Changes in SpirometricIndices among welders of a water heater making factory in Neyshabur, Iran after Four Years

Background: Welding is one of the most common industries in the world and welders are estimated to make up more than 1% of the work force in industrialized countries. The aim of this research was to study the respiratory index changes in these workers after four years working in this industry. Methods: This study included all welders working in one of the water heater making factories in Neyshabur who were 63 persons. Demographic information and respiratory complaints were collected by a questionnaire. Each worker's recent spirometry results were compared with his results from four years before using Paired-samples t­-test. Data analysis was performed using SPSS16 software. Results: The mean respiratory indices had all decreased after 4 years. The mean of FEV1 had decreased 0.12 L, ranging from 0.04 to 0.19, FVC had decreased 0.12 L, ranging from 0.03 to 0.2 and FEVI/FVC had decrease 77%, ranging from 0.11 to 1.31. This decrease was significant in all non-smoking welders, but not significant in smoking welders. Mucopurulent cough was the most common respiratory complaint among the welders. Conclusion: The findings may imply that welding is a high risk job that can negatively affect respiratory indices.Therefore it seems necessary to pay attention to preventive measures such as proper ventilation, using proper respiratory masks and environment health in this industry. Keywords: Welders, Spirometry test, Respiratory symptom

Evaluating risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in assembly workers of Nishabur, Iran using rapid upper limb assessment

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most common types of occupational injuries. They are also a major cause of workers’ disability. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among the assembly workers of an electronic factory in Nishabur, Iran. Methods: This descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted on 61 workers. The Standardized Nordic Questionnaire was used to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Working postures were also recorded by photography and observation and evaluated by the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA). The collected data was analyzed by SPSS18. Results: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the wrist (33.0%), neck (21.3%), and waist (21.3%) was more than other parts of the body. The results of posture assessment in 32 groups of workers in the assembly saloon showed that 3.3% and 96.7% of the working postures needed first and second priority corrections, respectively. Weight and work history were significantly related with most disorders. Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in workers with short work experience, appropriate education and management are required to prevent the increased prevalence of these disorders in the future. Keywords: Rapid upper limb assessment, Posture evaluation, Musculoskeletal disorders, Workers, Assembl