Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder and ergonomic risk practice among medical laboratory professionals at health facilities of eastern Ethiopia

Background

Musculoskeletal disorders represent a significant occupational problem due to poor ergonomic workstations among medical laboratory professionals; however, there is limited information regarding ergonomic-related musculoskeletal disorders among laboratory personnel in Ethiopia, particularly in eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was implemented among 241 Medical Laboratory Professionals (MLPs) from December 20, 2023, to January 20, 2024. A standardized questionnaire adapted from the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and a combination of self-administered surveys and direct observational techniques was used for data collection. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders with findings presented through Odds ratios and a 95% Confidence Interval (CI), and statistical significance was declared at p-value <0.05.

Result

This study showed that over the past 12 months, 142 (58.9%; 95% CI: 52.0, 65.0) Medical Laboratory professionals reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders at least in one of the nine body parts. Age 36 and above years (AOR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.02, 6.01), being female (AOR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.09, 5.04), work experience 10-15 years (AOR = 3.99; 95% CI: 1.6, 9.4), work experience >15 years (AOR = 4.13; 95% CI: 1.52, 10.81), sitting time 4 and above hours (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.10, 4.63), patient load >300 (AOR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.12, 7.46), and being overweight (AOR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.04, 6.03) were factors significantly associated.

Conclusion

The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was found to be higher among Medical Laboratory Professionals as compared to previous research conducted in Ethiopia. It is recommended to regularly evaluate workstations to reduce strain through adjustments in the chair and bench heights and implement task rotation to reduce repetitive movements and distribute physical demands among staff, in addition to that, adjust work schedules to include intermittent breaks. Tailored ergonomic solutions and flexible arrangements should be provided for female professionals who are at a higher risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Furthermore, conducting routine health screenings to detect early signs of musculoskeletal disorders for timely intervention, as well as enhancing awareness among Medical Laboratory Professionals, are essential measures to mitigate ergonomic risk practice.

Ergonomics, Health, and Perceptions about Remote Domestic Workposts: Study in Areas of City of João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil

Home office (HO) stands out as one of the most promising and popular forms of teleworking, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, many companies want to implement or maintain this working method, given its numerous advantages. However, there are adverse effects that are mainly related to physical and mental health. This article presents ergonomic analyses of HOs in neighborhoods considered heat islands. Temperature levels, extreme low-frequency non-ionizing radiation (ELF-NIR), illuminance, physical layout characteristics, and physiological parameters of teleworkers were measured. The results reveal that 92% of these professionals work 6 to 8 h daily with an ambient temperature between 25 and 30 °C, illumination levels in the range 11.20-290 Lux, and ELF-NIR > 0.4 µT. The majority of teleworkers are overweight (BMI > 24.9), and some of them have blood pressure higher than average values (129 mmHg for systolic and 84 mmHg for diastolic) in addition to a reduction in the number of red blood cells and hematocrits. Symptoms such as burning sensation, dryness, tired eyes, redness, itching, and photophobia (light sensitivity) show a 68.95% similarity. These HOs do not meet the required ergonomic and health standards.

The dark side of being a pathologist: Unravelling the health hazards

Background

Pathologists are indispensable to the practice of medicine. Awareness of health hazards among pathologists is a crucial aspect of today's time. Numerous occupational health risks are prevalent which are mostly ignored; for example, the association of microscope use for prolonged durations leading to the development of chronic pain syndromes has been acknowledged for nearly three decades, yet most pathologists are unaware about this hazard until after it transforms into a chronic health issue. The purpose of this study is to learn its prevalence in working pathologists, make them aware of the risks, discuss and encourage them to proactively integrate strategies which are preventive in nature into their daily routine lives.

Objective

The aim of the study was to analyze the level of risk, knowledge, awareness and biosafety measures taken by the pathologists in their routine daily work life.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted in a developing country, Northern India, using a standard online 50-item questionnaire enquiring about routine practices. 450 participants were enrolled consisting of 360 pathologists and 90 residents of pathology.

Results

Among the 450 enrolled study participants, 84.8% complained of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), with the neck being the commonest location of pain. Furthermore, 74.8% reported visual refractive errors, among which myopia took the highest place. Work injuries were reported in 60% of participants. Intolerance reactions to chemicals especially formaldehyde was observed in 63.1%. Depression and burnout were reported in 42%.

Conclusions

Although knowledge seems to be near adequate, there is a lack of implementation and a noticeable risk of health hazards namely musculoskeletal problems, injuries, visual disorders, and ergonomic issues in routine daily activities of pathologists.

Ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Mohs histotechs

Mohs histotechs are at high risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) due to repetitive motions, forceful exertions, and fixed postures required for their work. Psychosocial factors such as perceptions of pressure to achieve deadlines may exacerbate risk of occupational injury. To assess the prevalence of and risk factors for WRMSD in Mohs histotechs, an online survey was created using literature review, expert opinion, and two validated instruments (the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory) and distributed to Mohs histotechs. 88% of respondents reported musculoskeletal problems in 2 or more of the 9 body sites assessed in the past year. Standing during specimen processing was correlated with having neck pain and upper back pain, while sitting was protective against lower back pain. Individuals that felt that they could not take breaks or slow their pace of work were more likely to report pain at multiple body sites. Total pain scores were significantly lower in those reporting extensive ergonomic training. There is a high prevalence of WRMSD in Mohs histotechs. Addressing poor posture as well as psychosocial risk factors could further reduce injury.

Visual ergonomics, performance and the mediating role of eye discomfort: A structural equation modelling approach

The purpose of this study was to model the visual ergonomic factors affecting the performance in human computer interaction. A cross-sectional study using structural equation modelling was performed with a sample of 200 participants. The measuring instruments included Office Lighting Survey Questionnaire, performance assessment questionnaires, visual ergonomics assessment, and an eye discomfort assessment. The hypothetical model evaluated workplace lighting status and visual ergonomics as precursors, performance as the output, and eye discomfort as a mediator. The results showed that eye discomfort directly affected performance. Visual ergonomics also had a significant direct effect on eye discomfort. The final model suggested a significant new path between the quality of lighting and visual ergonomics. Also, the quality of lighting had an indirect effect on eye discomfort and performance, and the effect of visual ergonomics on performance was the same. Improving the lighting quality and visual ergonomics can reduce eye discomfort and increase performance.

Biomechanical Exposure to Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorder Risk Factors in Hospital Laboratories

Exposure to ergonomic risk factors has been reported for laboratory workers over decades. However, these exposures are not well characterized with respect to the type of laboratory or work organization. This study compared biomechanical exposure to upper extremity (UE) postures and hand activity levels (HALs) in general hospital laboratories by job, work, and laboratory type. The study used observational data gathered using a revised version of the Posture, Activity, Tools, and Handling (PATH) method, generating frequencies of categorized exposures. Eighteen workers were observed in 11 job titles (seven laboratories) in a single hospital by two investigators over a 7 month period. A taxonomy was constructed to categorize the extent to which the laboratory operations were automated. Overall, there were markedly high exposures to postural strain for the distal UE, especially wrist/forearm deviation (73% of observations), gross grasp (71%), and pinch grip (49%). For the HAL categories, 61% of the observations were in the moderate range (3.3–<6.7). Shoulders and elbows tended to remain in the neutral postural range. Posture frequencies were similar among the job categories studied and laboratory types. HAL was higher when the hand was in a pinch grip. Manual operations represented a higher proportion of work time than semi-automated or automated operations. Biomechanical exposure can be documented more extensively and diversely when using the revised PATH approach along with the taxonomy, with respect to exposure variables, such as the type of job, work, or organization in the industry including the hospital laboratories.

Evaluation of Newly Developed Easy-Open Assistive Devices for Pneumatic Tube System Carriers for the Reduction of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders may affect labor efficiency, cause disability, impair one's work ability, and lower one's quality of life. This consequently leads to a larger expenditure of medical resources. We aimed to design easy-to-open assistive devices for pneumatic tube systems to improve ergonomics and reduce musculoskeletal complaints of workers. We followed a design control process, including designs of motors, gears, sensors, and V-shaped connecting rods. Efficacy was evaluated by examining risks based on job strain index, user satisfaction, and musculoskeletal complaints of operators before and after the system's implementation on a Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. We designed three assistive devices: two semiautomatic and one automatic. Each semiautomatic device costs about 300 US dollars and required space of 10 × 18 × 38 cm³. The automatic device costs about 3000 US dollars and required space of 28 × 38 × 50 cm³. The job strain index score decreased from 36 (very high risk) to 3 (low risk) with the semiautomatic devices and to 0 with the automatic device. Musculoskeletal complaints in the neck and upper limbs were reduced, with a significantly higher satisfaction rate for female operators. Our novel design of an automatic cap opening device for a pneumatic tube system was effective in improving ergonomics and reducing musculoskeletal complaints.

Automated Device for Uncapping Multiple-Size Bioanalytical Sample Tubes Designed to Reduce Technician Strain and Increase Productivity

Technicians in a commercial laboratory manually uncap up to 700 sample tubes daily in preparation for bioanalytical testing. Manually twisting off sample tube caps not only is a time-consuming task, but also poses increased risk for muscle fatigue and repetitive-motion injuries. An automated device capable of uncapping sample tubes at a rate faster than the current workflow would be valuable for minimizing strain on technicians' hands and saving time. Although several commercial sample tube-uncapping products exist, they are not always usable for a workload that uses a mix of tube sizes and specific workflow. A functioning uncapping device was developed that can semi-automatically uncap sample tubes with three different heights and diameters and was compatible with the workflow in a commercial laboratory setting. Under limited testing, the average success rate with uncapping each of the three sample tube sizes or a mix of them was 90% or more, more than three times faster than manual uncapping, and met standard acceptance criteria using mass spectrometry. Our device with its current performance is still a prototype, requiring further development. It showed promise for ergonomic benefit to the laboratory technicians, however, reducing the necessity to manually unscrew caps.

Work-related musculoskeletal problems related to laboratory training in university medical science students: a cross sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Work-related musculoskeletal problems impact everyday function, working ability, and quality of life. Unaddressed musculoskeletal problems can lead to major injury and loss of function, contributing to participation restrictions, economic loss and the increasing burden of disease worldwide. Medical science laboratory technicians are not immune with reported work-related musculoskeletal problems between 40 and 80%. Similar data is not available for medical science students, who may be the most vulnerable at the beginning of their careers. This study investigated the prevalence, common sites, impact and potential solutions for work-related musculoskeletal problems in medical science students during their university laboratory training.

METHODS

A Standardised Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was administered to medical science students at a local university in Sydney, Australia, to evaluate the prevalence, site and impact of work-related musculoskeletal problems. Problems were defined as an ache, pain, discomfort or numbness in body regions within 12 months and last 7 days in this period. The questionnaire was administered between April and June 2017.

RESULTS

The response rate was 38.2% (n = 110/288). Over a third (n = 38/110) reported a laboratory related musculoskeletal problem in the last 12 months and just over a fifth (n = 24/110) within 7 days. The lower back (30% and 17%), neck (24% and 10%) and upper back (21% and 10%) were the most common sites of problems reported within a 12 month and 7 day period respectively. Problems reported in the lower back, neck and upper back prevented daily activities in the majority of cases (between 63 to 83%) with many seeking physician or health professional assistance (between 13 to 83%). Solutions suggested by respondents included better seating designs, rest periods and education about correct working posture.

CONCLUSIONS

Some medical science students during their laboratory training are already experiencing high levels of musculoskeletal problems, even before they enter the workforce. While the response rate was low affecting generalizability, the extent of problems limiting activity and needs to seek assistance of those reporting problems is of concern. Strategies are suggested to address ergonomic and postural training, as part of university curriculums, including the identification of problems for early intervention to facilitate sustainable workforces.

Carpal tunnel syndrome among laboratory technicians in relation to personal and ergonomic factors at work

OBJECTIVES

Work-related carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has been reported in different occupations, including laboratory technicians, so this study was carried out to determine the prevalence and the associated personal and ergonomic factors for CTS among laboratory technicians.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 279 laboratory technicians at King Fahd Hospital, Saudi Arabia, who filled in a self-administered questionnaire, including questions regarding their demographic criteria, occupational history, job tasks, workplace tools, ergonomic factors at work, and symptoms suggestive of CTS. Physical examinations and electrodiagnostic studies were carried out for those who had symptoms suggestive of CTS to confirm the diagnosis. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed for both personal and physical factors in association with confirmed CTS among laboratory technicians.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CTS among the laboratory technicians was 9.7% (27/279). The following were the statistically significant risk factors for CTS among them: gender (all cases of CTS were female, P=0.00), arm/hand exertion (OR: 7.96; 95% CI: 1.84-34.33), pipetting (OR: 7.27; 95% CI: 3.15-16.78), repetitive tasks (OR: 4.60; 95% CI: 1.39-15.70), using unadjustable chairs or desks (OR: 3.35; 95% CI: 1.23-9.15), and working with a biosafety cabinet (OR: 2.49; 95% CI: 1.11-5.59). CTS cases had significant longer work duration (17.9 ± 5.6 years) than CTS non-case (11.5 ± 7.4 yeas) with low OR (1.108).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates some personal and ergonomic factors associated with CTS among the laboratory technicians, including female gender, arm/hand exertion, pipetting, repetitive tasks, working with a biosafety cabinet, and an unadjusted workstation.

Reducing thumb extensor risk in laboratory rat gavage

Gavage is a common technique for orally administering compounds to small laboratory animals using a syringe. It involves highly repetitive thumb extensor exertions for filling the syringe, a risk factor for DeQuervain's tenosynovitis. As an intervention, a series of bench tests were performed varying fluid viscosity, syringe size and needle size to determine the forces required for drawing fluid. Forces up to 28 N were observed for a viscosity of 0.29 Pa s. A guide is presented to minimize thumb forces for a particular combination of syringe (3 mL, 5 mL and 10 mL), fluid viscosity (0.001 Pa s, 0.065 Pa s, 0.21 and 0.29 Pa s), and needle length (52 mm, 78 mm and 100 mm) based on maximum acceptable exertion levels. In general, a small syringe and large needle size had a greater number of acceptable rat gavages per day due to the lower forces experienced as compared to all other syringe and needle combinations.