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Sala E, Cipriani L, Bisioli A, Paraggio E, Tomasi C, Apostoli P, De Palma G. A Twenty-Year Retrospective Analysis of Risk Assessment of Biomechanical Overload of the Upper Limbs in Multiple Occupational Settings: Comparison of Different Ergonomic Methods. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10050580. [PMID: 37237650 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10050580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several methods with which to assess the risk of biomechanical overload of the upper limb are described in the literature. METHODS We retrospectively analysed the results of the risk assessment of the biomechanical overload of the upper limb in multiple settings by comparing the application of the Washington State Standard, the threshold limit values (TLV) proposed by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), based on hand-activity levels (HAL) and normalised peak force (PF), the Occupational Repetitive Actions (OCRA) checklist, the Rapid Upper-Limb Assessment (RULA), and the Strain Index and Outil de Repérage et d'Evaluation des Gestes of INRS (Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité). RESULTS Overall, 771 workstations were analysed for a total of 2509 risk assessments. The absence of risk demonstrated for the Washington CZCL, used as the screening method, was in good agreement with the other methods, with the sole exception of the OCRA CL, which showed at-risk conditions in a higher percentage of workstations. Differences in the assessment of the frequency of actions were observed among the methods, while their assessments of strength appeared to be more uniform. However, the greatest discrepancies were observed in the assessment of posture. CONCLUSIONS The use of multiple assessment methods ensures a more adequate analysis of biomechanical risk, allowing researchers to investigate the factors and segments in which different methods show different specificities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Sala
- Unit of Occupational Health, Occupational Hygiene, Toxicology and Prevention, University Hospital ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cipriani
- Unit of Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene, Department of Medical Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Bisioli
- Unit of Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene, Department of Medical Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Emilio Paraggio
- Unit of Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene, Department of Medical Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Cesare Tomasi
- Unit of Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene, Department of Medical Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Pietro Apostoli
- Unit of Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene, Department of Medical Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Palma
- Unit of Occupational Health, Occupational Hygiene, Toxicology and Prevention, University Hospital ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Unit of Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene, Department of Medical Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Kee D. Systematic Comparison of OWAS, RULA, and REBA Based on a Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19010595. [PMID: 35010850 PMCID: PMC8744662 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to systematically compare three representative observational methods for assessing musculoskeletal loadings and their association with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs): Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS), Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). The comparison was based on a literature review without time limitations and was conducted on various factors related to observational methods. The comparisons showed that although it has a significant limitation of comprising only two classifications for the leg postures, (1) the RULA is the most frequently used method among the three techniques; (2) many studies adopted the RULA even in evaluation of unstable lower limb postures; (3) the RULA assessed postural loads as higher risk levels in most studies reviewed in this research; (4) the intra- and inter-reliabilities for the RULA were not low; and (5) the risk levels assessed by the RULA were more significantly associated with postural load criteria such as discomfort, MHTs and % capable at the trunk, and MSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dohyung Kee
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Korea
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Joshi M, Deshpande V. Study of association between OWAS, REBA and RULA with perceived exertion rating for establishing applicability. THEORETICAL ISSUES IN ERGONOMICS SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/1463922x.2021.1958951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mangesh Joshi
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Shri. Ramdeobaba College of Engineering and Management, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vishwas Deshpande
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Shri. Ramdeobaba College of Engineering and Management, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
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Gómez-Galán M, Callejón-Ferre ÁJ, Pérez-Alonso J, Díaz-Pérez M, Carrillo-Castrillo JA. Musculoskeletal Risks: RULA Bibliometric Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E4354. [PMID: 32560566 PMCID: PMC7345928 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to reveal RULA method applications in terms of the knowledge, country, year and journal categories. The search was performed using the "Web of Science Core Collection". The period from 1993 to April 2019 was selected. Eight hundred nine results were obtained, of which 226 were used. The largest number of publications was determined to be in the fields of industry and health and social assistance, which coincides with the OWAS and Standardized Nordic Questionnaire methods. By country, the USA stands out for its greater number of research studies and categories that are encompassed. By date, 2016 was the year when more studies were carried out, again coinciding with the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. By journal, "Work-A Journal of Prevention Assessment and Rehabilitation" is highlighted, as it is for the REBA method as well. It was concluded that RULA can be applied to workers in different fields, usually in combination with other methods, while technological advancement provides benefits for its application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gómez-Galán
- Department of Engineering, University of Almería, Research Center CIMEDES (CeiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Ángel-Jesús Callejón-Ferre
- Department of Engineering, University of Almería, Research Center CIMEDES (CeiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain
- Laboratory-Observatory Andalusian Working Conditions in the Agricultural Sector (LASA), 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - José Pérez-Alonso
- Department of Engineering, University of Almería, Research Center CIMEDES (CeiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Manuel Díaz-Pérez
- Department of Engineering, University of Almería, Research Center CIMEDES (CeiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain
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Soares CO, Pereira BF, Pereira Gomes MV, Marcondes LP, de Campos Gomes F, de Melo-Neto JS. Preventive factors against work-related musculoskeletal disorders: narrative review. Rev Bras Med Trab 2020; 17:415-430. [PMID: 32368676 DOI: 10.5327/z1679443520190360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are major causes of morbidity among workers. They comprise several signs and symptoms, as e.g. pain, paresthesia, fatigue and limited range of motion, which can be related to work tasks. Workplace-related factors include physical, psychological, social and biomechanical hazards. The main kinetic factors associated with MSDs include repetitive movements, exerting excessive force, awkward postures, compression and mechanical vibration. Accurate knowledge of epidemiological aspects, evaluation of ergonomic hazards and musculoskeletal symptoms, and workplace exercise may help reduce the occurrence of MSDs. The aim of the present review is to analyze the applicability of preventive strategies against MSDs among workers. We performed a narrative review based on a survey of databases PubMed and BIREME and included studies published in English, Spanish or Portuguese. We found that workplace exercise is beneficial for both employers and workers. Risk analysis of MSDs is essential for early identification of occupational hazards and to prevent health consequences and costs associated with absenteeism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Laís Passos Marcondes
- Physical Therapy, Centro Universitário de Rio Preto - São José do Rio Preto (SP), Brazil
| | - Fabiana de Campos Gomes
- Health Sciences, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto - São José do Rio Preto (SP), Brazil
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Hita-Gutiérrez M, Gómez-Galán M, Díaz-Pérez M, Callejón-Ferre ÁJ. An Overview of REBA Method Applications in the World. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17082635. [PMID: 32290561 PMCID: PMC7215911 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this work is to review literature, worldwide, in which the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) ergonomic assessment method was applied and count the number of times that REBA was applied together with other methods and subsequent incidence. The database used was the "Web of Science-Core Collection". Only scientific articles and bibliographic reviews were included, analysing a total of 314 documents and selecting only 91. The use of the REBA method is indicated in terms of knowledge, country, year and journal sectors. It was most used in the knowledge areas of "Manufacturing" (24.18%), "Agriculture, forestry and fishing" (21.98%) and in "Other activities" (19.78%). One of the benefits of REBA is that it evaluates different body parts: upper limbs (arm, forearm and wrist), lower extremities, trunk and neck. It is a useful method to identify the forced postures adopted by workers to thus develop improvement measures if necessary. It is concluded that REBA method use has increased over the last decade, probably due to the digitization of knowledge. It is almost always applied in combination with other methods, and its use can be a positive indicator of company sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Hita-Gutiérrez
- Department of Engineering, University of Almería, Research Center CIMEDES (CeiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.H.-G.); (M.G.-G.); (M.D.-P.)
| | - Marta Gómez-Galán
- Department of Engineering, University of Almería, Research Center CIMEDES (CeiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.H.-G.); (M.G.-G.); (M.D.-P.)
| | - Manuel Díaz-Pérez
- Department of Engineering, University of Almería, Research Center CIMEDES (CeiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.H.-G.); (M.G.-G.); (M.D.-P.)
| | - Ángel-Jesús Callejón-Ferre
- Department of Engineering, University of Almería, Research Center CIMEDES (CeiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.H.-G.); (M.G.-G.); (M.D.-P.)
- Laboratory-Observatory Andalusian Working Conditions in the Agricultural Sector (LASA), 41092 Seville, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-950-214-236; Fax: +34-950-015-491
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Labbafinejad Y, Danesh H, Imanizade Z. Assessment of upper limb musculoskeletal pain and posture in workers of packaging units of pharmaceutical industries. Work 2017; 56:337-344. [PMID: 28211842 DOI: 10.3233/wor-172495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are defined as the disabling or painful injury to the muscles, nerves or tendons that are caused by work or aggravated by it. Some studies confirm the association between working in packaging units in various industries and the pain in the upper limb, but also there are controversies about the possible risk factors among different working populations. OBJECTIVE The present study aims to define the potential ergonomic risk factors for musculoskeletal pain in the upper limb. METHODS The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used for assessment of the musculoskeletal pain. Some other questions about the possible risk factors were included in the questionnaire. In order to assess posture, rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) test was performed by trained ergonomists. RESULTS The findings of the study reveals that shoulder pain is associated with work history (P-value = 0.01), smoking (P-value = 0.02), the level of education (P-value = 0.04) and age more than 40 years old (P-value = 0.01). Wrist pain was associated with shiftwork (P-value = 0.04) and especially fixed shiftwork (P-value = 0.04) and also age more than 40(P-value = 0.03) and missed days from work with a cut point of 7 days (P-value = 0.03). After regression, only the work history (OR = 14.4 for 10 to 20 years and OR = 32.2 for more than 20 years) and shiftwork (OR = 2.35) remained statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS In this study, RULA was not associated with symptoms in the upper limb in non-heavy working industries so we do not recommend it for screening purposes. The use of decades of working history and shiftwork can be considered for this purpose in the shoulder and wrist pain respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasser Labbafinejad
- Occupational Medicine Department and Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Danesh
- Occupational Medicine Department, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar abbas, Iran
| | - Zahra Imanizade
- Occupational Medicine Department, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar abbas, Iran
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