Journal of ergonomics 

About: Journal of ergonomics is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Human factors and ergonomics & Occupational safety and health. It has an ISSN identifier of 2165-7556. Over the lifetime, 499 publications have been published receiving 1770 citations.

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Nurses: Systematic Review

Abstract: Background: With the dwindling numbers of nurses predicted to worsen; attrition from this professional occupation must be curtailed. This systematic review scrutinized the incidence and prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) among nurses as a possible attributing factor of attrition from the occupation. In addition, the examination of different intervention strategies adopted to curb the occurrence of work related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses, specifically physical exercise/therapy. Methods: The authors complied with PRIMSA guidelines. The outcome interest was work related musculoskeletal disorders; exposure was professional nurses carrying out their duties. Seven electronic databases were systematically searched for publications meeting the following inclusion criteria; incidence and prevalence of WMSD among nurses ranging from 2003-2013. One hundred and eight articles with direct and indirect relationship to the searches were identified. After eliminating articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria, the remaining publications were assessed for quality and were subsequently mined. Forty-eight English published articles were assessed, allowing 27 publications to be used for this review. The 27 articles comprised of three longitudinal, four systematic reviews, two comparative, 14 descriptive biomechanical/ergonomic and four intervention studies. Interpretation: The mean WMSD among these publications were 71.85%. The most vulnerable anatomical sites were the lower back, neck and shoulders. Predisposing risk factors were awkward working position sustained for prolonged periods during patient transfer, strenuous physical demands of the nursing profession, their poor health and fitness conditioning status and obesity. It is interesting to note that there is limited number of publications examining the efficacy of the different intervention strategies employed to curb WMSD among nurses.

Fatigue Detection using Smartphones

Abstract: Driver fatigue is the major cause of traffic crashes and financial losses. This paper presents an advanced computer vision and mobile technology using smartphones to monitor visual indicators of driver fatigue, allowing the possibility of making fatigue detection systems more affordable and portable. This technology uses the front camera of a smartphone to capture images of drivers, and then uses advanced computer vision algorithms to detect and track the face and eye of the drivers. Head nod, head rotation and eye blinks are then detected as indicators of driver fatigue. A simulated driving study showed that drowsy drivers differed significantly in the frequency of head nod, head rotation and eye blinks, compared to when they were attentive. The smartphone-based fatigue detection technology may have important applications in reducing drowsiness-related traffic accidents and improving driving safety.

Effect of Protective Clothing and Fatigue on Functional Balance of Firefighters

Abstract: We investigated the effects of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), design of PPE (Standard vs. Enhanced), and fatigue during a simulated firefighting activity on the functional balance of firefighters. We defined functional balance as the ability to prevent a loss of balance and maintain body posture while performing functional tasks. A novel Functional Balance Test (FBT) was used to assess functional balance of firefighters while stepping up, stepping down, turning, walking along a beam, and passing under an obstacle. Data are presented from fifty-seven male firefighters, who were randomly divided into two groups: Standard PPE (n=28) and Enhanced PPE (n=29). The specially designed Enhanced PPE was lighter, more breathable, and capable of air circulation, compared to traditional Standard PPE. Each participant performed the FBT at three time periods (baseline with station uniform, pre-activity with PPE, and post-activity with PPE after a live-fire simulated firefighting activity). The firefighting activity involved alternating 2-minute rest- work cycles of four stations: stair climb, forcible entry, room search, and hose advancement. The FBT had four trials each with and without an overhead obstacle. Performance errors (major and minor), performance time, and a composite performance index were recorded. Wearing PPE significantly impaired functional balance, as noted by increases in all performance metrics. Following the firefighting activity, performance time increased by 3% but the number of minor and major errors decreased by 13% and 32%, respectively, suggesting that firefighters may trade-off between speed and accuracy depending on perceived threat to balance safety. There was no significant difference in functional balance between the Enhanced PPE and Standard PPE groups, suggesting that Enhanced PPE with a passive cooling system and an external circulating hose is not effective in improving functional balance of firefighters. A better designed PPE, with an improved cooling system and minimal (or no) protruding attachments may be of benefit in terms of firefighter functional balance.

Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis of Predictors of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Disability among Bank Workers in Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract: Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major cause of occupational disability worldwide and impose a considerable burden on the individual, society and industry in terms of absenteeism and cost of treatment. Objective: The purpose of this paper is to determine the prevalence and predictive factors of MSDs and associated disability among bank workers in Ghana. Methods: The 12-month period-prevalence of self-reported MSDs was studied among 230 bank workers in Kumasi, Ghana. The cross-sectional survey used a previously validated self-administered questionnaire that included the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) and the 12-item general health questionnaire (GHQ12). Results: Most (83.5%) of the workers suffered at least one MSD resulting in 15.7% disability rate. The most common reported symptoms were lower back pain (64.8%), upper back pain (61.7%), neck pain (47.4%) and shoulder pain (37.4%). Two multi factor-predictor logistic models fitted to the data showed that female sex, longer job duration and high GHQ12 score were significant predictors of MSDs while high GHQ12 score, sedentary lifestyle and alcohol drinking were significant predictors of MSD-associated disability. Conclusions: Attitudinal change, treatment and interventional programs may reduce the incidence of this common occupational injury.

Ergonomics and Comfort in Protective and Sport Clothing: A Brief Review

Abstract: Industrial and sport protective clothing (PC) is governed by protection requirements and sport clothing is generally selected on the basis of performance and comfort. The impact of PC on performance is determined by the nature of the work or sport, the metabolic rate required, the ambient environment, and the characteristics of the PC. The chief ergonomics challenge of PC is when moderate to high work rates must be performed in moderate to hot ambient environments. Comfort is typically subjectively measured and impacts performance. Comfort is multifactorial and dynamic rather than static. Sport clothing design is chiefly concerned with maximizing heat and moisture loss and comfort; however, attempts to use synthetic fabrics to increase comfort and heat dissipation have generally not been successful. Future innovations may include protective and sport clothing that responds to the environment, and that features integrated cooling systems with greater cooling capacity and practicality for mobile workers and sportsmen. A brief review of key challenges in the ergonomics of PC and sport clothing is presented along with potential directions for advancing ergonomics and comfort.