Ergolean: quando ergonomia e lean manufacturing integrano il management e la sicurezza aziendale

The prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)is defined in accordance with specific European Union directives, enforced in Italy with Legislative Decree 81/2008.Ergonomic conditions of the workplace are considered, in order to properly assess risks, from the planning of activities and work tasks related to human beings. To combat MSDs, companies should apply the principles of ergonomics, together with the satisfaction of customer needs, in a Total Quality Management logic (TQM).Lean Manufacturing aims to increase production but at the same time to reduce waste. The proposed case shows that Ergonomics and Lean Manufacturing, if well integrated, can represent an opportunity for the entire organisation, putting the worker at the centre of improvement. The objective of the case is the study of workstations in a Company in the wood sector located in the Marche Region. The aim is to reduce risk indices resulting from manual handling of loads and repetitive movements, with reference to mandatory and voluntary safety regulations. Therefore, demonstrating that, by decreasing risk factors indices, production down-time can be reduced, and production levels increased. As a result of the analysis of the production line, ergonomically inadequate workstations have been modified, but productivity requirements have not been neglected. For the prevention to be effective on an ongoing basis, it requires the participation and the collaboration of various professionals with the common objective of leading companies to improved productive performances but, without neglecting the health and safety of their workers.

BackgroundIn Germany and other European countries, many occupations still involve manual handling of loads (MHL), an activity that puts the musculoskeletal system at risk of low back pain (LBP). This study aims to describe the current prevalence of MHL in different occupational groups stratified by gender in Germany, the association between MHL and LBP and the adjusted prevalence of LBP in different respond-categories of MHL.MethodsData was collected in telephone interviews conducted as part of the 2018 BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey, which covers work-related topics like working conditions, education, health status and job satisfaction. The analyses were limited to full-time workers (> 35 h/week) aged between 15 and 67. The frequency of MHL was analysed descriptively. BLOSSFELD classification was used to group the participants in occupational categories. The analysis of the association between MHL and the prevalence of LBP over the last 12 months was based on robust log-linear Poisson regression that results in prevalence ratios (PR). The main regression model was adjusted for gender, age, working hours, and working conditions. Adjusted estimates for the prevalence of LBP were calculated based on regression analysis.ResultsThe sample consists of n = 14,331 participants (men: n = 8828, 61.6%; women: n = 5503, 38.4%; median age 49 years). Of these, 52.8% say they were exposed to MHL at work. MHL is most common in agricultural occupations, skilled and unskilled occupations. In the regression model, participants who said they were “often” exposed to MHL reported more frequently LBP than those participants who said they were “never” exposed to MHL. The PR as estimate for the association is 1.41 (95%CI [1.32; 1.49]). Postestimation of the prevalence of LBP began with 47.3% (95%CI [43.8%; 51.1%]) for participants who said they were “never” exposed to MHL and rose to 66.5% (95%CI [62.4%; 71.0%]) for participants who indicated they were “often” exposed to MHL.ConclusionsThe 2018 BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey emphasizes that MHL is still common in the German workforce and shows a significant association to LBP. Prevention policies for avoiding MHL remain vital.

The underlying purpose of this commentary and position paper is to achieve evidence-based recommendations on prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Such prevention can take different forms (primary, secondary and tertiary), occur at different levels (i.e. in a clinical setting, at the workplace, at national level) and involve several types of activities. Members of the Scientific Committee (SC) on MSDs of the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) and other interested scientists and members of the public recently discussed the scientific and clinical future of prevention of (work-related) MSDs during five round-table sessions at two ICOH conferences (in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2009, and in Angers, France, in 2010). Approximately 50 researchers participated in each of the sessions. More specifically, the sessions aimed to discuss new developments since 1996 in measures and classification systems used both in research and in practice, and agree on future needs in the field.The discussion focused on three questions: At what degree of severity does musculoskeletal ill health, and do health problems related to MSDs, in an individual worker or in a group of workers justify preventive action in occupational health? What reliable and valid instruments do we have in research to distinguish ‘normal musculoskeletal symptoms’ from ‘serious musculoskeletal symptoms’ in workers? What measures or classification system of musculoskeletal health will we need in the near future to address musculoskeletal health and related work ability?Four new, agreed-upon statements were extrapolated from the discussions: 1. Musculoskeletal discomfort that is at risk of worsening with work activities, and that affects work ability or quality of life, needs to be identified. 2. We need to know our options of actions before identifying workers at risk (providing evidence-based medicine and applying the principle of best practice). 3. Classification systems and measures must include aspects such as the severity, frequency, and intensity of pain, as well as measures of impairment of functioning, which can help in prevention, treatment and prognosis. 4. We need to be aware of economic and/or socio-cultural consequences of classification systems and measures.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders affecting medical personnel should never be treated lightly. It has thus become necessary to strictly infuse ergonomics in medical practice in order to tackle the occurrence of musculoskeletal system disorders. This would ensure better productivity among the medical personnel. This research was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among doctors working at the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was employed in carrying out this study among doctors working at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Multistage sampling was utilized in selecting a sample population of 223 doctors for this study. Data collection was done using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. Ethical approval to conduct this study was gotten from the University of Port-Harcourt research ethics committee. Consent, confidentiality, privacy and beneficence were ensured in this study. For test of associations, statistical significance was set at 0.05.Results: Majority of the respondents had good knowledge and attitude towards musculoskeletal disorders’ prevention at work. The practice of ergonomic principles was however not satisfactory. Occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among study respondents was significantly associated with the knowledge and practice of ergonomic principles required to prevent the occurrence of these disorders.Conclusion: Despite the significant proportion of doctors in this study having good knowledge and attitude towards prevention of musculoskeletal system disorders at work, only few of these doctors satisfactorily practiced the necessary preventive measures necessary to prevent these disorders. This inadvertently resulted in the high prevalence of these disorders found in this study. It is recommended that a re-orientation of doctors to be more involved in the actual application of ergonomics while working no matter the compulsion or desire to get the work done should be done.

Prevention of musculoskeletal disorders within management systems: A scoping review of practices, approaches, and techniques

Repetitive movements that involve a significant shift of the body's center of mass can lead to shoulder and elbow fatigue, which are linked to injury and musculoskeletal disorders if not addressed in time. Research has been conducted on the joint torque individuals can produce, a quantity that indicates the ability of the person to carry out such repetitive movements. Most of the studies surround gait analysis, rehabilitation, the assessment of athletic performance, and robotics. The aim of this study is to develop a model that estimates the maximum shoulder and elbow joint torque an individual can produce based on anthropometrics and demographics without taking a manual measurement with a force gauge (dynamometer). Nineteen subjects took part in the study which recorded maximum shoulder and elbow joint torques using a dynamometer. Sex, age, body composition parameters, and anthropometric data were recorded, and relevant parameters which significantly contributed to joint torque were identified using regression techniques. Of the parameters measured, body mass index and upper forearm volume predominantly contribute to maximum torque for shoulder and elbow joints; coefficient of determination values were between 0.6 and 0.7 for the independent variables and were significant for maximum shoulder joint torque (P<0.001) and maximum elbow joint torque (P<0.005) models. Two expressions illustrated the impact of the relevant independent variables on maximum shoulder joint torque and maximum elbow joint torque, using multiple linear regression. Coefficient of determination values for the models were between 0.6 and 0.7. The models developed enable joint torque estimation for individuals using measurements that are quick and easy to acquire, without the use of a dynamometer. This information is useful for those employing joint torque data in biomechanics in the areas of health, rehabilitation, ergonomics, occupational safety, and robotics. Clinical Relevance- The rapid estimation of arm joint torque without the direct force measurement can help occupational safety with the prevention of injury and musculoskeletal disorders in several working scenarios.

Introduction Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a substantial burden for workers, workplaces and workers’ compensation systems. This project conducted a comprehensive synthesis of MSD prevention practices to produce an easy-to-use, evidence-based guide to aid workplaces in implementing effective MSD prevention practices. Methods The project had two components: i) a survey and interviews with workers, managers/OHS practitioners to describe workplace MSD practices, ii) a review of reviews of the MSD prevention literature. Results There were 645 survey respondents and 16 interview participants representing workers and manager/OHS practitioners from a variety of sectors/jobs with MSD experience. The review of reviews identified a total of 58 relevant systematic reviews, 21 provided evidence of sufficient quality for synthesis. The synthesis from these sources of research and practice evidence revealed: 1) awareness programs and practices for MSD prevention are often employed in practice and considered effective. However, there is a lack of research evidence for these types of programs and practices. 2) training programs and activities are considered a key element for MSD prevention in workplaces. The research evidence for training is not strong, with most studies finding no evidence of effect for MSD prevention outcomes. 3) hazard identification/solutions are often employed in practice and felt to be effective for MSD prevention. The research evidence supports hazard prevention solutions as effective for MSD prevention outcomes. Discussion and conclusion This project developed a practical resource to guide implementation of MSD prevention programs and practices using both practice evidence from practitioner/worker expertise along with the best available research evidence.

Prévenir les troubles musculosquelettiques chez les soignants : connaître les expositions et étude des outils d’aide à la manutention

Musculoskeletal disorders are common issues that affect various age groups, including children and adolescents. In dentistry, a frequently encountered musculoskeletal disorder is temporomandibular disorder, which can significantly impact the quality of life of those affected. Schools play a crucial role in preventing and detecting musculoskeletal disorders among students. However, the literature indicates that teachers' knowledge regarding musculoskeletal disorders generally remains relatively low. Therefore, education and training programs must enhance teachers' understanding of these issues. As part of its commitment to health education, the Community Service Team (PkM) of Universitas Trisakti conducted an awareness program for 100 secondary school teachers at IPEKA Tomang. The program was carried out in two stages, focusing on general musculoskeletal and orofacial disorders. The evaluation results showed an improvement in teachers' understanding of both topics, which is expected to contribute to the prevention and early management of musculoskeletal disorders in schools.

This study aimed to identify cost-effective ergonomic interventions implemented for the prevention and management of work-related musculoskeletal disorders by systematically reviewing economic evaluation studies in this area. Randomized trials of workplace interventions with full economic evaluation were considered based on PRISMA 2020 guideline. All interventions were designed to manage and alleviate the adverse outcomes (of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly lower-back pain, and no preventive intervention had been considered, in healthcare workers in high-income countries. Among interventions with significant effectiveness, organizational interventions have shown the most promising results. Cost-effectiveness analysis was the most prevalent study type with a broad range of outcome measures. The most common outcome measure in cost-effectiveness studies was the number of days off work or the duration until recovery. Societal perspective was mostly selected to measure costs. The evidence on cost-effectiveness of ergonomic interventions is mixed and characterized by methodological heterogeneity. Current literature suggestsa trend where organizational interventions are frequently identified among the effective strategies, particularly for managing conditions like low-back pain.However, significant gaps remain, including narrow cost perspectives, short time horizons, and a predominant focus on curative rather than preventive measures in high-income settings. Future economic evaluations should adopt broader societal cost assessments, longer follow-ups, and model-based approaches to better capture long-term value. Urgently, more research is needed in low- and middle-income countries to understand context-specific economic impacts.

It is important to recognize that Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) prevention requires a multi-faceted approach due to the complex nature of MSD. A proactive approach and early intervention strategies are integral to the reduction and elimination of the incidence of work-related MSD. Ergonomics should also be a key consideration in the intervention programs. Most Organizations are supportive of the coordinated approach to MSD prevention being proposed by many regulated and international bodies. An approach of coordinated approach in Nigeria is recommended in this paper has yielded some measure positive results.

A pre-experimental study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of video assisted teaching program on knowledge regarding prevention of work related musculoskeletal disorders among employees of a selected office at Agartala, West Tripura. A quantitative evaluative approach was adopted, purposive sampling technique and one group pre-test post-test research design were used for this study. Data were collected from 40 bank employees who were working in Tripura Gramin Bank (Head Office), Abhoynagar, Agartala, West Tripura. Structured knowledge questionnaire was developed to assess the knowledge of office employees regarding prevention of work related musculoskeletal disorders. The results showed that the mean (22.7 ± 2.74), median (22.9) of the post test knowledge score was higher than the mean (12.35 ± 3.07), median (12.07) of the pre-test knowledge score. The mean difference was (10.35). Paired ‘t’ value (23.77) which was statistically significant at 0.05 level (df-39, table value 2.02). There was a significant association with the selected demographic variable- responsibility at the office - ‘F’ value = 2.90 ( tabulated F value = 2.42, df between the group- 6, within the group- 33) at 0.05 level of significance. The researcher concluded that the video assisted teaching program was effective in increasing the knowledge of the office employees regarding prevention of work related musculoskeletal disorders. Keywords: Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, Knowledge, Video assisted teaching program.

Dentists are at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders due to the nature of their work. The key to preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders is dental ergonomics — the science of fitting the work environment to the dentist. Musculoskeletal disorders involve numerous risk factors including prolonged static posture, repetitive movements, suboptimal lighting, poor positioning, genetic predisposition, mental stress, physical conditioning, and age. The key to prevention of musculoskeletal disorders is application of ergonomic principles, training and education, early intervention and healthy lifestyle changes. Key Words: Musculoskeletal disorders, Ergonomics, Dentists, Pain

The purpose of this systematic review was to identify and summarize the research evidence on prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) within Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) and Integrated Management Systems (IMS). Databases in business, management, engineering and health and safety were systematically searched and relevant publications were synthesized. The number of papers that could address the research questions was small. However, the review revealed that many of the techniques to address MSD hazards require substantial background knowledge and training. This may limit employees' involvement in the technical aspects of the risk assessment process. Also these techniques did not usually fit into techniques used by companies to address other risk factors within their management systems. This could result in MSD prevention becoming a separate issue that cannot be managed with company-wide tools. In addition, this review also suggested that there is a research gap concerning the MSD prevention within companies' management systems.

BACKGROUND:Academic stress is a common experience among university students. It can affect the body composition of the students through behavioral changes, which further affect their physical activity level (PAL). Musculoskeletal disorders could arise from the interaction of these factors. This study aimed to determine the relationship between PAL, academic stress, selected anthropometric indices, and the development of MSDs among a selected Nigerian population.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This was a cross-sectional study of 256 (129 females and 127 males) undergraduates of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus aged 15–30 years using Student's Stress Inventory to evaluate academic stress, the short-form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to determine the PAL, and a Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to assess MSDs.RESULTS:The results showed a high PAL with the male students having more PAL (61.4%) than female students. Secondly, the prevalence of MSDs among the population was high (66.02%) and the students faced moderate academic stress with the prevalence being more among the female students (75.2%). A significant difference was observed between academic stress and the development of MSDs (P = 0.009).CONCLUSION:This study's findings support the hypothesis that increased academic stress and low level of physical activity are linked to increased risks of MSDs among students. Thus, it is warranted that the University curriculum is re-adjusted and incorporate public enlightenment programs on possible causes and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, stress management, and coping strategies.