to static tasks and an increase in the prevalence and incidence of MSDs among university professors.

The Effect of a Newly Developed Hand Rim on Mobility Performance and Propulsion Technique in Wheelchair Tennis Players.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of a newly developed hand rim in wheelchair tennis players from a lab and field perspective. METHODS: Nine wheelchair tennis players performed a set of field and lab tests with the new rim (NR) and regular rim on the racket side. Each player had a 60- to 120-minute regular training session with the NR. Three wheelchair tennis field tests (20-m sprint, Illinois, spider) were completed on a hard court using inertial measurement units. The inertial measurement units enabled analysis of linear/rotational velocity and acceleration. In the lab, two 4-minute submaximal tests (at 1.5 and 2 m/s, 0.2 W/kg), followed directly by a 5-second sprint, on a wheelchair ergometer were completed. Force and velocity were measured continuously throughout all tests. Mixed linear models investigated the effect between the 2 hand rims. RESULTS: During the spider test, mean rotational velocity to the racket side (-2%, P = .005) was lower in the NR, and end times were similar between hand-rim conditions. No differences were observed in the 20-m sprint and Illinois field tests. In the lab, contact angle (+6%, P = .04), cycle time (+12%, P = .007), and work per push (+13%, P = .005) were higher in the NR during submaximal propulsion. Work per push (+13%, P = .007), peak velocity (+3%, P < .001), and distance covered (+4%, P = .02) were higher with the NR during the 5-second sprint test. CONCLUSIONS: The NR seems slightly favorable compared with the regular rim during performance testing on a wheelchair ergometer in wheelchair tennis players. A longer practice time might show more insights between the hand-rim types.

A Preliminary Report of Developing Performer-Centered Vocal Injury Rehabilitation: An Interprofessional Collaborative Practice for Graduate Students in Speech-Language Pathology and Acting.

OBJECTIVES: Acting voice coaches (AVCs) and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) use dynamic teaching methods and intervene using motor learning principles. Both display instructional flexibility based on the actor/client's needs. With these criteria, we developed a virtual 3-hour professional voice lab to promote team-based learning between SLP graduate students and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) student actors. METHODS: The lab contained three phases: prebrief (50 minutes), case-study simulation (1.5 hours), and debrief (30 minutes). The students completed pre and postevaluation surveys to reflect on their learning experience. During the prebrief, the roles of AVCs and SLPs in actor's voice habilitation and rehabilitation, respectively, were discussed along with the special vocal needs of stage actors. The learners completed a comprehensive voice evaluation on "Maria Horseman," a 23-year-old professional actor with a voice disorder, in small interprofessional groups. The provided template offered a holistic approach to explore speaking-singing-acting vocal activities, vocal behaviors, physical demands/cardiorespiratory load, training/practice regimen, lifestyle changes including medication effect, and voice ergonomics. A customized client-centered voice intervention plan was developed by considering Maria's best interests and stimulability. RESULTS: Two different surveys, 15 items in Performance Voice Diagnostics for SLP students and Voice-Related Self-Perception for MFA students, and 20 items in modified Casey-Fink Readiness to Practice, were used to compare differences in self-confidence levels intervening professional voice disorders. Comparison of pre and postevaluation data revealed a statistically significant difference in learner self-confidence and readiness levels. CONCLUSIONS: A team-based, interprofessional learning approach on voice rehabilitation would help SLPs to consider special vocal demands of professional voice users in their evaluation methods. This may also lead to preventive early intervention by increasing vocal awareness and knowledge on phonatory function in professional actors from the beginning of their careers.

Axiomatic design for safe construction considering lean and ergonomic principles: an application in Turkey.

This study proposes a systematic approach based on axiomatic design incorporating lean and ergonomic principles within the proposed design. The contribution to the body of knowledge is to keep construction workers safe by fostering a secure construction environment. Axiomatic design and lean approaches are combined to address human factors and eliminate wastes that hinder a safe construction environment. The application of the proposed system is set in the context of the construction industry. The methodology provides the construction sector with a road map toward reducing the occurrence of accidents and serves as a complementary approach between lean and ergonomic principles. The design solution has been validated and partially applied in a metro construction firm. Results show that the design solution can improve the efficiency of the construction phases by adopting a value-maximization strategy and has the potential to improve the safety and ergonomics of construction projects.

Innovative surgical precision: The electronic pen needle holder based on neurophysiological principles.

Background: The electronic pen needle holder (EPNH) was developed to enhance surgical precision, reduce operative time, and improve patient outcomes. By integrating microergonomics, penization, and electronics with surgical instruments, the EPNH aims to provide surgeons with a tool that minimizes hand strain and maximizes control during delicate procedures. Methods: The EPNH was ergonomically designed to fit the surgeon's hand, using titanium for its strength and biocompatibility. It was manufactured through industrial-grade 3D printing, and its mechanical properties were verified using finite element analysis. A force-sensitive resistor and vibratory mechanism were integrated to provide real-time feedback and assistance during surgeries. Results: Testing by 10 neurosurgeons demonstrated significant precision, control, and efficiency improvements. The EPNH reduced hand strain and fatigue, allowing longer, more comfortable operation times. The time required for suturing tasks has decreased by 40% compared to traditional needle holders. Surgeons reported high satisfaction with the EPNH's performance and usability. Conclusion: The EPNH represents a major advancement in surgical instrument design, offering enhanced precision, reduced hand strain, and increased efficiency. Its innovative features and ergonomic design make it a valuable tool for improving surgical outcomes and transforming microsurgical practices.

Ergonomics and health risk awareness of workers involved in manual material handling at Sabon Gari Market in Zaria, Nigeria.

This study assessed the manual handling of materials in a local market environment and evaluated workers' awareness of ergonomics and health risks. Of 315 workers surveyed, 308 responded. The findings revealed a high prevalence rate of 96.4% for injuries and musculoskeletal discomfort, attributed to a low ergonomics and health risk awareness rate of only 6.8%. Consequently, 75% of workers resorted to self-medication or drug abuse for relief. The study also explored barriers to using engineering equipment, finding that 26.3% of respondents cited cost as a barrier, while 51% believed that the introduction of engineering equipment would lead to job loss. This research is valuable for practitioners and researchers as it highlights the current state of ergonomics and health risk awareness among workers who handle heavy loads. The study also highlights the need for improved ergonomic practices and health risk awareness to reduce injury rates and promote safer work environments.

Ergonomic design of computer laboratory furniture: Mismatch analysis utilizing anthropometric data of university students.

Many studies have shown that ergonomically designed furniture improves productivity and well-being. As computers have become a part of students' academic lives, they will continue to grow in the future. We propose anthropometric-based furniture dimensions that are suitable for university students to improve computer laboratory ergonomics. We collected data from 380 participants and analyzed 11 anthropometric measurements, correlating them with 11 furniture dimensions. Two types of furniture were found and studied in different university computer laboratories: (1) a non-adjustable chair with a non-adjustable table and (2) an adjustable chair with a non-adjustable table. The mismatch calculation showed a significant difference between existing furniture dimensions and anthropometric measurements, indicating that 7 of the 11 existing furniture dimensions need improvement. The one-way ANOVA test with a significance level of 5% also showed a significant difference between the anthropometric data and existing furniture dimensions. All 11 dimensions were determined to match students' anthropometric data. The proposed dimensions were found to be more compatible and showed reduced mismatch percentages for nine furniture dimensions and nearly zero mismatches for seat width, backrest height, and under the hood for both males and females compared to the existing furniture dimensions. The proposed dimensions of the furniture set with adjustable seat height showed slightly improved match results for seat height and seat-to-table clearance, which showed zero mismatches compared with the non-adjustable furniture set. The table width and table depth dimensions were suggested according to Barnes and Squires' ergonomic work envelope model, considering hand reach. The positions of the keyboard and mouse are also suggested according to the work envelope. The monitor position and viewing angle were proposed according to OSHA guidelines. This study suggests that the proposed dimensions can improve comfort levels, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among students. Further studies on the implementation and long-term effects of the proposed dimensions in real-world computer laboratory settings are recommended.

Occupational Fatigue and Its Relationship with Musculoskeletal Disorders and Heat Stress among the Workers of Summer Crops in Southeast Iran in 2021.

Aims: This research aimed to evaluate work fatigue and its relationship with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and heat stress (WBGT) among greenhouse workers in Jiroft County, southeast Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out between September 2021 and February 2022 among 150 workers in summer crop greenhouses. Data were collected by a demographic questionnaire, the Swedish occupational fatigue inventory (SOFI-20), and the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ), and wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) was measured as per ISO 7243. The collected data were analyzed by the χ2 test, logistic regression, and multivariable linear regression in the Stata 17.0 software. Results: The results showed a higher total fatigue score among the studied workers (mean = 100.71 out of 200). Among the fatigue dimensions, the three dimensions of lack of energy, physical discomfort, and physical exertion had the highest scores of 27.28, 26.71, and 25.71, respectively. The highest rate of MSD prevalence was in the back (54.7%), neck (50.7%), and shoulders (49.3%). Based on ISO 7243, the mean WBGT was beyond the allowed level for most tasks for greenhouse workers. There was a statistically significant relationship between occupational fatigue with MSDs and WBGT. Conclusion: Given the relatively high score reported for fatigue and its relationship with MSDs and heat stress, it is recommended to conduct further and more applied studies to investigate the approaches to alleviating heat stress and physical ergonomic risk factors in greenhouses in this occupational group.