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Diseases of the musculoskeletal system - 1,719 entries found

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2010

CIS 10-0377 ASHCA/NIOSH Conference - Be safe, be profitable: Protecting workers in agriculture
This full issue includes the papers presented at a conference on protecting workers in agriculture, held on January 27-28 2010 in Dallas-Fort Worth, USA. Contents: global view of issues affecting United States production agriculture; perspectives of hired workers; overview of safety and health in the United States; preventing heat-related illness; respiratory issues; minimizing worker injuries in livestock handling; overcoming language barriers; safe tractor operations; aging agricultural workers; safety performance metrics; minimizing exposures to pesticides; pre-harvest food safety; musculoskeletal disorders; preventing injuries to reduce cost; zoonotic influenza and its implications for agricultural workers.
Journal of Agromedicine, 3rd quarter 2010, Vol.15, No.3, p.17-329 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref.

CIS 10-0205 Schneider E., Irastorza X., Copsey S.
OSH in figures: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the EU - Facts and figures
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain the most common occupational disease in the European Union and workers in all sectors and occupations can be affected. Recent figures, for example from Austria, Germany or France, also demonstrate an increasing impact of musculoskeletal disorders on costs. This latest report, following on from the Agency's previous research, aims to give an updated overview of the current European situation as regards musculoskeletal disorders, the trends over the years since the first campaign in 2000, and a detailed insight into the causes and circumstances behind MSDs. The report highlights the main issues and aims to provide a well-founded evidence base, helping policy makers, actors at enterprise and sector level, as well as researchers and those who record, prevent and compensate occupational diseases in the European Union to set the agenda for the next years.
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Vía 33, 48009 Bilbao, Spain, 2010. 179p. Illus. Price (excluding VAT): EUR 15.00. Downloadable version free of charge.
Work-related_musculoskeletal_disorders.pdf [in English]

CIS 10-0294 Brasseur G.
Winery work - Efforts targeted towards strenuousness
Travaux viticoles - La pénibilité est un combat nouveau [in French]
This article presents the efforts undertaken by a champagne producer with respect to the prevention of strenuous work. Topics addressed: warming-up before work; manual or electrical picking shears; training on the prevention of upper-extremity MSDs; awareness programme on vibration problems aimed at tractor drivers.
Travail et sécurité, June 2010, No.707, p.42-44. Illus.

CIS 10-0300 Chouanière D., François M., Guillemy N., Langevin V., Pentecôte A., Ven de Weerdt C., Weibel L., Dornier G., Montagnez A.
Current knowledge concerning occupational stress
Le point des connaissances sur le stress au travail [in French]
Occupational stress is a problem faced by enterprises of all sizes. 22% of European workers claim to be suffering from health problems caused by occupational stress. This information sheet on occupational stress addresses the following topics: precise definition of occupational stress; factors that give rise to occupational stress; physiological mechanisms involved in the onset of stress; health effects; effects on the productivity of enterprises; how to organize work so as to avoid or limit stress; occupational stress research programmes undertaken by the INRS. Replaces CIS 03-1000.
Travail et sécurité, Mar. 2010, No.704, 4p. Insert. Illus. 7 ref.
http://www.inrs.fr/INRS-PUB/inrs01.nsf/inrs01_catalog_view_view/4A7C92097628CD0BC1256DC2002C8CF3/$FILE/ed5021.pdf [in French]

CIS 10-0293 Dichten D., Ellegast R., Rehme G.
GonKatast - A measured value register of occupational knee stress
GonKatast - Ein Messwertkataster zu beruflichen Kniebelastungen [in German]
The objective of this study was to develop a task- and occupation-specific registry of musculoskeletal workloads on knees, based on data obtained directly at workplaces by means of a computer-assisted measurement and long-term analysis. The study encompassed individual tasks performed during entire workshifts and involved a total of 530 hours of measurement across 16 tasks and occupations. The register will serve as a useful tool during investigations of individual cases of suspected occupational disease and for the development of suitable prevention measures.
Institut für Arbeisschutz der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung (IFA), Alte Heerstrasse 111, 53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany, 2010. 137p. Illus. 96 ref.
http://www.dguv.de/ifa/de/pub/rep/pdf/reports2009/ifar0110/report1_2010.pdf [in German]

CIS 10-0226 Bernard T.E., Wilder F.V., Aluoch M., Leaverton P.E.
Job-related osteoarthritis of the knee, foot, hand, and cervical spine
The objective of this study was to assess the influence of occupational exposures on risk of site-specific radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, hand, foot and cervical spine. Using a cross-sectional design, data collected from 3436 men and women aged 40 years and older participating in the Clearwater Osteoarthritis Study was analyzed. Subjects' occupational exposures were queried using the study intake form, including stair climbing, standing on a rigid surface, squatting and jolting. Physical examinations including radiographs of the knee, hand, foot and cervical spine were conducted. The Kellgren and Lawrence ordinal scale was used to determine evidence of radiographic OA. Both the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for men and women indicated that age and body mass index were associated with OA. There were no other significant odds ratios for the cervical spine. Among men, there were significant associations with knee OA for stair climbing and jolting of the legs and with foot OA with stair climbing. Among women, there was a significant association between standing on a rigid surface and knee OA. For hand OA in women, there was a significant association for jolting of the hands.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2010, Vol.52, No.1, p.33-38. 26 ref.

CIS 10-0220 Martimo K.P
Musculoskeletal disorders, disability and work
The aim of this thesis was to examine the role of work in the disability caused by MSD from various perspectives: primary prevention using lifting devices, perception of work-relatedness, measurement of productivity loss, and secondary/tertiary prevention through ergonomic intervention or part-time sick leave. The results support the early use of a bio-psychosocial model for effective management of disability.
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, 00250 Helsinki, Finland, 2010. 168p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: EUR 23.00. Downloadable version free of charge.
http://epublications.uef.fi/pub/urn_isbn_978-951-802-988-8/urn_isbn_978-951-802-988-8.pdf [in English]

CIS 10-0235 Hansford R.
And the band played on
The BBC employs 450 instrumentalists and singers, together with a large pool of freelance musicians who are engaged on specific projects. Performing musicians are exposed to various occupational hazards, particularly to the risks of noise-induced hearing loss and musculoskeletal disorders. This article describes the occupational safety and health efforts of the BBC to evaluate and limit exposure to occupational hazards and to provide training and information to the musicians.
Safety and Health Practitioner, Aug. 2010, Vol.28, No.8, p.39-40. Illus. 2 ref.

CIS 10-0296 Lin Y.H., Chen C.Y., Hong W.H., Lin Y.C.
Perceived job stress and health complaints at a bank call center: Comparison between inbound and outbound services
This study investigated how perceived job stress and health status differ, as well as the relationships to inbound (incoming calls) versus outbound (outgoing calls) calling activities, for call center workers in a bank in Taiwan. The bank employed 289 call center workers aged from 19 to 54 years. Data were obtained on individual factors, health complaints, perceived level of job stress and major job stressors by means of questionnaires. Overall, 33.5% of outbound operators and 27.1% of inbound operators reported frequently or always experiencing high stress at work, however, the differences between inbound and outbound operators were insignificant. "Having to deal with difficult customers" was the most frequent job stressor for all workers. Musculoskeletal discomfort, eye strain, and hoarse or sore throat were the most prevalent complaints. Workers who perceived higher levels of job stress had significantly increased risks of multiple health problems, including eye strain, tinnitus, hoarse or sore throat, chronic cough with phlegm, chest tightness, irritable stomach or peptic ulcers, and musculoskeletal discomfort (with odds ratios ranging from 2.13 to 8.24).
Industrial Health, May 2010, Vol.48, No.3, p.349-356. 20 ref.

CIS 10-0163 Nag A., Vyas H., Nag P.K.
Gender differences, work stressors and musculoskeletal disorders in weaving industries
This study was undertaken to identify the work stressors among male and female weavers in the powerloom and handloom sectors and to examine the association of work stressors with the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). It involved 516 workers. There was a high overall prevalence of MSDs, with women more prone to developing MSDs in upper back and lower back, while men were more prone to developing pain in the knee and hand. Multivariate analysis indicated that a job duration of over ten years, manual material handling and poor machinery safety were significant risk factors of MSDs in the powerloom sector. Among handloom weavers, significant risk factors of pain included being aged over 25 years, poor machinery design, mental overload and skill requirements.
Industrial Health, May 2010, Vol.48, No.3, p.339-348. Illus. 32 ref.

CIS 10-0215 Tomita S., Arphorn S., Muto T., Koetkhlai K., Naing S.S., Chaikittiporn C.
Prevalence and risk factors of low back pain among Thai and Myanmar migrant seafood processing factory workers in Samut Sakorn Province, Thailand
This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and investigated risk factors for LBP among workers of a typical seafood processing factory in Thailand including migrant workers. Data on the prevalence of LBP, general characteristics, life style and working conditions were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed by multiple logistic regression models. The prevalence of LBP was 28.5%. Risk factors for LBP were age over 40 years, poor health status, history of back injury, twisting posture at work and slipping on wet floors. Findings suggest that prevention should focus on working conditions rather than individual life styles in order to prevent LBP among these workers.
Industrial Health, May 2010, Vol.48, No.3, p.283-291. 42 ref.

CIS 10-0059 L'Huillier J.C., Marsot J.
In-company technical support: Experience feedback on an approach used in a technological innovation-based operation
Assistance technique en entreprise: retour d'expérience sur une démarche d'intervention centrée sur l'innovation technologique [in French]
This article describes the approach implemented during interventions at the request of the French regional health insurance institution, following various safety and health problems associated with the equipments used in meat packaging, fish-processing and woodworking enterprises. This approach is similar to participatory design, in which various stakeholders are involved, both internal and external to the company, namely operators, line management, the occupational safety and health manager and equipment manufacturers. Findings are discussed. The importance of company commitment in the success of this type of operation is emphasized.
Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, June 2010, No.219, p.41-48. Illus. 10 ref.
http://www.hst.fr/inrs-pub/inrs01.nsf/IntranetObject-accesParReference/ND%202328/$File/ND2328.pdf [in French]

CIS 10-0073 SALTSA protocol Videos to help physicians diagnose MSDs
Protocole SALTSA - Des vidéos pour aider les médecins à diagnostiquer les TMS [in French]
The European SALTSA clinical diagnosis protocol allows physicians to detect the early signs of upper-limb musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs). This CD-ROM contains a set of 24 videos detailing the steps to be followed by physicians in applying this protocol.
Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 2010. CD-ROM.

CIS 10-0067 Larivière C., Forget R., Bilodeau M., Vadeboncoeur R.
Evaluation of the construct validity of tests involving endurance and the back muscle reflex responses of subjects presenting chronic low back pain - REPAR Program - IRSST
Evaluation de la validité de construit de tests portant sur l'endurance et les réponses réflexes des muscles du dos chez des sujets présentant une lombalgie chronique - Programme REPAR - IRSST [in French]
This report evaluates the predictive validity of two biomechanical tests for assessing certain lumbar deficiencies in relation to the presence or otherwise of chronic low back pain. The first test is used to estimate the endurance capacity of the dorsal muscles, while the second serves to quantify the reflex response to stretching. Both were sensitive to sex-related differences. However, only the endurance test was sensitive to the presence of chronic low back pain. Further tests appear necessary to validate each of these tests. A larger sample of subjects would allow the existence of interactions between gender and the presence of low back pain to be evaluated, as well as adaptations to be made in relation to certain confounding variables defined in this study.
Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2010. vii, 59p. Illus. 86 ref. Price: CAD 8.40. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge.
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/files/documents/PubIRSST/R-642.pdf [in French]

CIS 10-0063 Fan J.K., McLeod C.B., Koehoorn M.
Sociodemographic, clinical, and work characteristics associated with return-to-work outcomes following surgery for work-related knee injury
This study examined the association between return-to-work (RTW) outcomes and sociodemographic, clinical, and work characteristics among a cohort of injured workers who underwent knee surgery between 2001 and 2005 in British Columbia, Canada. Workers' compensation databases were used to identify the retrospective cohort and abstract the study variables. Data available for 1394 injured workers were subjected to statistical analysis. Compared to men, women were more likely to have partial RTW (odds ratio OR 2.55) and non-RTW (OR 2.61) than full RTW; low income earners were more likely than high income earners to have partial RTW (OR 3.05) and non-RTW (OR 4.07). Moreover, workers in trade, primary resource, and processing/manufacturing occupations were more likely than those in management occupations to have non-RTW than full RTW by the end of follow-up (OR 2.97, 9.31 and OR 2.71 respectively). Surgical and clinical factors were not associated with RTW outcomes. Other findings are discussed.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, 2010, Vol.36, No.4, p.332-338. 40 ref.

CIS 10-0139 Assessment of repetitive tasks of the upper limbs (the ART tool)
The Assessment of Repetitive Tasks (ART) is a tool designed to help assess repetitive tasks involving the upper limbs. It assesses some of the common risk factors in repetitive work that contribute to the development of upper limb disorders. The tool is aimed at persons responsible for the design, assessment, management and inspection of repetitive work. Repetitive tasks are typically found in assembly, production, processing, packaging, packing and sorting work, as well as work involving regular use of hand tools. It consists of a check-list and numerical rating system that assesses the frequency, repetitiveness, force, posture and speed of work based on observations and interviews of workers.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Mar. 2010. 19p. Illus. 4 ref.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg438.pdf [in English]

CIS 10-0061 Schneider E., Irastorza X., Cospey S.
OSH in figures: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the EU - Facts and figures
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain the most common occupational disease in the European Union and workers in all sectors and occupations can be affected. Recent figures, for example from Austria, Germany or France, also demonstrate an increasing impact of musculoskeletal disorders on costs. This latest report, following on from the Agency's previous research, aims to give an updated overview of the current European situation as regards musculoskeletal disorders, the trends over the years since the first campaign in 2000, and a detailed insight into the causes and circumstances behind MSDs. The report highlights the main issues and aims to provide a well-founded evidence base, helping policy makers, actors at enterprise and sector level, as well as researchers and those who record, prevent and compensate occupational diseases in the European Union to set the agenda for the next years.
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Vía 33, 48009 Bilbao, Spain, 2010. 179p. Illus. 154 ref.
http://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/reports/TERO09009ENC [in English]

CIS 10-0149 Mayer S., Vitzthum K., Schöffel N., Groneberg D.A., Spallek M.
Osteoarthrosis - Current knowledge of aetiology, diagnosis and therapy
Arthrose - zum aktuellen Kenntnisstand über die Ätiologie, Diagnose und Therapie [in German]
Osteoarthrosis is a progressive, non-inflammatory, degenerative articular disease. This review article discusses diagnosis, aetiology and risk factors (mainly age, sex, genetic and environmental influences) and medical treatment including pain therapy and surgery (articular prostheses). Mechanical solicitation is also a possible risk factor, with implications for occupational hygiene.
Zentralblatt für Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie, May 2010, Vol.60, No.5, p.154-168. Illus. 116 ref.

2009

CIS 12-0205 Yeomans L., Coldwell M., Saunders J., Farrant J., Codling A., Bowen J., Harris-Roberts J.
Health and Safety Executive
An exploratory study of occupational health risks for beauty therapists who carry out massage and spray tanning treatments
This study explored the possible risks of musculoskeletal and respiratory ill health for beauty therapists who deliver massage and spray tanning treatments. The delivery of these treatments was observed in three salons who also offered facials, waxing, manicures and pedicures. Postural analyses indicated an overall medium risk level of developing MSDs. However, as the reported durations were short and frequencies low, the true risk may be lower. When delivering spray tanning treatments, the workers' personal exposures to specific volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds were all low and the active ingredient in spray tan solution was not detected. The bacterial/fungal contamination of the samples was very low and not considered to pose a risk to health.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2009. vi, 41p. Illus. 25 ref.
An_exploratory_study_[INTERNET_FREE_ACCESS] [in English]

CIS 12-0139 Ferreira J., Gray M., Hunter L., Birtles M., Riley D.
Health and Safety Executive
Development of an assessment tool for repetitive tasks of the upper limbs (ART)
Health and Safety Executive and Local Authority inspectors play an important role in preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). They require assessment tools that offer an intuitive and relatively quick process to screen workplaces for high-risk activities, raise awareness of risk factors, demonstrate the presence of risk and recommend areas for improvement. The Manual handling Assessment Charts tool (MAC) has been recognized as a useful process to screen workplaces for high-risk manual handling operations. The MAC tool is designed to identify and help assess high-risk manual handling operations. However, its scope is limited to manual handling of heavy items, which primarily present a risk of lower back disorders. There was a demand for a similar tool that inspectors can use to screen more frequent handling of light loads or other repetitive tasks and the common physical risk factors in work that may contribute to upper limb disorders (ULDs). This led to the development of the assessment of repetitive tasks (or ART) tool described in this report.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2009. viii, 55p. Illus. 29 ref.
Development_of_an_assessment_tool_[INTERNET_FREE_ACCESS] [in English]

CIS 12-0138 Okrunribido O.
Health and Safety Executive
Lower limb MSD
The objective of this literature survey was to examine the nature and extent of workplace lower limb musculoskeletal disorders and injuries (LLDs) and the causal agents, with the aim of informing evidence-based guidance and advice for workers and employers. LLDs are a problem in many workplaces and they tend to be associated with conditions in other areas of the body. There are consequences for society, the economy and industry in terms of lost working time, medical treatment and hospitalization, and effects on quality of life. There is appreciable evidence for kneeling/ squatting, climbing stairs or ladders, heavy lifting, walking/standing, and slips and trips hazards as causal risk factors for LLDs.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2009. viii, 73p. Illus. Approx. 150 ref.
Lower_limb_MSD_[INTERNET_FREE_ACCESS] [in English]

CIS 11-0730 Oxley L., Riley D., Tapley S.
Musculoskeletal ill-health risks for airport baggage handlers
In the United Kingdom, the majority of baggage handling is contracted out from the airline to ground handling services. Little consideration has been given to the design and working of the interface between the airline, aircraft, airport, handling equipment manufacturer and ground handler. This report describes the work undertaken to gather further information on the musculoskeletal ill-health risks associated with baggage handling operations and to appraise the efficacy of new extending belt loader (EBL) technology. The various parties formed a collaborative working group to take this work forward. The evidence presented in this report and in previous work by the HSE provides a strong case for this task to be re-designed or mechanised to reduce the risk of injury. See also RR 674, ISN 111995
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2009. x, 94p. Illus. 29 ref.
RR_675.pdf [in English]

CIS 11-0729 Riley D.
Reducing the risks associated with the manual handling of air passenger baggage for narrow bodied aircraft
This report is an update of an earlier review for ramp-based baggage handling related literature undertaken in 2005. The aim of this review is to present information relating to alternative methods of loading narrow-bodied aircraft that reduce the manual handling related injury and ill-health risks to the handlers, and to identify knowledge gaps. This was used to inform subsequent work on the prevention of musculoskeletal diseases at an airport in the United Kingdom (East Midlands Airport, see ISN 111996, RR675).
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2009. vi, 25p. Illus. 46 ref.
RR_674.pdf [in English]

CIS 11-0720 Choobineh A., Tabatabaee S.H., Behzadi M.
Musculoskeletal problems among workers of an Iranian sugar-producing factory
Assessment of the level of exposure to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) risk factors can be an appropriate basis for planning and implementing an interventional ergonomics program in the workplace. This study was conducted among workers of an Iranian sugar-producing factory to determine WMSD prevalence among production workers and to assess the level of exposure to WMSD risks. A total of 116 workers were randomly selected from production workshops and included in the study. The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to study prevalence of WMSDs and a quick-exposure check was used to assess physical exposure to risks using videographic recording. Most workers (87.1%) suffered from some kind of MSD symptoms during the 12 months prior to the study. The highest prevalence was reported in knees (58.6%) and the lower back (54.3%). In 99.1% of the workers, the level of exposure to MSD risks was found to be high and very high. Awkward postures, manual material handling and long hours of standing were the major ergonomics problems. Implications of these findings are discussed.
International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2009, Vol.15, No.4, p.419-424. 24 ref.
Musculoskeletal_problems.pdf [in English]

CIS 11-0485 Cheng A.S., Chan E.P.
The effect of individual job coaching and use of health threat in a job-specific occupational health education program on prevention of work-related musculoskeletal back injury
The objective of this study was to examine the effect of individual job coaching and use of health threat in a job-specific occupational health education programme in preventing work-related musculoskeletal back injuries during manual materials handling in construction labourers. Two hundred five Hong Kong labourers were recruited by 3-stage cluster sampling process and randomly assigned to receive different education programmes on manual materials handling. The control group was given a conventional programme, whereas the experimental group received a job-specific programme. A statistically-significant group difference was found in the knowledge and practical skills on manual materials handling after training. Furthermore, the results from 1-year cumulative incidence revealed a significantly lesser number of first-time reports of work-related musculoskeletal back injuries in the experimental group. These results indicate that job-specific education is an effective preventive strategy for work-related musculoskeletal back injury.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2009, Vol.51, No.12, p.1413-1421. 62 ref.

CIS 11-0351 Torma-Krajewski J., Wiehagen W., Etcheverry A., Turin F., Unger R.
Using ergonomics to enhance safe production at a surface coal mine - A case study with powder crews
Job tasks that involve exposure to work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risk factors may impact both the risk of injury and production downtime. Common WMSD risks factors associated with mining tasks include forceful exertions, awkward postures, repetitive motion, jolting and jarring, forceful gripping, contact stress, and whole body and segmental vibration. Mining environments that expose workers to temperature/humidity extremes, windy conditions, and slippery or uneven walking surfaces also contribute to injury risk. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) researchers worked with powder crew members from a coal company to identify and rank routine work tasks based on perceived exposure to WMSD risk factors. This article presents the process followed to identify tasks that workers believed involved the greatest exposure to risk factors and discusses risk reduction strategies.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Oct. 2009, Vol.6, p.D55-D62. 4 ref.
Using_ergonomics.pdf [in English]

CIS 11-0055 Ortiz Castañeda D.M., González Robayo M.P.
Incidence of musculoskeletal pathologies in the dominant upper limb associated with the work of physiotherapists working in health care institutions of secondary level in Bogotá D.C.
Incidencia de patologías osteomusculares en miembro superior dominante asociadas a labor de terapeutas físicas y ocupacionales que laboran en IPS de segundo nivel de atención en Bogotá D.C. [in Spanish]
This study aimed to determine the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders in the dominant upper limb of 114 physiotherapists working in rehabilitation centers in Bogota, Colombia, using a checklist. The most frequent disorders were tendonitis, epicondylitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Findings are discussed.
Salud, Trabajo y Ambiente, 3rd quarter 2009, Vol.16, No. 61. p.8-16. Illus. 15 ref.

CIS 10-0790 Hartmann B., Seidel D.
Musculoskeletal disorders and their relation to work-related physical load - Clinical findings of the spinal region
Arbeitsmedizinische Muskel-Skelett-Befunde und ihre Beziehung zu arbeitsbedingten körperlichen Belastungen - Befunde in den Wirbelsäulenregionen [in German]
The objectives of this cross sectional study were to analyze data from the physical examinations of a large group of building-sector workers and to highlight the main functional physical impairments in the spinal region with respect to age, sex, physical load and occupation. Findings are discussed.
Zentralblatt für Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie, Sep 2009, Vol.59, No.9. p.258-268. Illus. 12 ref.

CIS 10-0877 Patrón Vilar J.M., Ledesma de Miguel J.
Evaluation of the postural load at forestry workplaces
Evaluación de la carga postural en puestos de trabajo en el sector forestal [in Spanish]
In this study, three forestry workplaces were analyzed (tree pruning at height and on ground, and tree felling), the final objective being to evaluate the physical workload of workers under various postures. The evaluation was conducted using several methods, including RULA and OWAS. Findings are discussed and recommendations aimed at reducing the onset of certain muskculoskeletal disorders are proposed.
Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, Dec. 2009, No.55, p.34-40. Illus. 4 ref.

CIS 10-0358 Chapman L.J., Taveira A.D., Karsh B.T., Josefsson K.G., Newenhouse A.C., Meyer R.H.
Work exposures, injuries, and musculoskeletal discomfort among children and adolescents in dairy farming
The objective of this study was to investigate work performed by children and adolescents on dairy farm operations. Mail questionnaires were addressed to a community-based, age- and operation size-stratified sample of 240 individuals aged six to eighteen who worked on dairy operations in Wisconsin. Data were collected in 1999. The 197 children and adolescents reported averaging 567 hours of dairy farm work in the last year (10.9 hours/week) and completed over 1/3 of all calf feeding, 1/5 of the milking, 1/5 of cow feeding and 1/10 of tractor operation hours on their farm during the weeks they worked. Some of these young workers reported accomplishing duties also judged by some experts as hazardous work, including nearly half of the 9- to 11-year-olds driving tractors. Six nonfatal injuries were reported that required stopping work (14.6 per 100 full time equivalents per year), including those that required medical attention. Musculoskeletal discomfort and disability reports were unremarkable compared to existing studies of general and working populations. Wisconsin dairy farm youth appeared to be working no more hours per week than their peers in other studies of agricultural populations. However the exposures of very young workers to hazardous tractor driving and tower silo tasks suggest that there is an urgent need for improved and validated interventions to reduce these exposures.
Journal of Agromedicine, 1st quarter 2009, Vol.14, No.1, p.9-21. 51 ref.

CIS 10-0231 Technical backgrounder on the problematic diseases in the proposed list to replace the list annexed to the List of Occupational Diseases Recommendation, 2002 (No. 194)
Document technique sur les maladies problématiques inscrites sur la liste proposée en remplacement de la liste des maladies professionnelles figurant dans l'annexe à la recommandation (nº 194) sur la liste des maladies professionnelles, 2002 [in French]
Documento de información técnica sobre las enfermedades que plantean problemas para su posible inclusión en la lista de enfermedades profesionales que figura como anexo de la Recomendación sobre la lista de enfermedades profesionales, 2002 (núm. 194) [in Spanish]
This report was prepared as a background for discussion at a meeting of experts on the revision of the ILO list of occupational diseases held in Geneva, Switzerland, 27-30 October 2009 (see ISN 110721). It addresses a number of occupational diseases that raise specific issues: diseases caused by radiofrequency radiation; malaria; extrinsic allergic alveolitis caused by the inhalation of organic dusts; carpal tunnel syndrome; mental and behavioural disorders; formaldehyde; hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus; crystalline silica. In each case, the report includes general information on the disease or diseases caused by the agent, the exposure at work, the scientific background and the diagnosis criteria, as well as the list of countries specifically including the disease in the national list of occupational diseases.
ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2009. iv, 32p.
MERLOD/2009/5/EN.pdf [in English]
MERLOD/2009/5/FR.pdf [in French]
MERLOD/2009/5/ES.pdf [in Spanish]

CIS 10-0071 Larivière C., Da Silva R.A., Arsenault B., Nadeau S., Plamondon A.
Back pain - Evaluation of the specificity of various paravertebral-muscle endurance exercises
Maux de dos - Evaluation de la spécificité de différents exercices d'endurance des muscles para-vertébraux [in French]
Earlier studies have shown that intensive endurance training of back muscles reduces the pain and disability due to chronic low back pain, and even has the potential to protect against new episodes. However, current exercise protocols do not always allow these muscles to be specifically trained in relation to the hip extensor muscles, thus reducing the effectiveness of these exercises. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of various exercise protocols in reducing the action of the hip extensors or increasing that of back muscles and to evaluate whether the exercises increase the fatigue of the spinal muscles at the expense of hip extensors, thereby favouring endurance training. Using electromyographic analyses to study muscle fatigue during dynamic tasks, two exercise protocols are recommended, using existing equipment.
Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2009. vi, 74p. Illus. Approx. 150 ref. Price: CAD 9.45. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge.
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/files/documents/PubIRSST/R-596.pdf [in French]

CIS 09-1387 Geadah W., Mouawad C., Vega P.
Ergonomics and backache - Risks and preventive measures
Ergonomie et maux de dos - Risques et mesures préventives [in French]
Contents of this review on ergonomics and backache: biomechanics of the back; hazards related to manual handling; prevention of hazards related to manual handling; choosing between pushing and pulling; contents of a half-day training session on backache prevention organized by a Canadian association of transport equipment and machinery manufacturers.
Santé Sécurité +, Dec. 2009, Vol.26, No.3, p.5-8. Illus. 1 ref.

CIS 09-1386 Claudon L., Marsot J.
Considering ergonomics when using predetermined time systems - State of the art and prospects
Prise en compte de l'ergonomie lors de l'utilisation de systèmes de temps prédéterminés. Etat de l'art et perspectives [in French]
In assembly operations, work productivity is designed using predetermined time systems, but without necessarily considering the risks associated with the physical loads on workstation operators. However, faced with the growth of musculoskeletal diseases, designers should include not only economic factors (cycle times), but also an ergonomic factors, as early as possible in the design process. After an introduction summarizing the background of the problem, this article recalls the principles underlying predetermined time systems and offers an overview of various existing systems. A review of the main software tools allowing these systems to be linked to an ergonomic assessment is then conducted. Finally, suggested improvements for facilitating application of this type of tool are described, based on the findings of a study recently conducted at INRS.
Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 3rd Quarter 2009, No.217, p.41-47. Illus. 25 ref.
http://www.hst.fr/inrs-pub/inrs01.nsf/IntranetObject-accesParReference/ND%202320/$File/ND2320.pdf [in French]

CIS 09-1407 Vanroelen C., Levecque K., Louckx F.
Psychosocial working conditions and self-reported health in a representative sample of wage-earners: A test of the different hypotheses of the demand-control-support model
This article presents an in-depth examination of Karasek's demand-control-support-model, using data from the questionnaire survey of a representative sample of 11,099 workers in Belgium. The outcome measures were self-reported persistent fatigue, musculoskeletal complaints and emotional well-being. Quantitative job demands and supervisor support had the strongest effects. Other findings are discussed.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Feb. 2009, Vol.82, No.3, p.329-342. 68 ref.

CIS 09-1360 Bovenzi M.
Metrics of whole-body vibration and exposure-response relationship for low back pain in professional drivers: A prospective cohort study
The objective of this study was to investigate the relation between whole-body vibration and low back pain (LBP) among professional drivers. The incidence of LBP was investigated in a cohort of 537 drivers over a 2-year period. Data on LBP, individual characteristics and work-related risk factors were obtained during structured interviews. Vibration measurements were made on representative samples of industrial machines and vehicles. Vibration exposure was expressed in terms of either equivalent acceleration over an 8-h reference period or vibration dose value. During the previous 12 months, the incidences of LBP, high pain intensity and lower back disability were 36.3%, 24.6% and 19.2%, respectively. Physical workload, but not psychosocial environment, was significantly associated with the occurrence of LBP. Other findings are discussed.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, July 2009, Vol.82, No.7, p.893-917. Illus. 54 ref.

CIS 09-1254 Tornqvist E.W., Hagberg M., Hagman M., Hansson Risberg E., Toomingas A.
The influence of working conditions and individual factors on the incidence of neck and upper limb symptoms among professional computer users
This prospective cohort study was undertaken to assess the influence of working conditions and individual factors on the incidence of neck and upper limb symptoms among computer users. A baseline questionnaire on symptoms, individual factors, work content, and physical and psychosocial work-related exposures was answered by 1,283 computer operators. Symptoms incidence data were collected by 10 monthly questionnaires. Incidence rates were 67, 41 and 47 cases per 100 person years for neck, shoulder and arm/hand symptoms, respectively. In multivariate regression analyses, the incidence of symptoms was related to workplace comfort, gender, duration of mouse use, job strain and age.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, May 2009, Vol.82, No.6, p.689-702. Illus. 46 ref.

CIS 09-1381 Leclerc A., Gourmelen J., Chastang J.F., Plouvier S., Niedhammer I., Lanoë J.L.
Level of education and back pain in France: The role of demographic, lifestyle and physical work factors
The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between level of education and low back pain (LBP). The study population consisted of 15,534 subjects from the 10-yearly French health survey (Enquête Décennale Santé) of 2002-2003, for whom data on LBP, level of education, personal factors, and physical working conditions were available. Low back pain was strongly associated with level of education. However, this association was almost completely explained by present or past exposure to tiring work postures and handling of heavy loads. Among men, the odds ratio (OR) for having no degree was 1.75, but fell to 1.02 after adjustment for physical work factors. Among women, the OR associated with a body mass index of 27 or more was 1.58 after adjustment on all the other factors. Other findings are discussed.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Apr. 2009, Vol.82, No.5, p.643-652. Illus. 39 ref.

CIS 09-1219 Ha C., Roquelaure Y., Leclerc A., Touranchet A., Goldberg M., Imbernon E.
The French musculoskeletal disorders surveillance program: Pays de la Loire network
An epidemiological surveillance system for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) was implemented in 2002 in France's Pays de la Loire region to assess the incidence and prevalence of MSDs in the general and working populations, identify levels of exposure to occupational risk factors and investigate the proportion of cases attributable to work exposure. The estimated incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome was 1.00 per 1000 person-years in those aged 20-59 years (0.60 in men and 1.40 in women). The incidence rates were higher in employed than unemployed persons in the year of diagnosis (0.6 vs 0.3 in men and 1.7 vs 0.8 in women). Prevalence rates were 11% among men and 15% among women for upper limb clinically-diagnosed MSDs. The survey showed that MSDs represented 65% of notified work-related diseases.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, July 2009, Vol.66, No.7, p.471-479. 29 ref.

CIS 09-1380 Meijer E.M., Sluiter J.K., Frings-Dresen M.H.W.
Effectiveness of a feedback signal in a computer mouse on upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms: A randomised controlled trial with an 8-month follow-up
To study the effectiveness of using a computer mouse with a feedback signal for upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms in office workers, a trial with an eight-month follow-up was carried out. In total, 354 subjects were randomly allocated to the intervention group with the feedback mouse or the control group with a regular mouse. Data were collected by means of questionnaires at baseline, and after four and eight months. Outcome variables were the prevalence and incidence of upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and disability in the upper extremities. The use of the mouse with a feedback signal resulted in a significant decrease in duration of mouse usage. No differences were found in the number of mouse usage rest breaks. No differences were found in the prevalence or incidence of upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms between the groups. Other findings are discussed.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, May 2009, Vol.66, No.5, p.305-311. Illus. 25 ref.

CIS 09-1061 Ortiz Castañeda D.M., González Robayo M.P.
Incidence of work-related dominant upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders among occupational physiotherapists working in second-level health care institutions in Bogota
Incidencia de patologías osteomusculares en miembro superior dominante asociadas a labor de terapeutas físicas y ocupacionales que laboran en IPS de secundo nivel de atención en Bogotá D.C. [in Spanish]
This study examines the incidence of upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders among physiotherapists working in health care institutions in Bogota, Columbia. The main disorder highlighted is a widespread tendonitis of the upper limb (26.68%), followed by epicondylitis (25.43%), carpal tunnel syndrome (20.17%), de Quervain's tenosynovitis (14.91%) and upper extremity overuse syndrome (14,91%).
Salud, Trabajo y Ambiente, 3rd Quarter 2009, Vol.16, No.61, p.8-16. Illus. 15 ref.

CIS 09-1172 Pillastrini P., Mugnai R., Bertozzi L., Costi S., Curti S., Mattioli S., Violante F.S.
Effectiveness of an at-work exercise program in the prevention and management of neck and low back complaints in nursery school teachers
The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an exercise programme in the prevention and management of low back and neck pain in nursery school teachers. Seventy-one nursery school teachers working in nine locations were randomly divided into two groups. All the teachers received an ergonomics booklet, while teachers in the intervention group additionally received an extension-oriented exercise programme conducted by a physiotherapist. Data were collected at baseline and at a two-month follow-up. At follow-up, significant improvements were observed in the intervention group as compared to the control group for all the outcomes evaluated.
Industrial Health, July 2009, Vol.47, No.4, p.349-354. 40 ref.

CIS 09-1168 Barrero L.H., Katz J.N., Dennerlein J.T.
Validity of self-reported mechanical demands for occupational epidemiologic research of musculoskeletal disorders
The objective of this literature survey was to describe the validity of self-reported work-related mechanical demands using observation-based exposure assessments. Overall, the validity depends on study-specific factors often not examined.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, 2009, Vol.35, No.4, p.245-260. Illus. 104 ref.

CIS 09-1026 Mehlum I.S., Veiersted K.B., Waersted M., Wergeland E., Kjuus H.
Self-reported versus expert-assessed work-relatedness of pain in the neck, shoulder, and arm
The aim of this study was to compare self-reported work-relatedness of neck-shoulder and arm pain with experts' assessments based on specific criteria. A sample of 217 employed participants in the Oslo Health Study 2000-2001, aged 30, 40 and 45 years, who reported neck-shoulder or arm pain in the past month, underwent a health examination. A criteria document for evaluating the work-relatedness of upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders was used to establish clinical diagnoses and assess the work-relatedness of pain with respect to the subject's present job. A major proportion of the cases were assessed as work-related. Compared with expert assessment, self-reporting did not seem to particularly exaggerate work-relatedness. Other findings are discussed.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, 2009, Vol.35, No.3, p.222-232. 43 ref.

CIS 09-1052 Lipscomb H.J., Dement J.M., Silverstein B., Kucera K.L., Cameron W.
Health care utilization for musculoskeletal back disorders, Washington State union carpenters, 1989-2003
Private health care utilization rates for musculoskeletal back disorders were contrasted to rates of all work-related injuries or disorders for a large cohort of union carpenters over a 15-year period. It was found that private health care utilization rates were over twice as high in 2003 as in 1989 whereas compensation rates declined substantially. Utilization was higher among carpenters with less union tenure and increased with the number of work-related injuries. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, May 2009, Vol.51, No.5, p.604-611. Illus. 27 ref.

CIS 09-1019 Howard K.J., Mayer T.G., Gatchel R.J.
Effects of presenteeism in chronic occupational musculoskeletal disorders: Stay at work is validated
This study takes a new approach to understanding how presenteeism relates to subsequent chronic pain or disability. It involved 2191 chronic musculoskeletal disorder patients, classified as either presentees (n = 704), or absentees (n = 1487), who were admitted to a functional restoration programme based on exercises. Socioeconomic outcomes were assessed after one year during an interview administered by a physician. The findings revealed that patients classified as presentees were significantly more likely to complete the prescribed functional restoration treatment programme, to return to work, to retain work and not to have a decrease in job demand.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, June 2009, Vol.51, No.6, p.724-731 28 ref.

CIS 09-956 Szlapetis I.
Profiting from participatory ergonomics
Participatory ergonomics (PE) is a process for workplace improvement that involves workers in problem solving. This article explains the six key steps to implementing a successful PE programme: creating PE teams with appropriate members; involving the right people in the PE process; providing ergonomic training for the team; choosing a team leader; defining the participants' responsibilities; make decisions through group consultation.
Accident Prevention, May-June 2009, Vol.56, No.2, p.28-32. Illus.

CIS 09-808 Naidoo S., Kromhout H., London L., Naidoo R.N., Burdorf A.
Musculoskeletal pain in women working in small-scale agriculture in South Africa
The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with musculoskeletal pain in 911 women working in small-scale agriculture in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Data were collected by means of questionnaires. In total, 67% of women reported chronic musculoskeletal pain. The 12-month prevalence of pain ranged from 63.9% to 73.3% and the prevalence of specific chronic pain lasting more than three months ranged from 42.8% to 48.3%. Older age, carrying heavy loads, working with hands above shoulder height, and frequently squatting and kneeling were associated with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Ergonomic interventions including improved and adapted work techniques and tools should be considered to reduce the prevalence of pain among these workers.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Mar. 2009, Vol.52, No.3, p.202-209. 35 ref.

CIS 09-818 Gold J.E., d'Errico A., Katz J.N., Gore R., Punnett L.
Specific and non-specific upper extremity musculoskeletal disorder syndromes in automobile manufacturing workers
A longitudinal cohort of 1214 automobile industry workers was examined for the prevalence and persistence of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs) and prognoses based on symptom characteristics and other factors. Eight specific disorders were identified through case definitions based on upper extremity physical examinations and symptom surveys administered on three occasions over six years. At baseline, 41% of the cohort reported upper extremity symptoms, of which 18% were non-specific disorders (NSDs). In each survey, tendon-related conditions accounted for over half of the specific morbidity. Specific UEMSDs were characterized by greater pain severity and functional impairment, and more lost work days than NSDs. Other findings are discussed.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Feb. 2009, Vol.52, No.2, p.124-132. Illus. 37 ref.

CIS 09-950 Foley M., Silverstein B., Polissar N., Neradilek B.
Impact of implementing the Washington State ergonomics rule on employer reported risk factors and hazard reduction activity
In Washington State, an ergonomics rule was adopted in 2000, focusing on primary prevention. In late 2003, the rule was repealed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation of the rule and to study how employers and workers responded to new requirements. Regression analyses were used to analyze the results from employer surveys covering more than 5,000 workplaces administered in 1998, 2001, 2003, and 2005. Questions covered musculoskeletal diseases, levels of employee exposure to musculoskeletal hazards, steps being taken, if any, to address these hazards, results of these steps and sources of ergonomic information/assistance used. From 1998 to 2003, there was a reduction in reported exposures among workplaces in the highest hazard industries. Following the rule's repeal, however, hazard exposures increased.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Jan. 2009, Vol.52, No.1, p.1-16. Illus. 24 ref.

CIS 09-800 Shaw W.S., Pransky G., Winters T.
The Back Disability Risk Questionnaire for work-related, acute back pain: Prediction of unresolved problems at 3-month follow-up
To assess the reliability of the Back Disability Risk Questionnaire (BDRQ) for predicting the development of chronic back disorders, the questionnaire was administered to 519 working adults (67% male) seeking outpatient care for acute, work-related back pain. After the initial medical evaluation, clinicians provided prognostic impressions in a 10-item questionnaire. Pain, functional limitation, and work status were assessed at a 3-month follow-up. In multivariate analyses, the presence of persistent pain, functional limitation, or impaired work status were predicted by six BDRQ questions: injury type, work absence preceding medical evaluation, job tenure, prior back surgery, worries about re-injury, expectation for early return-to-work and stress. Classification accuracy at three months was 76.3%. It is concluded that the BDRQ can provide prognostic information not observed in a routine medical evaluation for acute back pain.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 2009, Vol.51, No.2, p.185-194. Illus. 65 ref.

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