RESUMEN
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of surface slopes (18 degrees , 26 degrees , 34 degrees ) on the maximum acceptable roof shingling frequency for males performing a simulated roof-shingling task. The psychophysical roof shingling frequency was also compared to the postural sway and trunk motion values. The maximum acceptable roof shingling frequency and selected trunk motion decreased significantly with an increase in slope. Postural sway however increased significantly with an increase in slope. The study also revealed that workers were experiencing a greater postural sway at the earlier phase of task on the steeper surface. This suggests that there might be an adaptation period associated with working on a slope and the body's ability to compensate for a loss of balance. Therefore, more emphasis should be given to the workers in this adaptation period, with additional monitoring and cautionary measures. Collectively, the findings of the study could be utilized for improving work practices on roofs, while reducing the potential risks of falls in roofing construction.
Asunto(s)
Accidentes por Caídas , Arquitectura y Construcción de Instituciones de Salud , Equilibrio Postural/fisiología , Accidentes por Caídas/prevención & control , Adulto , Humanos , Masculino , Exposición Profesional , Análisis y Desempeño de Tareas , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
Cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) pose a major industrial problem in terms of increased medical costs, lost productivity and degraded worker health and safety. From an anatomical view, CTD's are classified into three major categories: tendon disorders, neurovascular disorders and nerve disorders. Up until recently these categories seemed to cover CTD of the upper extremity, however, Kienböck's disease, a typically less common disease and one that does not fit into the established CTD categories, has been observed to exhibit CTD characteristics and does appear in the manufacturing environment. The most common types of employment observed to exhibit individuals with this disease are carpentry, jobs involving the use of pneumatic tools (wrench), spot welders, sheet metal work, farmers and factory workers. The present article makes a critical examination of the relevant anatomy and etiologic aspects of this disease.
Asunto(s)
Trastornos de Traumas Acumulados/etiología , Enfermedades Profesionales/etiología , Osteocondritis/etiología , Muñeca/patología , Humanos , Muñeca/anatomía & histologíaRESUMEN
The term CTD has been used to refer to those musculoskeletal impairments that appear to be work-related and tend to be chronic. Upper extremity CTD are categorized in three major groups: tendon disorders, neurovascular disorders, and nerve. Kienböck's disease, on the other hand, has been documented in the workplace and has a similar etiology, but due to current anatomic classifications cannot be considered a CTD. With this in mind, the present article reviews risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment, with the purpose of providing physicians, engineers, and designers with information to reduce the risk of workers developing this potentially debilitating disease. Furthermore, additional support will be accumulated and combined with Part I of this article with the intent of introducing into the literature a new category of upper extremity CTD: Bone Disorders.
Asunto(s)
Osteocondritis/diagnóstico , Osteocondritis/etiología , Ergonomía , Humanos , Enfermedades Profesionales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Profesionales/etiología , Enfermedades Profesionales/rehabilitación , Osteocondritis/rehabilitación , Postura , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
This paper presents a study on a combination lift and lower manual handling task and was designed to simulate the loading of grocery bags into a car trunk. Twelve male subjects performed an externally paced task of lifting grocery bags loaded with weights from 15 cm above the floor and over a wooden sill. There were two different sill heights of 70 cm and 90 cm, and for each of these heights there were two frequencies of 3 and 6 lifts per cycle. The dependent variables were maximum acceptable weight of lift (MAWOL). A unique lifting sequence and a modified version of the psychophysical methodology were used to determine MAWOL. There was a significant difference in the MAWOL across the two sill heights as well as the MAWOL at the two different frequencies. Plastic bags were determined to increase the average load lifted by 27% as compared to paper bags. At normal grocery bag weights, the increased load carrying capacity represents an increase in the safety factor. Not only can the risk of lower back injuries be decreased by using plastic bags with handles but the risk of developing a cumulative trauma disorder could also be decreased.