Wearable Devices for Ergonomics: A Systematic Literature Review.

Wearable devices are pervasive solutions for increasing work efficiency, improving workers' well-being, and creating interactions between users and the environment anytime and anywhere. Although several studies on their use in various fields have been performed, there are no systematic reviews on their utilisation in ergonomics. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to identify wearable devices proposed in the scientific literature for ergonomic purposes and analyse how they can support the improvement of ergonomic conditions. Twenty-eight papers were retrieved and analysed thanks to eleven comparison dimensions related to ergonomic factors, purposes, and criteria, populations, application and validation. The majority of the available devices are sensor systems composed of different types and numbers of sensors located in diverse body parts. These solutions also represent the technology most frequently employed for monitoring and reducing the risk of awkward postures. In addition, smartwatches, body-mounted smartphones, insole pressure systems, and vibrotactile feedback interfaces have been developed for evaluating and/or controlling physical loads or postures. The main results and the defined framework of analysis provide an overview of the state of the art of smart wearables in ergonomics, support the selection of the most suitable ones in industrial and non-industrial settings, and suggest future research directions.

A multi-criteria methodology for evaluating alternative ultrasound devices.

Several surveys and clinical studies report high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among sonographers and sonologists. Better performing ultrasound devices can increase the number and quality of examinations, but also reduce the user comfort and increase the risk of WMSDs. This should lead the choice of the device to buy and use. To support hospitals or diagnostic centres in selecting the best ultrasound device, this study provides a structured methodology based on a multi-criteria approach, the Analytic Hierarchy Process. It has a Goal (to optimise workers' well-being and satisfy company production objectives) and 45 evaluation elements. It was applied in an Italian hospital comparing 3 alternatives: wireless, portable, and cart-based. The latter proved to be the best in satisfying the Goal, whereas a previous study obtained that the wireless device was preferable considering only the ergonomic point of view. The case study validated the applicability of the methodology. Practitioner summary: This paper provides the decision-makers of hospitals or diagnostic centres with a multi-criteria methodology to select the best ultrasound device capable of optimising workers' well-being and satisfying company production objectives. The methodology can also support manufacturers of ultrasound devices in improving their products. Abbreviations: AHP: analytic hierarchy process; AIUM: American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine; BSI: British Standards Institution; CEN: European Committee for Standardisation; EU-OSHA: EU Agency for Occupational Safety and Health; ISO: International Organisation for Standardisation; MCMD: multiple criteria decision-making; NIOSH: US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; SDMS: society of diagnostic medical sonography; WHO: World Health OrganizationWMSD: work-related musculoskeletal disorder.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among endoscopic transsphenoidal surgeons: a systematic review of prevalence and ergonomic interventions.

Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is a surgical technique introduced in the last 20 years for the treatment of skull base pathologies and, in particular, pituitary tumours. Although the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders is usually significantly higher in endoscopists and minimally invasive surgeons compared to other surgical and medical specialties, reviews on the prevalence of disorders among neurosurgeons dedicated to endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery are not available. This article performs a systematic review to identify the work-related musculoskeletal disorders among transsphenoidal neurosurgeons, their prevalence and the ergonomic interventions proposed to reduce risk factors and prevent disorders. The results show that the ergonomics of transsphenoidal neurosurgeons is an under-investigated topic. Indeed, specific prevalence data are not available. In addition, only a few papers suggest interventions and guidelines, but without objective assessment of the outcomes to confirm the ergonomic benefit. Based on these gaps in the literature, a future research agenda is proposed.

Definition of an Indoor Air Sampling Strategy for SARS-CoV-2 Detection and Risk Management: Case Study in Kindergartens.

In the last two years, the world has been overwhelmed by SARS-CoV-2. One of the most important ways to prevent the spread of the virus is the control of indoor conditions: from surface hygiene to ventilation. Regarding the indoor environments, monitoring the presence of the virus in the indoor air seems to be promising, since there is strong evidence that airborne transmission through infected droplets and aerosols is its dominant transmission route. So far, few studies report the successful detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the air; moreover, the lack of a standard guideline for air monitoring reduces the uniformity of the results and their usefulness in the management of the risk of virus transmission. In this work, starting from a critical analysis of the existing standards and guidelines for indoor air quality, we define a strategy to set-up indoor air sampling plans for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The strategy is then tested through a case study conducted in two kindergartens in the metropolitan city of Milan, in Italy, involving a total of 290 children and 47 teachers from 19 classrooms. The results proved its completeness, effectiveness, and suitability as a key tool in the airborne SARS-CoV-2 infection risk management process. Future research directions are then identified and discussed.

Ergonomics in Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery: A Survey of the North American Skull Base Society.

Objective Different surgical set-ups for endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS) have been described, but studies on their ergonomics are limited. The aim of this article is to describe present trends in the ergonomics of ETS. Design and Participants A 33-question, web-based survey was sent to North American Skull Base Society members in 2018 and 116 responded to it (16% of all members). Most respondents were from North America (76%), in academic practice (87%), and neurosurgeons (65%); they had more than 5 years of experience in ETS (73%), had received specific training (66%), and performed at least 5 procedures/mo (55%). Results Mean reported time for standard and complex procedures were 3.7 and 6.3 hours, respectively. The patient's body is usually positioned in a straight, supine position (84%); the head is in a neutral position (46%) or rotated to the side (38%). Most surgeons perform a binostril technique, work with a partner (95%), and operate standing (94%), holding suction (89%) and dissector (83%); sometimes the endoscope is held by the primary surgeon (22-24%). The second surgeon usually holds the endoscope (72%) and irrigation (42%). During tumor removal most surgeons stand on the same side (65-66%). Many respondents report strain at the dorsolumbar (50%) or cervical (26%) level. Almost one-third of surgeons incorporate a pause during surgery to stretch, and approximately half exercise to be fit for surgery; 16% had sought medical attention for ergonomic-related symptoms. Conclusion Most respondents value ergonomics in ETS. The variability in surgical set-ups and the relatively high report of complaints underline the need for further studies to optimize ergonomics in ETS.

Oxygen deficiency hazard in confined spaces in the steel industry: assessment through predictive models.

Objective. In the steel industry, performing activities in confined spaces where potential oxygen displacement can occur may expose workers to fatal consequences. To the best of our knowledge, no quantitative exposure assessment of oxygen deficiency in steel industry confined spaces is available in the literature. To overcome this gap, we performed oxygen deficiency hazard (ODH) assessments in real confined spaces using two existing models to identify the most critical parameters responsible for ODH, and suggest controls for mitigating the asphyxiation risk. Methods. We applied a well-mixed model and a near field-far field approach to estimate the indoor oxygen level with time during and following release of simple asphyxiants. Model inputs were mainly gathered thanks to audits and instrumental tests in three firms. Results. The most severe ODH exposures are posed in spaces with restricted volume and where accidental releases of inert gases can occur. Such exposures can be controlled through early release detections and augmented reality systems. Conclusions. ODH assessments in confined spaces of steel firms allow the identification of the most critical parameters from an oxygen depletion perspective, focusing on which data need careful measurement, and help to establish controls compatible with the operations conducted in these areas.

Assessment of biomechanical risk at work: practical approaches and tools.

The paper illustrates some methods and tools supporting work-related risk assessment with reference to ergonomics and biomechanics, in particular. These aspects will also be described through the analysis of two case studies in order to highlight the main characteristics and problems found during the application phase. Furthermore, using modelling and simulation software, the utility and reliability of such tools in support of the work-related risk assessment will also be evaluated.