Development of a predictive model for work-relatedness of MSDs among semiconductor back-end workers.

Objective. Limited models are available to predict work-relatedness of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among semiconductor back-end workers. This study aims to develop a model to predict the MSDs development among back-end workers. Method. Potential MSD risk factors were extracted from 277 work compensation investigation reports conducted between 2011-2019. Binary logistic regression approach was used to determine significant predictors. Results. Significant predictors (p < 0.05) include poor posture (odds ratio [OR] = 1.822; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.261, 2.632]), forceful exertion (OR = 1.741; 95% CI [1.281, 2.367]), static posture (OR = 1.796; 95% CI [1.367, 2.378]), lifting and lowering (OR = 1.438; 95% CI [0.966, 1.880]), transferring (OR = 1.533; 95% CI [1.101, 2.136]), pushing and pulling (OR = 0.990; 95% CI [0.744, 1.317]), repairing machines (OR = 0.845; 95% CI 76 [0.616, 1.159]), preventive maintenance (OR = 1.061; 95% CI [0.765, 1.471]) and quality inspection (OR = 0.982; 95% CI [0.729, 1.322]). Confounding factors and employment duration played crucial roles in the model. Cross-validation of predictive model was 86.2%, while face validation among 30 experts was 7.9/10 (SD 1.9). Conclusion. The model allows practitioners to predict potential MSD cases among semiconductor back-end workers and proactively plan appropriate mitigation measures.

Collaborating with radiographers to address their work-related musculoskeletal discomfort.

The prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms in radiographers is high, similar to other healthcare occupations that involve high levels of physical exertion (e.g. patient handling; grasping and moving equipment). Reports of interventions to reduce MSK discomfort in radiographers are limited. A participatory approach was used to investigate daily challenges, needs, and opportunities for developing interventions to address exposures to many of the risk factors that contribute to MSK symptoms in radiographers. In this paper, we present the expressed needs of experienced radiographers (including assistance with patient handling, security, supportive design of equipment and work spaces), along with their evaluations of several intervention concepts intended to address some of those needs. We also report results from tests of three prototype interventions stemming from this participatory process that demonstrate the potential for new engineering control concepts to reduce the physical effort associated with some of the most common tasks radiographers perform.

Developing Evidence-Based Design Guidelines for Medical/Surgical Hospital Patient Rooms That Meet the Needs of Staff, Patients, and Visitors.

OBJECTIVES: This research investigated medical/surgical (Med/Surg) patient room design to accommodate the needs of hospital staff, while at the same time accommodating the needs of patients and their visitors. BACKGROUND: Designing hospital patient rooms that provide a comfortable healing experience for patients, while at the same time meeting the needs of the hospital staff, is a challenging process. Prior research has shown that many hospital patient room designs adversely affect the ability of hospital staff to perform their tasks effectively, efficiently, and safely. METHOD: Twenty-seven design sessions were conducted in which 104 participants, representing 24 different occupations, worked in small mixed occupational groups to design an ideal single patient Med/Surg patient room to fit their collective needs using a full-scale mock-up. During analysis, the investigators reduced the resulting 27 room designs to 5 hybrid designs that were sequentially reviewed by patients and visitors and by staff to address design conflicts. RESULTS: This design process identified 51 desirable room design features that were incorporated into 66 evidence-based design guidelines for the different areas within the Med/Surg patient room including the entry way (16 guidelines), the patient clinical area (22 guidelines), the bathroom (17 guidelines), the family area (8 guidelines), and storage areas for patients and their visitors (3 guidelines). CONCLUSIONS: The guidelines developed through this study identified many opportunities for improving the design of hospital Med/Surg rooms to allow staff to be more effective, efficient, and safer, while at the same time addressing the design needs of patients and their visitors.

Design and Development of an Ergonomic Trolley-Lifter for Sheet Metal Handling Task: A Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND: There have been some concerns related to manual handling of large items in industry. Manual handling operations of large sheet metal may expose workers to risks related to efficiency as well as occupational safety and health. Large sheet metals are difficult to move and burdensome to lift/transfer, and handling the sharp sheet edges may result in contact stress and/or cut injuries on the workers. METHODS: Through observation, interview, and immersive simulation activities, a few problems related to current handling of sheet metals were identified. A sheet metal trolley-lifter was then designed and fabricated to address these issues. A pilot study on the use of the developed trolley-lifter for handling sheet metals was conducted to compare between the new and traditional handling methods. RESULTS: The pilot study of the trolley-lifter showed promising results in terms of improving the cycle time, manpower utilization, and working postures compared with the traditional handling method. CONCLUSION: The trolley-lifter offers an alternative solution to automation and a mechanized assistive device by providing a simple mechanism to assist the handling of sheet metals effectively and safely.

Conceptual frameworks for the workplace change adoption process: elements integration from decision making and learning cycle process.

Sound workplace ergonomics and safety-related interventions may be resisted by employees, and this may be detrimental to multiple stakeholders. Understanding fundamental aspects of decision-making, behavioural change, and learning cycles may provide insights into pathways influencing employees' acceptance of interventions. This manuscript reviews published literature on thinking processes and other topics relevant to decision making and incorporates the findings into two new conceptual frameworks of the workplace change adoption process. Such frameworks are useful for thinking about adoption in different ways and testing changes to traditional intervention implementation processes. Moving forward, it is recommended that future research focuses on systematic exploration of implementation process activities that integrate principles from the research literature on sense-making, decision-making, and learning processes. Such exploration may provide the groundwork for development of specific implementation strategies that are theoretically grounded and provide a revised understanding of how successful intervention adoption processes work. Practitioner summary: Adoption and acceptance of workplace changes may be facilitated through sound implementation strategies. This manuscript explores several principles of sense-making and decision-making processes that can potentially be used by industrial practitioners to inform the design and development of implementation strategies for interventions that improve workplace ergonomics and safety. ABBREVIATIONS:  Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs); National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA); Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Collaborating with mammographers to address their work-related musculoskeletal discomfort.

Mammographers are an understudied group of health care workers, yet the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms in mammographers appears to be elevated, similar to many occupations in health care. In this study, we used a participatory approach to identify needs and opportunities for developing interventions to reduce mammographers' exposures to risk factors that lead to the development of MSK symptoms. In this paper, we present a number of those needs and several intervention concepts along with evaluations of those concepts from experienced mammographers. We include findings from a preliminary field test of a novel intervention concept to reduce the need to adopt awkward postures while positioning patients for a screening or diagnostic mammogram. Practitioner Summary: This paper discusses needs, opportunities and methods for working with mammographers in order to develop interventions to reduce their exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal discomfort. Results from a field test of a novel intervention to reduce mammographers' awkward work postures while positioning patients are presented.

Collaborating with cardiac sonographers to develop work-related musculoskeletal disorder interventions.

For more than two decades, surveys of imaging technologists, including cardiac sonographers, diagnostic medical sonographers and vascular technologists, have consistently reported high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort (WRMSD). Yet, intervention research involving sonographers is limited. In this study, we used a participatory approach to identifying needs and opportunities for developing interventions to reduce sonographers' exposures to WRMSD risk factors. In this paper, we present some of those needs. We include descriptions of two interventions, targeted for cardiac sonographers, that were developed, through an iterative process, into functional prototypes that were evaluated in pilot tests by practicing sonographers. One of these interventions is now in daily use. We would like other engineers and ergonomists to recognise this area of opportunity to apply their knowledge of biomechanics and design in order to begin to address the high prevalence of WRMSDs in sonographers, by working with sonographers to develop useful and usable interventions. Practitioner Summary: This paper discusses needs, opportunities and methods for working with sonographers in order to develop interventions to reduce their exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal discomfort. Results from field tests of two novel interventions targeting cardiac sonographers are also presented.

A biomechanical and subjective comparison of two powered ambulance cots.

This study investigated biomechanical effects of different leg folding/unfolding mechanisms used for loading/unloading two powered cots (Cots A and B) into and from a simulated ambulance. Sixteen experienced emergency medical service (EMS) workers loaded and unloaded cots with weights of 45, 68 and 91 kg placed on the cots to simulate patients. Peak back and shoulder/arm muscle activity was reduced 52-87% when using Cot A in comparison to Cot B. Peak ground reaction force (PGRF) was reduced by 74% with Cot A. Adding weight resulted in increased muscle activity and PGRF when using Cot B, but had little effect when using Cot A. Task time was longer with Cot A, though was not perceived unfavourably by participants. This study confirmed that it is possible to substantially reduce physical stress imposed on EMS workers when loading and unloading a cot to and from an ambulance through improvements in cot design. PRACTITIONER SUMMARY: This study compared two powered ambulance cots, one that lifts/lowers the front and rear wheels independently and one that lifts/lowers the four wheels simultaneously during ambulance loading and unloading. Measured muscle activity, ground reaction forces and operator perceptions support using cot designs that lift/lower the front and rear wheels independently.

Hospital Patient Room Design: The Issues Facing 23 Occupational Groups Who Work in Medical/Surgical Patient Rooms.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to learn from a wide range of hospital staff members about how the design of the patient room in which they work adversely affects their ergonomics or hinders their job performance. BACKGROUND: In addition to providing a healing space for patients, hospital patient rooms need to serve as functional workplaces for the people who provide clinical care, to clean, or to maintain room functions. Therefore, from a design perspective, it is important to understand the needs of all the users of hospital patient rooms with regard to room design. METHOD: One hundred forty-seven people, representing 23 different occupational stakeholder groups, participated in either focus groups or interviews in which they were asked to identify room design issues that affect the performance of their work tasks. RESULTS: Key issues shared across multiple stakeholder groups included an inability to have eye contact with the patient when entering the room, inadequate space around the bed for the equipment used by stakeholders, the physical demands experienced as stakeholders move furnishings to accomplish their activities or access equipment, and a lack of available horizontal surfaces. Unique issues were also identified for a number of stakeholder groups. CONCLUSIONS: There are a number of issues that should be addressed in the next generation of hospital patient rooms, or when refurbishing existing facilities, so that all occupational stakeholder groups can work effectively, efficiently, and without undue physical stress.

The Effect of Rear Seatbelt Advocacy and Law Enforcement in Reducing Injuries among Passenger Vehicle Occupants in Malaysia

The increase in car usage due to economic prosperity has led to increase in occupant injuries. One way to reduce the injuries encountered by road accident victims is by implementing the rear seatbelt (RSB) law. Rear seatbelt wearing has been proven to save lives. In Malaysia, the implementation of the restraint system for front occupant has started in the 70’s. However, the rear seatbelt enforcement law only came in 2009, after six months of an advocacy program. Prior to the introduction of the rear seatbelt law, rear seatbelt wearing rate was rather low, started to increase gradually during the advocacy period and jumped to the highest level after two month of the enforcement. This paper attempts to assess the effectiveness of the rear seatbelt intervention in reducing injuries among passenger car occupants in Malaysia using the generalized linear model (GLM). In GLM procedure, the dependent variable is the number of people from passenger vehicles that sustained severe and slight injuries, for the study period. The study period selected covers six months before implementation, six months during advocacy program, and six months after the law is implemented. The independent variables considered are enforcement and balik kampung activities (both are dummy variables) and time effect. Our results suggest that RSB intervention (p-value= 0.0001) had significantly reduced the number of people sustained serious and slight injuries by about 20%. The implementation of change in the RSB law has benefited not only in reducing the number of injuries but also result to great impact to the health outcomes.

A biomechanical and subjective assessment and comparison of three ambulance cot design configurations.

Effects of ambulance cot design features (handle design and leg folding mechanism) were evaluated. Experienced ambulance workers performed tasks simulating loading and unloading a cot to and from an ambulance, and a cot raising task. Muscle activity, ratings of perceived exertion, and performance style were significantly affected by cot condition (p < 0.05). Erector Spinae activity was significantly less when using Cot-2's stretcher-style handles. Shoulder muscle activity was significantly less when using Cot-2's loop handle. During loading and unloading, operators allowed the cot to support its own weight most often with Cot-2's stretcher-style handles. Preference for Cot-2 (either handles) over Cot-1 (with loop handle) was consistent across tasks. Handle effects were influenced by operator stature; taller participants received more benefit from Cot-2's stretcher-style handles; shoulder muscles' demands were greater for shorter participants due to handle location. Providing handle options and automatic leg folding/unfolding operation can reduce cot operator's effort and physical strain. Practitioner Summary: Paramedics frequently incur musculoskeletal injuries associated with patient-handling tasks. A controlled experiment was conducted to assess effects of ambulance cot design features on physical stress of operators, as seen through muscle activity and operator's perceptions. Differences between cots were found, signalling that intentional design can reduce operator's physical stress.

Association between spinal loads and the psychophysical determination of maximum acceptable force during pushing tasks.

The objective of this study was to investigate potential associations between an individual's psychophysical maximum acceptable force (MAF) during pushing tasks and biomechanical tissue loads within the lumbar spine. Ten subjects (eight males, two females) pushed a cart with an unknown weight at one push every two minute for a distance of 3.9 m. Two independent variables were investigated, cart control and handle orientation while evaluating their association with the MAF. Dependent variables of hand force and tissue loads for each MAF determination and preceding push trial were assessed using a validated, electromyography-assisted biomechanical model that calculated spinal load distribution throughout the lumbar spine. Results showed no association between spinal loads and the MAF. Only hand forces were associated with the MAF. Therefore, MAFs may be dependent upon tactile sensations from the hands, not the loads on the spine and thus may be unrelated to risk of low back injury. Practitioner Summary: Pushing tasks have become common in manual materials handling (MMH) and these tasks impose different tissue loads compared to lifting tasks. Industry has commonly used the psychophysical tables for job assent and decision of MMH tasks. However, due to the biomechanical complexity of pushing tasks, psychophysics may be misinterpreting risk.

Relationship between cervical spine injury and helmet use in motorcycle road crashes.

Motorcycle helmets have been proven to prevent head injury and reduce fatality in road crashes. However, certain studies indicate that the helmet increases the mass to the head, and thus the potential of neck injury due to the flexion/extension of the head-neck segment in a road crash may increase. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of motorcycle helmets and the ways in which the accidents that occurred affected the incidence of cervical spine injury. Nevertheless, it is not intended to and does not discredit the fact that helmet use prevents many motorcyclists from sustaining serious and fatal head injuries. A total of 76 cases were collected and analyzed based on the data collected from real-world crashes. The Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) was used to assess the severity of injury, whereas the statistical Pearson χ(2) correlation method was used for analysis. The results showed that motorcycle helmets did not affect the severity of cervical spine injury. However, when the samples were further subcategorized into different crash modes, it was found that helmets affect the incidence of a severe cervical spine injury. In frontal collisions, the use of helmets significantly reduces the severity of cervical spine injury, whereas in rear-end, side impact, and skidded accidents, the use of helmets increases the probability of a severe cervical spine injury. However, in the latter crash modes, a motorcyclist without a helmet will have to trade-off with head injury. A logistic regression model has been developed with respective crash modes and the probabilities of risk in having severe cervical spine injury have been calculated. Future designs in motorcycle helmets should therefore consider the significance of nonfrontal accidents and the interaction of helmet with other parts of the body by possibly considering the weight of the helmet.

Pattern of maxillofacial injuries in motorcyclists in Malaysia.

Motorcycle casualties represent significant number in road traffic accidents in Malaysia, and among all the injuries, facial injuries pose many significant problems physiologically, functionally, and aesthetically. The aim of this study was to analyze the pattern of maxillofacial as well as other injuries in motorcyclists who were seen at Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.Patients' records from January 2004 to December 2005 were reviewed. Data related to demographics, vehicle/object involved in collision, involvement as a rider or pillion, whether a helmet was worn or not, location of injuries on the face/facial bones, and other associated injuries were collected.A total of 113 cases of motorcycle accidents were recorded; 106 males and 7 females were involved. Mean age was 25.8 years. Among all the races, Malay had the highest involvement (72.3%), followed by Chinese (14.3%), Indians (8.9%), and others (5.4%). The types of collision were either a single-vehicle collision (i.e., skidded) or with another vehicle/s or object (e.g., tree, stone, or lamppost). The injuries were mainly seen on the lower face (46.9%) followed by midface (25.7%) and a combination of the midface and lower face (15%) and others (12.4%). The most frequent other associated injuries recorded were orthopedic and head injuries.

The value of life and accident costing: a willingness-to-pay study amongst motorcyclists in Malaysia.

Motorcyclists constitute a large proportion of total road casualties in Asian countries Unfortunately, studies conducted for the purpose of evaluating the cost of traffic crashes, and cost-benefit analyses of safety interventions, are almost nonexistent in these countries. The loss-of-output approach to valuing life has been used for many years, yet this method has also long been criticised as it results in significant resource misallocation. This study attempts to overcome this problem by estimating the value of a statistical life among motorcyclists using the willingness-to-pay method that is commonly used in developed countries. The study recommends adopting a value of MYR1.1 million (almost five times the previous estimate) per statistical life for public policy analysis involving motorcycle safety.