Physical risk factors for neck pain.

To identify physical risk factors for neck pain, a systematic review of the literature was carried out. Based on methodological quality and study design, 4 levels of evidence were defined to establish the strength of evidence for the relationship between risk factors and neck pain. Altogether, 22 cross-sectional studies, 2 prospective cohort studies, and 1 case-referent study were eligible for determining the level of evidence. The results showed some evidence for a positive relationship between neck pain and the duration of sitting and twisting or bending of the trunk. A sensitivity analysis was carried out excluding 3 items of the quality list, the importance of which seemed doubtful. On the basis of this sensitivity analysis, it was concluded that there is some evidence for a positive relationship between neck pain and the following work-related risk factors: neck flexion, arm force, arm posture, duration of sitting, twisting or bending of the trunk, hand-arm vibration, and workplace design

Job Strain and Neck Symptoms in Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMDs) are a major public health problem in terms of the considerable amount of disability, impairment, and associated economic cost. Among these disorders, the occurrence of WMD symptoms of the neck is prevalent and has been associated with significant disability, long periods of sick leave and loss of productivity in occupational settings. Risk factors for WMDs are multifactorial, and studies have typically focused on ergonomic factors. Psychosocial factors in the work environment have been recently considered; however, findings across these studies have not been consistent. Despite the evidence associated with ergonomic factors on the occurrence of WMDs, widespread prevention and treatment efforts have not been successfully implemented. Psychosocial factors such as high psychological demands, low decision latitude and low social support may play a role in WMD occurrence. The demand-control-support model has been widely used to predict job strain. Particularly for disorders of the neck, job strain seems to play a strong role in their occurrence. The psychosocial work environment and WMDs are listed as research priorities of the National Occupational Research Agenda developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. This cross-sectional study looked at job strain and neck symptoms, while controlling for confounders. This project was carried out on a group of semiconductor manufacturing workers. The prevalence of neck symptoms was measured by a self-administered questionnaire. A Chinese version of the Job Content Questionnaire was included to assess psychosocial factors and to test the demand-control-support model. An observational checklist was developed and used to assess ergonomic exposures on individual workers' jobs. The participation rate was 86.5%. The final sample of semiconductor workers consisted of 373 female participants. Their mean age was 28.4 years ranging from 18 to 41 years. The mean length of employment was 4.3 years. The prevalence of symptoms of neck disorders in the semiconductor manufacturing population was 23.9%. It was concluded that the prevalence rates of neck symptoms of WMDs in this study were high, especially given the very conservative outcome definition that was used. The study findings partially supported the job strain model, showing an increase in prevalence of neck symptoms with psychological and physical job demands; however, association with decision latitude and social support were not supported. Further studies with more comprehensive measurements of work-related psychosocial factors are implicated and effective prevention strategies for neck symptoms of WMDs are suggested

The Increasing Use of Portable Computing and Communication Devices and its Impact on the Health of EU Workers

[Excerpt] Portable computing and communication devices are widely used by workers from different occupations and their use is steadily increasing. The risks associated with working with portable devices and systems, for which at present no guidelines exist, differ considerably from those associated with working with visual display units at workstations. The latter are covered by the European VDU Directive and governed by a host of guidelines and recommendations within the EU Member States. In the light of the above, the study addresses the following issues: · To what extent are mobile communication devices used by the working population – how is such use growing in absolute terms and which types of workers are using them? · How is the technology behind these devices – hardware and telecommunications – developing, and how is the technology likely to evolve in the future? · Description of the possible hazards arising from the use of portable computing and communication devices and the risks to workers in terms of ill health and accidents. We also consider how the nature and extent of these risks will change in the future in the light of likely developments in technology and its use. · The implications of the use and development of mobile communication and computing devices for occupational health and safety management and for legislation and implementation in the context of European law concerning health and safety at work. · The scope is limited to work carried out in locations and environments that are impossible or difficult for the employer to control

Psychosocial risk factors for call centre employees.

Two over-arching research questions are examined in this thesis. These questions concern call centre organisational features (dialogue scripting and performance monitoring), work design (e.g., autonomy, workload, role properties) and health outcomes (psychological strain and MSDs) which are examined using data from 1,141 employees taken from 36 call centres. In the Study 1 the "lean service characteristics" of dialogue scripting and performance monitoring are examined in relation to the prediction of call handler job-related strain. Findings confirm that employees who experience greater dialogue scripting and more intensive performance monitoring show higher levels of strain. These relationships are fully mediated by work design. These findings demonstrate the importance of considering the impact of lean working practices on employee health. In the Study 2, the work characteristics of autonomy and workload are examined in relation to the prediction of musculoskeletal disorders (upper back, lower body and arms). I find that the relationship of workload to upper body and lower back musculoskeletal disorders is largely accounted for by job-related strain. This mediating effect is less evident for arm disorders. Contrary to expectation, job autonomy has neither a direct nor a moderating effect on any musculoskeletal disorder. In Study 3, a systematic literature review of intervention studies in call centres is presented. Sixteen papers are categorised into four intervention domains, namely, i) physical work environment ii) ergonomic iii) job design and iv) health. The majority of studies are ergonomic in nature and the physical work environment is considered also. Study 3 implies that whilst work psychologists examining call centre working practices is a valid exercise it only forms part of a psychosocial risk story and that work psychologists need to work in a more interdisciplinary manner if we are to positively intervene in call centres

Musculoskeletal disorders and workplace factors: a critical review of epidemiologic evidence for work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, upper extremity, and low back

"This critical review of the epidemiologic literature identified a number of specific physical exposures which are strongly associated with specific upper extremity and low back musculoskeletal system disorders (MSDs) when exposures are intense, prolonged, and particularly when workers are exposed to several risk factors simultaneously. Such knowledge would have application in preventive programs in a number of diverse work settings. Specific topics addressed in this review included neck musculoskeletal disorders and the evidence for work relatedness including the impacts of repetition, force, posture, vibration, and the role of confounders; evidence for work relatedness in shoulder musculoskeletal disorders; elbow disorders; hand/wrist disorders including carpal tunnel syndrome, hand/wrist tendinitis, and hand/arm vibration syndrome; low back musculoskeletal disorders with attention given to heavy physical work, lifting and forceful movements, bending and twisting into awkward postures, whole body vibration, and static work postures; and the relationship between work related musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial factors. Strong evidence was found for increased risk of work related MSDs for some body parts." - p. NIOSHTIC-21. Introduction -- 2. Neck musculoskeletal disorders: evidence for work-relatedness -- 3. Shoulder musculoskeletal disorders: evidence for work-relatedness -- 4. Elbow musculoskeletal disorders (epicondylitis): evidence for work-relatedness -- 5. Hand/wrist musculoskeletal disorders (carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, hand-arm vibration syndrome): evidence for work-relatedness -- 6. Low back musculoskeletal disorders: evidence for work-relatedness -- 7. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial factors -- References -- Appendix A. Epidemiologic review -- Appendix B. Individual factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) -- Appendix C. Summary tables"Second printing"--Cover.Also available via the World Wide Web.Includes bibliographical references (p. R-1 - R-35)

RISK FACTORS FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES IN DEPLOYED FEMALE SOLDIERS

Each year musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) result in thousands of lost duty days per unit as well as thousands of medical discharges resulting in billions of dollars in disability costs. Approximately 15% of the U.S. Army is made up of women and no studies have identified risk factors for MSIs while deployed despite the fact that female soldiers have higher incidence rates of MSIs than male soldiers. The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to investigate occupational, physical, and psychosocial risk factors for musculoskeletal injury in female soldiers. Female participants were recruited from three Brigade Combat Teams deploying during 2012. They underwent performance testing and completed surveys on demographics, sleep, coping, and job stress prior to deployment. Upon completion of the deployment, soldiers completed the surveys again plus an additional survey on occupational demands and MIs. Of the 160 women, 57 (36%) suffered 78 resulting in 1642 days of limited duty. Most injuries were to the knee (24%) or low back (18%). Soldiers identified physical training as the self-reported cause for most injuries (27%). In univariate analysis, injured soldiers had significantly higher average load worn and more time wearing it; higher heaviest load worn and more time wearing it; more time spent wearing body armor or a back pack; higher average weight of lifted objects, more repetitions of lifting it, and carrying it further; higher Y Balance composite score; and more family members. In multivariate analysis of physical and occupational variables, the average load and heaviest load worn, the average number of times an object was lifted, and the number of sit ups performed were predictors of MSI. None of the psychosocial variables predicted MSI. In the combined multivariate model, the most parsimonious set of risk factors was, average load worn (OR=1.04), heaviest load worn (OR=1.03), average number of times an object was lifted (OR=1.07), and number of sit ups performed on the Army Physical Fitness Test (OR=0.96). These results suggest that injury prevention programs designed to improve load bearing ability, lifting endurance, and core strength should be considered to decrease MSIs in deployed female soldiers