Statistics show that a large number of workers employed in office settings resort to taking time off work some time in their career owing to their schedules which tend to have damaging effects on their physique. A number of studies have highlighted the negative impacts of jobs which limit movement and also reduce the chance of exercise leading to a number of skeletal and muscular symptoms in office workers. Studies show that with furniture that has been designed to impart a higher level of comfort and also through programs that guide employees to have correct posture, muscular and skeletal issues can be resolved, controlled and even eliminated. A number of business organizations have started including furniture items and practices that relieve their employees off the painful impacts of sitting in uncomfortable postures all day. Surprisingly, there have been a series of encouraging developments when it comes to the significance of these exercises and products.
For all of these products to perform to their optimum capacity, it is important to have the relevant data and statistics. In order to build up a thorough database of statistics which prove the negative impacts of poor work workplace settings.
Ergonomics Intervention in Agriculture
Owing to growing awareness about the impacts and negative consequences of unhealthy work practices a number of sectors have adopted ergonomics interventions in their professional capacities to enhance the productivity of both their workers and the improved efficiency in their jobs. Over the years there have been a number of researches that highlight the importance of healthy working practices by employing techniques that improve the physical capabilities of workers in particular fields with encouraging results.
In agriculture sector, wearable sensing devices are used in addition to farmers’ own capabilities of identifying the farming conditions and the quality of crops. With growing demand of high quality crops, such sensing devices have helped the farmers in obtaining better quality products by continuous examination of the conditions and monitoring the quality of the crops. These sensing devices also allow room for better researches as the commonly used manual methods sometimes are not up to the mark in delivering the type of information required. With wearable devices, the data collected is more reliable and authentic which aids future researches in addition to providing the farmers with useful information about crop conditions.
When it comes to agriculture sector where the nature of work is primarily based on significant physical labor, ergonomics interventions have played a considerable part in improving both the capabilities of the farmers and the general productivity of the farms. In countries where agriculture is the primary source of income for most households such interventions have played an important role in improving the lifestyles of farmers. One such country is Korea where most of the working population depends upon farming for their livelihood. In addition to this the farming population of Korea is ageing and the ergonomics interventions strategies have helped them in overcoming their physical shortcomings that are natural with increasing age. Owing to their lifestyles which are marked by physical labor, a particular disorder called deep knee flexion was found to be prevalent in the Korean farmers (Kotowski, Davis, Kim & Lee, 2014). While there are number of other musculoskeletal disorders that are found in farm workers which they acquire while harvesting, weeding and sorting. This particular knee injury has been found to be common in small farm workers of Korea.
Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent in farm workers and other agriculture workers all over the world and are not characteristic of any one region. A number of studies focus on various parts of the world and highlight the prevalence rate of such disorders among farm workers. With ergonomic intervention strategies, the farm workers have benefited in many parts of the world. In Europe, for instance, musculoskeletal disorders or MSD have been identified in workers of milking parlors where about 70% workers suffer from the symptoms. A study conducted in 2014 revealed that 94% female and 71% male workers of a milking parlor were found to have the symptoms of MSD because of workplace settings and the division of labor between the male and female workers (Thinius & Jakob, 2014).
Wearable sensors which detect excessive muscle mobility prove to be valuable for the professionals in farming sector as they can keep their physical well being in check in addition to the quality of their products as well. Owing to excessive muscle movement farming professionals are prone to various muscle related disorders and injuries, to keep them in check, wearable sensors have been tested with encouraging results. With early identification of such symptoms, treatments can be started in time which can deal with physical issues before they become more complicated.
A 2016 study, aimed at developing a manual harvester which is designed keeping up with the ergonomic details to make the process of harvesting easier. A model was developed which monitored the heart rate, energy consumption and other physical signs; it was concluded that the designed harvester eased the discomfort that farmers originally experienced in their neck and shoulders areas. The study included both male and female farmers to study the impacts on both the demographic groups (Pranav & Patel, 2016).
Ergonomic studies have greatly been benefited by modern technological advancements including the modern advancements in wearable sensors which identify important statistics to study and base researches on. With modern smart phones the studies have expanded to include similar techniques in other wearable gadgets which identify problem areas which help in designing products that minimize the negative consequences on a worker’s body and enhance productivity. A 2012 study focuses on measuring the heart rates and oxygen consumption in farm workers which led on to the development of software which identifies the symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders (Khidiya & Bhardwaj, 2012). For ergonomics intervention to be successful it is critical that problem areas are identified with precision so the strategies and the products designed do their jobs in a focused fashion to have significant impact on the lifestyles of workers in a particular profession. It becomes even more important when the ergonomic interventions are being planned for agriculture workers as their profession demands the most of their physical capabilities.
The symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders are more prevalent in farmers of regions where there are less technological advancements in the field of agriculture owing to a number of social-economic reasons. Female farm workers are statistically at a higher risk of developing such symptoms than their male counterparts because of the nature of division of labor among the two demographic groups. In Assam, the task of the plucking tea leaves once they are ready to be harvested falls under the capacity of female farm workers; this task requires the female farmers to reach the bushes in distant parts and exert mechanical pressure on the bushes to pluck the tea leaves. Since Assam is a remote area, mechanized plucking devices are not commonly used and the task is strictly carried out manually taking a toll the physical safety of the workers who are responsible for plucking the leaves.
The risk factors include severe pain in the neck, shoulders and fingers of the workers and call for mechanized plucking machines designed with ergonomic details. The symptoms are further aggravated owing to the sheer weight of the basket in which the collected tea leaves are kept. To resolve the strain on the neck and back of the farmers baskets designed with ergonomic details were introduced which helped relieve the strain considerably (Bhattacharyya & Chakrabarti, 2012).
In a number of studies the musculoskeletal symptoms in workers of the agriculture sectors have been co-related with their age and their experience of working in the field; more experienced farmers reported more painful symptoms than younger ones with lesser experience (Swangnetr, Kaber, Puntumetakul & Gross, 2014). Symptoms were felt more in the neck, shoulders and back regions of the farmers owing to the awkward postures they are required to assume for their professional responsibilities. In the agriculture sector the symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders are co-related with the demographics of the professionals; another reason for a high prevalence rate is the lack of awareness among new comers of the industry who are uneducated about the risks involved when safety guidelines are not observed. With ergonomics advancements, the exposure to risk is minimized and agriculture professionals can work in risk free environments. Healthy working practices are taking the agriculture industry by storm because farming regions in most countries also take a toll on the physical health of the workers as the geographical settings also prove to be a hindrance and the best way to be safe is to practice personal safety.
Ergonomics Intervention in the Healthcare Sector
With rapid increase in the unhealthy lifestyles of today’s world population, there has been a significant increase in awareness about how to best cope with the factors that take a toll on human health owing to their negative consequences. To make up for the unhealthy practices that are prevalent in a number of industries today, experts of various fields in the health sector have come up with ideas that reduce the impacts of the modern day lifestyle on people. Out of the many areas of their interest, a growing one is the ergonomic advancements and the interventions of which are helping people in leading better lives.
It is important that healthcare professionals incorporate the practices approved by International Ergonomics Association so patient recovery becomes aided by the prescribed healthy practices; consideration towards human factors and ergonomics in the healthcare sectors is critically important as their application can significantly minimize the risk in handling the patients with various musculoskeletal injuries and disorders (Carayon, 2012). This research also covers the developments in the field of ergonomics and its application in a wider range of professions to spread awareness about the importance of including the approved practices to improve the lifestyles of professionals of various industries that particular affect physical health.
The first step towards incorporating practices that decrease the risk of causing physical harm to people it is important that there is sufficient information and awareness about the nature of safety hazards that one can encounter in a number of settings. Since musculoskeletal injuries and disorders are becoming more common by the day, a number of awareness programs and studies are carried out to emphasize on the importance of practicing healthy lifestyles. Such safety awareness programs are backed by studies that provide access to data which speaks for the severity of symptoms faced by professionals of a number of industries. However, some industries have been proactive in seeking ergonomics support for the professionals; in such cases the efficiency and effectiveness of the ergonomics intervention programs.
Wearable sensors for gait analysis are used in a number of industries including sports, hospital settings and rehabilitation centers. With the data stored and recorded in these devices, a greater insight into health related matters in particular musculoskeletal disorders can be obtained (Weijun, Tao, Rencheng & Hutian, 2012). These body-worn sensors are attached to arms and lower limbs where muscular activity is more pronounced and therefore these areas get the worst affect by any muscle related disorders and in some cases, injuries.
However, it is also critical that ergonomics interventions are practiced in accordance with the nature of the service at hand and the individual physical characteristics of the persons involved. Owing t its scientific nature and the deep rooted effects on the human body, the best results can only be expected once all the details of individual cases have been analyzed. Ergonomics interventions not only impact the individual capacity of workers but also has a positive impact on the financial status of the organization which employees them (Mao, Jia, Zhang, Zhao, Chen & Zhang, 2015). With healthy workplaces the incidence of employees taking days off and performing less efficiently can be significantly reduced.
With rapid advancements in the fields of smart phones, many other devices that are designed on similar principles have also made their way in the markets. Many of these new inventions are used by healthcare professional to record vital statistics for the patients of a number of diseases who need continuous monitoring for a number of substances in the human body. Over time many devices which function on similar technologies have also made their way in industries where the employees are at constant risk of injuries; most often than not these injuries include musculoskeletal disorders which are prevalent in employees of fields including construction and agriculture. However, many professionals who do not require lifting heavy loads and standing at awkward postures also suffer from muscular injuries because of sitting continuously at their desks.
Research shows that smart wearable sensors are used in health monitoring which are aided by miniaturization technologies which include incorporating nano and micro technologies in chips which are than attached to the human bodies through their clothes etc. These devices monitor blood pressure, heart rates, pulse, mobility and even the detect unhealthy mental status. Through 24-hour monitoring, the healthcare professionals are equipped with better statistics to diagnose the disorders better and therefore are in a better position to resolve medical issues in a more competent manner (Chan, Estève, Fourniols, Escriba, & Campo 2012). Owing to the success rates of these smart wearable sensors, experts suggest that these systems can also be used in a number of other settings to obtain critical data about employee safety in risk prone sectors and industries.
In addition to the above mentioned study, there are a number of other studies that also reveal that physicians recommend wearable sensors for their patients who require continuous monitoring (Crevier, 2009). These wearable sensors are recommended for patients who suffer particularly from musculoskeletal disorder and injuries as these help detect the severity and intensity of their conditions. This continuous monitoring leads to early diagnosis and provision of better healthcare facilities. Diseases like Parkinson’s disease are characterized by continuous tremors ad shaking of hands; physicians suggest wearable sensors to these patients to have a complete record of their condition. Similarly, levels of various substances and drugs are also monitored through smart wearable sensors reducing the risk for the patients suffering from various disorders.
In another research the experts have highlighted the risk factors that are associated with wearable technology and the Internet of Things. These wearable devices are vulnerable to privacy issues and may be a cause of concern for people. However, with safe use of these devices and by maintaining the standard of these devices, these can be used in a number of ways that can reduce and even eliminate the risk factors for workers of various risk prone industries and organizations (Thierer, 2015). Irrespective of the risk concerns and safety issues, these devices are gaining popularity among various sectors. Also, there are a number of encouraging results when it comes to recording the data for many diseases which has proven to be of a great benefit to physicians who use the acquired data to resolve medical issues and come up with prescription of appropriate actions.
Ergonomics Intervention in the Construction Sector
The construction sector is characterized by the physical exertion that the professionals bear while fulfilling their work responsibilities. Their nature of work also places them at a greater risk when it comes to getting a physical injury including the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders. To minimize the risk that these professional face, there is a growing need for safety exercises and practices that keep them safe while they are at work. The need for ergonomics interventions in this sector cannot be emphasized enough as these professionals work in a sector where they are most exposed to the dangers of physical injuries than any other profession. In addition to exercises, it is also important to keep a track of the employees’ safety and their physical condition. For this purpose, a range of wearable sensing devices is available which ensure employee safety by tracking them in case of emergencies and also keep them updated about any harmful substances in the vicinity.
Often times the laborers are required to work in settings where their physical safety becomes questionable; in such cases WiFi enabled work sites, where the personnel on the work site can be tracked through sensors in their name tags reducing their chances of going missing in any uncertain situation. Such interventions are particularly useful for mine workers as they mostly work in hazardous settings where accidents are never out of the equation.
Ergonomics interventions can reduce the risk of exposure by making these professionals aware of how to best take care of them while also maximizing their capacity for carrying heavy loads and the extensive physical labor that they go through on a regular basis. Even in the construction sector, masons experience most exposure to safety risks than any other professions; programs such as SAVE (Safety Voice for Ergonomics) can help spread awareness about the risk of exposure and strategies to remain safe while at work. Safety awareness and ergonomics interventions among the masonry workers are required than ever before as this sectors is predicted to increase the number of people employed in it by 40% during the next five years (Kincl, Anton, Hess & Weeks, 2016).
Most of the musculoskeletal injuries are strains and muscle sprains caused due to lifting of heavy materials manually; the number of occurrence of these injuries may decrease considerably if the workers and designers are aware of the constituents of the materials they carry regularly. The injuries caused as a result are partly due to the lack of awareness of the designers who recommend the materials to be used. Studies have suggested that study courses for tertiary built environments should include the details about the materials that are used in construction and the impacts these materials have on the ergonomics of the construction; the lack of awareness on the part of designers is among the primary causes of injuries and work site safety risks for the masonry workers (Smallwood, 2012).
In situations where construction workers are required to work in areas which are prone to gas leakages or where they can encounter similar harmful, sensors are implanted in their helmets which enable them to detect such substances from a safe distance. Such interventions have considerably reduced the number of on-site accidents and improved worker safety.
Most of the Dutch construction workers consider their nature of work to be taking a toll on their physical health because of carrying heavy loads and carrying out hard physical labor for long times. To improve the workplace safety measures, participatory ergonomic exercises are practiced either through face-to-face methods or online platforms so the workers can minimize the risk of injuries, mostly musculoskeletal injuries, and ensure that their professional work does not impact their heath in a serious manner. Participatory ergonomics are designed to perform two functions; to improve the workplace safety for the construction workers and also to minimize the impacts of any other musculoskeletal symptoms that they may have (Visser, van der, Molen, Sluiter & Frings-Dresen, 2014).
Carrying heavy loads, standing for extensive periods of time and working while at uncomfortable and unnatural postures has a very negative consequence for the workers who work in industries where the safety measures are not taken seriously. Most of the time the workers suffer from various musculoskeletal injuries and disorders the symptoms of which differ in their intensity and occur mostly in the neck, shoulder and back regions of the affected person’s bodies. Studies have also covered a number of financial aspects for organizations where employees get affected owing to the health risks involved in fulfilling their job responsibilities; the evaluation of the temporary and permanent damages that may be caused to the employees and their organizations are considered when it comes to analyzing the effectiveness of any ergonomic intervention program (Inyang, Al-Hussein, El-Rich & AL-Jibouri, 2012).
In addition to improving the financial status of the organizations, ergonomics interventions also help in avoiding the incident of accidents at work places where hard physical labor carried out. With workplaces that are designed to minimize the health risks and programs that offer awareness to the employees about the importance of keeping them risk free at work, injuries like musculoskeletal disorders and other similar issues can be taken care of in an efficient manner (Wiberg, 2012).
Through case analysis of a number of construction companies, it has been identified that those with a documented safety minimization program have healthier long standing employees as they guide them about the ways to perform their jobs which minimize the risk factors. This way, they do not only enjoy higher employee retention statistics but also offer better service quality to their clients. The awareness programs in organizations with established safety protocols lead to work places that have tools and equipment to make the jobs easier; these jobs would otherwise become the reason for most musculoskeletal injuries caused to the employees (Choi, 2012).
Tools designed with ergonomic specifications which make the jobs easier for the employees involved in hard physical labor minimize the health risks among employees. On the other hand, awareness programs guide the employees of construction sector to improve their postures and the correct ways to lift heavy loads so that risks of injuries are minimized.
Ergonomics Interventions in Office Settings
Studies have shown that comfortable seating coupled with ergonomics intervention in offices leads to better results as compared to only training sessions (Amick, Robertson, DeRango, Bazzani, Moore, Rooney & Harrist, 2003). The same study revealed that with ergonomics training in offices and other workplaces, the symptoms, in particular pain, were seen to be reduced in a significant manner over the period of an year, in contrast to training sessions without comfortable furniture items which were studied to have no effect whatsoever on the painful symptoms of skeletal and muscular disorders of the respondents of the study.
A number of workplace wellness programs have been initiated on various platforms, most of these directly address the employees who work in sectors which limit a healthy level of physical activity required to keep the human body to function at its best. Through body-worn sensors or smart phone application, workers of such sectors can keep their physical activity in check and ensure that they remain healthy. These devices and applications not only measure the step count, but may also effectively measure the amount of calories burnt in a specific time or the distance the wearer has travelled on foot (Case, Burwick, Volpp &Patel, 2015).
Safety Manuals and Ergonomics Intervention
The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is another such arm that helps employees who have safety concerns because of the nature of their works and the workplace design. From insurance claims to policy making which benefits employees in a number of ways, BWC has played an important part over the years to help create safe workplaces for workers in various professions.
With smart wearable sensors and other developments in technology, employees who work in settings that can prove to be a safety risk for them can have a secure time at their workplaces. With these sensors and other ergonomics intervention programs, employees have a better chance of working in safe environments; in case of accidents, these employees can access competent healthcare services because of the data stored in the wearable sensors that they carry.
Field Study Proposal for Risk Assessment
The most commonly observed symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders are stress and pain in neck shoulders and back regions of workers who are employed in industries where physical labor is required. One of the most important sectors where employees suffer from MSD symptoms is the construction sector. The target population for this field study would be construction laborers from a range of companies.
Methodology and Research Tools
In a cross-sectional study spanned over 2 years, laborers will be observed and data will be collected using Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire which is an established document when it comes to assessing the seriousness of the symptoms of MSD. Cross sectional methodology will be adopted in order to observe the pace with which the symptoms spread or increase in intensity. The same sample of respondents will be observed in order to ensure that the environment for observation of results remains the same and the final conclusions are unbiased.
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