Musculoskeletal disorders in demanding computer work - with air traffic control as a model

In computer work, musculoskeletal disorders are frequently reported, but the knowledge about causal relationships is limited. In air traffic control, female and male operators perform exactly the same computer work. Introduction of a new computer system implied a momentary change from a “varied” system containing different in-put devices, to a system characterized by intensive mouse-work. The effect of the change on the physical exposure was studied, as well as the musculoskeletal health before and after the change. In addition, gender differences and psychosocial factors were assessed. The physical workload, recorded in 14 subjects in both systems by technical measurements of postures, movements and muscular load, showed large differences: The mouse-intensive system was associated with lower movement velocities, less varying postures and less rest in the right forearm extensor muscles. The differences were amplified at high work intensity. Neck postures in females with neck/shoulders/upper back disorders were compared to those in healthy referents, but without significant differences. Musculoskeletal disorders in neck and upper limbs were assessed by standardised physical examinations in 148 air traffic controllers (71 women and 77 men) and the psychosocial work environment by questionnaire. Disorders in elbows/hands increased significantly after 20 months of work in the mouse-intensive system, while in neck/shoulders/upper back, there was no consistent change. There was no gender difference in elbows/hands disorders, while the females were at higher risk in neck/shoulders/upper back. Disorders in elbows/hands were not explained by psychosocial factors. Most likely, these findings are applicable to similar technological developments in other settings

Physical workload and psychosocial working conditions in Swedish pig transport drivers

Working conditions of 20 Swedish pig transport drivers (PTD) were assessed by a questionnaire, a workshop, and recorded postures and movements during on-farm loading, driving, unloading at abattoir and vehicle cleaning. High arm positions and high frequencies of shoulder problems indicated an excessive physical load on shoulders. Extreme crouching postures inside vehicles and high frequencies of lower back problems indicated high load on the back of PTDs. Inadequate design of on-farm loading areas was associated with knee discomfort. Observed variation in workload between PTDs could be explained by differences in physical working environment and pig handling practices. PTDs reported high job satisfaction and commitment although conflicts with farmers and official veterinarians, as well as regulatory conflicts were emphasized. We conclude that issues of inadequate farm and abattoir facilities, stakeholder conflicts and insufficient training in animal handling need to be addressed to ensure sustainable PTD working conditions

Cross-sectional associations between occupational factors and musculoskeletal pain in women teachers, nurses and sonographers

A. Technical measurements of the physical workload. (DOCX 18 kb

Djur i särskilt boende : - en undersökning av ledningens medvetenhet och beredskap kring samt hantering av djur i särskilt boende i en kommun.

Today older people’s health and life quality are current topics of conversation in society. The number of old people is increasing and their health is deteriorating, that is why there is a need of new ways of meeting their necessities. In this study we have tried to illustrate heads of districts reasoning concerning pets’ significance for old people in special housing. The purpose of the study is to investigate the management’s awareness and preparedness around and also management of pets in special housing in a county. We have also had a look at the practical work with pets in special housing. The material in the study comes from qualitative interviews. One geriatric care manager and six heads of districts with the responsibility of special housing for old people under municipal management have been interviewed. In our interpretation we have used Brülde’s theory (2003) of life quality called “a mixed theory of happy character”. Brülde combines elements from hedonism, the theory of fulfillment of wishes and from the objective pluralism to make his own theory. The result from the study shows that all heads of districts are positive to have pets in special housing and that all special housing has or has had pets in some form. The contact with pets gives many old people a better life quality with happiness, an increased well-being and decreases the sense of loneliness