Musculoskeletal problems among workers of an Iranian communication company

Abstract

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.

Postural Loading Assessment in Assembly Workers of an Iranian Telecommunication Manufacturing Company

“…The prevalence rates for lower back, knees, neck, shoulders and wrists/hands symptoms were over 55%. This is in agreement with Choobineh, Tabatabaei, Tozihian, et al [20]. Regarding the lower back symptoms, which had the highest rate of prevalence among the assembly workers, it is worth noting that Haynes and Williams pointed out that in jobs with more sedentary activities (such as jobs of assembly workers in the telecommunication industry), there could be a high rate of lower back problems [25].…”

“…In this industry, awkward posture and repetitive movements are very common [20]. Most job activities are characterized by seated posture with the worker's head and trunk bent forward and the shoulders flexed and abducted, or standing posture outstretched to reach for overhead components.…”

Postural Analysis of Air Filling Operators Working at Petrol Filling Stations

“…A research was conducted by Alireza Choobineh et.al. [11] on musculoskeletal problems among workers of an Iranian communication company. They found that there was very high score of RULA (action level 3 & 4).…”

An Ergonomics Approach towards Efficient and Productive Maintenance of Fluidized Bed Heat Exchangers (FBHEs) (Morupule B Power Station)

“…The entrance manhole was also increased from 800 to 1200mm to improve ease access in and out of the FBHEs especially during emergency operations. The author further recommends external covers to be provided at the Fans to reduce the sound and vibrations which affect the workers during maintenance [22][23][24][25][26][27][28]. The fans should also be installed with silencers to reduce the sound.…”