Musculoskeletal Problems amongWorkers of an Iranian Rubber Factory: Alireza CHOOBINEH, et al. Occupational Health Department, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran-Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common health problem throughout the world and a major cause of disability among the work force. Assessment of exposure level to MSD risk factors can be an appropriate base for planning and implementing interventional ergonomic programs in the workplace. This study was conducted among workers of an Iranian rubber factory with the objectives of (a) determination of the prevalence of MSDs among production line workers, and (b) assessment of the level of exposure to MSD risks. In this study, all 16 production units of the factory were studied. In each unit, 50% of the workers were randomly selected and included in the study. A total of 454 workers participated. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to study the prevalence of MSDs and the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) technique was applied to assess physical exposure to the risks. The videotaping technique was used to collect the required data for each worker. The vast majority of the workers (73.6%) had suffered from some kind of musculoskeletal symptoms during the last 12 months. The highest prevalence was reported in the lower back (50.2%), knees (48.5%) and upper back (38.1%). In 85.5% of the workers studied, the QEC score was high or very high. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between the QEC level of risk and MSDs symptoms (p<0.001). The most common ergonomics problems were found to be awkward postures and manual material handling. MSDs had occurred with a high rate among workers of this rubber factory. Corrective measures for reducing risk level seemed essential. Elimination of awkward postures Field Studyand manual material handling in the workplace were recommended. (J Occup Health 2007; 49: 418-423)

Introduction:Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a common health problem throughout the world and a major cause of disability in the workplace. Awkward working posture is a main risk factor for developing WMSDs. Assessment of exposure level to WMSDs risks can be an appropriate base for planning and implementing interventional ergonomics program in the workplace. This study was conducted among workers of an Iranian communication company with the objectives of a) determination of WMSDs prevalence and b) assessment of exposure level to WMSDs risks.Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 85 randomly selected workers from assembly line and closed circuit TV (CCTV) participated. Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) was used to study prevalence of WMSDs and rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) technique was applied to assess physical exposure to the risks.Results:The results of NMQ revealed that WMSDs occurred at an high rate. The highest rates of WMSDs prevalence were reported in shoulders (73%), knees (67.1%) and back (66.7%). RULA showed that the Grand Score of 88.1% of cases were high and very high (action levels 3 and 4). Significant association was found between risk level and musculoskeletal symptoms in lower back (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Given the association between RULA score and the prevalence of the problems, reducing RULA score by designing ergonomic workstation may reduce the prevalence of WMSDs among the workers.

A four-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to assay the effectiveness of Ajwain 10 % (Trachyspermum ammi Sprague) topical cream on neuropathic pain. Intervention encompassed Ajwain 10 % and placebo creams. Ninety-two patients who specifically mentioned daily and nocturnal burning feet were randomly assigned to receive one of those interventions. Presence and decline in patients' numbness, tingling and allodynia were also evaluated. Major outcome measure was alteration in feet burning intensity (final week versus baseline week) regarding to a visual analog scale on a 0-10 cm scale (0 being "no pain", 10 being "worst pain"). Significant reduction in feet burning scores as well as numbness, tingling and allodynia were found in Ajwain group compared to placebo. This trial examining a cream of Ajwain essential oil versus placebo revealed the significance difference between two groups. This medicament can be a good candidate for the alleviation of feet burning, a neuropathic complication.