Documents Stetson, Diana S. 2 results

"A two-page checklist for determining the presence of ergonomic risk factors associated with the development of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders (e.g., repetitiveness, local mechanical contact stresses, forceful manual exertions, awkward postures, and hand tool usage) was developed and evaluated as part of a joint labour-management ergonomics intervention programme. This checklist was used by plant personnel at four work sites to assess the presence of upper extremity risk factors in 335 manufacturing and warehouse jobs. In addition, results generated by the checklist were compared to the results of ergonomic analyses performed by persons with advanced training (Masters degrees) in occupational ergonomics for a subset of 51 jobs. Most of the jobs included in the survey were found to have significant exposures to upper extremity risk factors. Awkward work postures were common, with 90% of the jobs requiring wrist deviations outside the neutral range-of-motion. The jobs were also highly repetitive and frequently required workers to exert high hand forces. Results generated by the checklist were generally in agreement with results generated by the ergonomic analysts; however, the checklist was found to be more sensitive in identifying the presence of risk factors. The checklist was found to be an effective rapid-screening instrument for identifying jobs that expose workers to potentially harmful ergonomic stresses. However, the checklist methodology did not include sufficient documentation of work methods to identify specific job attributes associated with these exposures."

Data sources for conducting surveillance of work related musculoskeletal disorders were evaluated. The data were obtained from four automotive facilities that were in the process of implementing ergonomic programs to reduce work related musculoskeletal disorders. Sources of data included workers' compensation records, sickness and accident insurance records, OSHA 200 logs, facility medical records, self administered symptoms questionnaires, professional interviews, and physical examinations. Hazard surveillance based on evaluation of job exposures to physical stressors was also considered. The highest rate of symptoms was obtained using university administered health interview data. Prevalence based on physical examination plus interview was similar to that obtained using self administered questionnaires. The lowest rate was obtained using facility medical records. Work related musculoskeletal disorder status on self administered questionnaires and on physical examination was associated with risk factor scores for different body areas. The authors conclude that symptoms questionnaires and checklist based hazard surveillance are reliable and reasonably sensitive data sources for identifying and tracking symptomatic workers and work related risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders.