Postures and Movements in the Most Common Tasks of Power Line Workers

Abstract

Abstract:The repair and maintenance of electrical power lines involves awkward postures, which are known risk factors for developing musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of the present study was to quantify postures and movements of upper arm, head, upper back and neck in the main tasks performed by line workers. Posture of twelve right-handed line workers was recorded by inclinometry and presented as percentiles of angular and angular velocity distributions. All tasks involved considerable upper-arm elevation, ranging from 73° to 115° for the 90th percentile. Upper-arm elevation showed significant differences between tasks, but no consistent differences between right and left sides. Regarding velocity, the right arm presented higher levels than the left arm. All tasks required significant extension of head, upper back and neck, ranging from 7° to 67° for head (10th percentile). All tasks, except the one performed with a continuous extension, also involved pronounced flexion, ranging from 33° to 60° for the head (90th percentile). Work which required highly elevated arms also required significant head extension (r 2 =0.56). Awkward postures of upper arms, head, upper back and neck were identified by inclinometry, demonstrating the need for preventative interventions to reduce musculoskeletal disorders among line workers.

Wrist activity monitor counts are correlated with dynamic but not static assessments of arm elevation exposure made with a triaxial accelerometer

“…However, the activity monitor is easier for a worker to place on by themselves and can collect data for longer periods of time. Although there is some indication that high levels of repetitive motion are detrimental (Moriguchi et al 2011), to our knowledge there have been no studies demonstrating that dynamic parameters are predictive of overuse injuries of the shoulder. So in conclusion, while activity monitors cannot be used as a surrogate for static postures, they may be useful in further investigating the relationship between dynamic motion and occupational shoulder injuries.…”

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and related occupational causative factors among electricity linemen: A narrative review

“…A number of tools and equipment used by linemen that increased the risk of WRMDs were also recognized and presented in Table 3. Ladder handling was identified as a risk factor for the overexertion injuries among line workers [2,14]. The specific risk factors for the occurrence of WRMDs were associated with frequent ladder handling and the over-weight of ladders (> 23 kg), which was over the limit that has been recommended by the literature [2,14].…”

“…Working on a pole, insulator fixation, bar installation and changing the transformers were some examples of job tasks performed by linemen [2,7,14,15]. However, a variation of job tasks was identified between each paper.…”

“…There is evidence that bar installation and insulator fixation lead to high force exertion. It happens so due to the static neck extension and increased twisting and bending of the lumbar region and limb elevation above the shoulder [2,7,14,15]. A number of tools and equipment used by linemen that increased the risk of WRMDs were also recognized and presented in Table 3.…”

“…Ladder handling was identified as a risk factor for the overexertion injuries among line workers [2,14]. The specific risk factors for the occurrence of WRMDs were associated with frequent ladder handling and the over-weight of ladders (> 23 kg), which was over the limit that has been recommended by the literature [2,14]. Subsequently, wearing a safety belt to strap the linemen to a pole or a ladder was also identified as a risk factor for the development of spinal symptoms such as: lordosis and disc protrusion [2,15].…”