A checklist for evaluating ergonomic risk factors associated with upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders

Abstract

A two-page checklist for determining the presence of ergonomic risk factors associated with the development of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders (e.g., repetitiveness, local mechanical contact stresses, forceful manual exertions, awkward postures, and hand tool usage) was developed and evaluated as part of a joint labour-management ergonomics intervention programme. This checklist was used by plant personnel at four work sites to assess the presence of upper extremity risk factors in 335 manufacturing and warehouse jobs. In addition, results generated by the checklist were compared to the results of ergonomic analyses performed by persons with advanced training (Masters degree) in occupational ergonomics for a subset of 51 jobs. Most of the jobs included in the survey were found to have significant exposures to upper extremity risk factors. Awkward work postures were common, with 90% of the jobs requiring wrist deviations outside the neutral range-of-motion. The jobs were also highly repetitive and frequently required workers to exert high hand forces. Results generated by the checklist were generally in agreement with results generated by the ergonomic analysts; however, the checklist was found to be more sensitive in identifying the presence of risk factors. The checklist was found to be an effective rapid-screening instrument for identifying jobs that expose workers to potentially harmful ergonomic stresses. However, the checklist methodology did not include sufficient documentation of work methods to identify specific job attributes associated with these exposures.

Self-administered questionnaire and direct observation by checklist: Comparing two methods for physical exposure surveillance in a highly repetitive tasks plant

“…This checklist, derived from Keyserling et al, was developed to evaluate ergonomic risk factors associated with UWMSD (Keyserling et al 1993). It was developed to study each risk factor separately in manufacturing (engine and pressed metal) and warehouse activities.…”

“…The work analysis was performed by direct observation and questioning by two specially trained assessors unaware of the medical status of individual workers. We used a modified version of the checklist proposed by Keyserling et al (Keyserling et al 1993). …”

Riscos de distúrbios osteomusculares em punhos de trabalhadores de uma indústria de pescados

“…A força excessiva é considerada um dos principais fatores de risco biomecânico determinantes de distúrbios musculoesqueléticos relacionados ao trabalho (21). Há associação estatisticamente significativa entre a ocorrência de tendinites e uso de força excessiva e alta repetitividade no trabalho, comparando-se com baixo emprego de força e pouca repetitividade no desempenho das tarefas (19).…”

“…Quanto maior o tempo de esforço num determinado ciclo, menor o tempo que o trabalhador tem de descanso para se recuperar e a pausa durante o trabalho é uma indispensável condição fisiológica no interesse de manutenção da capacidade de produção (22). A fadiga e tempo de recuperação insuficiente podem causar lesões nos tendões (21). Assim, segundo o método utilizado, esse fator sobrecarrega biomecanicamente os punhos, elevando o valor da pontuação do SI.…”

The ergonomic assessment tool for arthritis: Development and pilot testing

“…Most tools were designed to identify the risk for musculoskeletal injuries in the general population and did not account for symptoms associated with IA such as pain and fatigue, which may be exacerbated at lower thresholds of work than for healthy populations. Some tools were limited to assessing injury risk to a specific body part such as the upper extremities (14,15), designed for a specific industry such as automotive plants (16), or required work site observations (14 -17). IA affects multiple joints among workers in different types of jobs, and some people with arthritis are reluctant to disclose their diagnosis to their employer (7,18).…”