Search Results (187)

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain one of the most persistent occupational health challenges in the U.S. construction industry, where physically demanding tasks such as heavy lifting, kneeling, and working in awkward postures contribute to elevated injury rates. This study aims to identify significant job-related determinants of MSDs in construction-sector occupations. By integrating publicly available datasets from the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) datasets, a stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted on 344 occupation-condition observations representing 86 construction occupations, yielding a final model that explained 49% of the variance. Ten significant predictors of MSD events were identified and classified as either risk amplifiers or mitigators. Amplifiers included factors such as exposure to noise, disease, hazardous conditions, and time pressure, all of which heightened MSD risk, while mitigators—such as reduced cramped-space exposure and regulated work environments—were associated with lower risk. MSDs resulting from sprains, strains, or tears accounted for 62.8% of all cases, frequently leading to days away from work (36.3%) or job restrictions (26.5%). The findings underscore that ergonomic risk in construction extends beyond physical strain to include scheduling, equipment design, and work organization. These results provide actionable insights for employers and safety professionals to redesign tools, optimize task rotation, and implement realistic work pacing strategies, ultimately reducing MSD incidence and improving productivity in this high-risk sector. Full article

To address the high incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) at manual edge-banding workstations in furniture factories, and in an effort to tackle the existing research challenges of poor cumulative risk quantification and inconsistent evaluations, this paper proposes a three-stage system for continuous, automated, non-invasive WMSD risk monitoring. First, MediaPipe 0.10.11 is used to extract 33 key joint coordinates, compute seven types of joint angles, and resolve missing joint data, ensuring biomechanical data integrity for subsequent analysis. Second, joint angles are converted into graded parameters via RULA, REBA, and OWAS criteria, enabling automatic calculation of posture risk scores and grades. Third, an Adaptive Pooling Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory Network (LSTM) dual-branch hybrid model based on the Efficient Channel Attention (ECA) mechanism is built, which takes nine-dimensional features as the input to predict expert-rated fatigue states. For validation, 32 experienced female workers performed manual edge-banding tasks, with smartphones capturing videos of the eight work steps to ensure authentic and representative data. The results show the following findings: (1) system ratings strongly correlate with expert evaluations, verifying its validity for posture risk assessment; (2) the hybrid model successfully captures the complex mapping of expert-derived fatigue patterns, outperforming standalone CNN and LSTM models in fatigue prediction—by integrating CNN-based spatial feature extraction and LSTM-based temporal analysis—and accurately maps fatigue indexes while generating intervention recommendations. This study addresses the limitations of traditional manual evaluations (e.g., subjectivity, poor temporal resolution, and inability to capture cumulative risk), providing an engineered solution for WMSD prevention at these workstations and serving as a technical reference for occupational health management in labor-intensive industries. Full article

It is imperative that society becomes aware of ergonomic risks, not only in an occupational place but also in everyday contexts where they can go unnoticed, such as the educational sector, and in the specific case of students. To identify this risk, an ergonomic assessment was conducted on students in Mexico during remote learning due to COVID-19. To this end, a survey was applied, and the ROSA (Rapid Office Strain Assessment) method was used. According to the survey results, the students reported adopting inappropriate postures during online classes and suffering from musculoskeletal pains. Furthermore, they showed a strong interest in learning about ergonomics and improving their postures. In addition, the application of the ROSA method yielded a significant result 60% of the evaluated students are at high or very high ergonomic risk. Regardless of their profession, ergonomics should be integrated as part of educational programs. This measure would help prevent musculoskeletal disorders once students transition into their respective work environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) experienced by employees are the cause of significant issues and costs for companies. At PNU, understanding of the risk factors contributing to this pain is limited, impeding the development of effective solutions. To address this, it is important to examine various factors such as sociodemographics, ergonomics, psychology, and job satisfaction. By investigating these factors, PNU can create targeted interventions to improve worker health and reduce musculoskeletal pain. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 female staff members at the health colleges of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Saudi Arabia, employing a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected from 20 December to 4 April 2024 using a standardized Google Forms questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using JMP software (version 14). Results: The results show a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among participants, with the analysis identifying several individual, ergonomic, and psychosocial risk factors that significantly correlated with reported pain, including prolonged sitting, poor posture, job stress, and low job satisfaction. Conclusions: Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent among staff members, with ergonomic and psychosocial factors playing a significant role. Interventions targeting these risk factors are essential to improving occupational health and staff productivity. Full article

In the context of the digital transition, office environments are increasingly shaped by flexibility, technological integration, and occupant-centered design. These transformations influence not only building operations but also the social dynamics and well-being of workers, thereby intersecting with the broader goals of socially sustainable design. To address this complexity, Building Management Systems (BMS) and Digital Twins must evolve from static automation to adaptive frameworks that recognize and respond to diverse workplace activities and social interactions. This study proposes a standardized taxonomy of office activities as a foundation for activity recognition and environment adaptation. A systematic literature review identified key activity categories and defining attributes, which were refined and validated through direct observations, diary logs, and semi-structured interviews in small, shared offices with open-plan workspaces. The resulting taxonomy comprises four main classes—Focused Work, Meetings, Shallow Work, and Resting—each defined by contextual attributes such as plannability, social interaction, number of participants, posture, modality, location, and duration. The framework supports the development of human-centric, situationally aware BMS capable of dynamically adjusting environmental conditions to promote comfort, well-being, and energy efficiency. By integrating user agendas and feedback, this approach contributes to more inclusive and socially sustainable work environments, aligning with the emerging paradigm of adaptive, human-oriented architecture. Full article

Professional truck drivers spend prolonged periods seated, often leading to discomfort and fatigue. Conventional seats are typically designed for average body dimensions rather than individual morphology, which limits their ability to provide optimal support. This study investigates whether 3D-printed personalized seat inserts, developed through an integrated digital workflow, can improve pressure distribution and perceived comfort compared with a standard truck seat. Sixteen participants completed the full workflow from body-data acquisition to comfort evaluation in a static truck buck. Unlike existing personalization approaches, the workflow explicitly incorporates occupational context and task-related posture constraints as design inputs, and validates a complete, reproducible end-to-end process combining vacuum cushion molding, 3D scanning, computational modelling, and large-format additive manufacturing. Pressure mapping and subjective comfort ratings were collected for both baseline and personalized conditions. The personalized inserts reduced mean pressure by 39% and peak pressure by 18%, while increasing contact area by 15%. Subjective comfort scores improved significantly across all regions, particularly in the buttock area, with participants describing firmer yet more stable support. Beyond these ergonomic outcomes, the study contributes a context-driven personalization method and demonstrates that geometric adaptation informed by real use conditions yields quantifiable comfort benefits in an occupational transport setting. Full article

Background: Prolonged standing is common in industrial environments and may induce functional adaptations in the foot and postural system. This study aimed to evaluate short-term changes in foot posture and plantar pressure distribution after a working day in assembly line workers. Methods: Forty participants (31 males, 9 females; mean age 44 ± 7 years; BMI 26.1 ± 3.6 kg/m²) performed standing tasks during an 8 h shift. Static baropodometric measurements and 3D foot scans were obtained before and after the workday to assess plantar pressure, contact area, and arch height. The Spanish versions of the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) and the Foot Function Index (FFI) were used to evaluate discomfort and functional status. Paired t-tests were applied, and correlations were analyzed (p < 0.05). Results: Left-foot arch height decreased significantly after the workday (mean change = 0.6 mm; p = 0.027). Both mean and peak plantar pressures declined (p < 0.001), along with moderate reductions in contact area (p ≤ 0.05). The center of pressure shifted mediolaterally, and discomfort was most frequent in the lower back, knees, and feet. A positive correlation was found between arch height reduction and FFI score (r = 0.349; p = 0.028). Conclusions: Prolonged standing was associated with measurable adaptations in foot posture and plantar pressure, possibly indicating short-term fatigue or compensatory postural adjustments. These results emphasize the importance of assessing plantar load and foot morphology as indicators of potential functional responses to sustained standing and as possible targets for ergonomic and rehabilitation strategies. Full article

Adults, on average, spend between 55% and 70% of their waking hours primarily in prolonged sitting, and such sedentary behavior has been associated with several health problems. Prolonged sitting postures during work hours are often mandated by the nature of the work task performed. Sit-to-stand workstations offer the benefit of transitioning from and between sitting to standing postures. However, most of the literature on sit-to-stand workstations is focused on generalized office workers, but different occupations have a whole different set of work-specific tasks that can inhibit the appropriate use of sit-to-stand workstations. Therefore, this narrative review aims to summarize various occupations that utilize or can utilize sit-to-stand workstations, including their nature of work tasks, the associated needs, benefits, pitfalls, and recommendations for improved workplace ergonomics. This narrative review summarizes important but less researched occupations such as emergency dispatchers, architects, customer support representatives, general practitioners, engineers, pharmacists, and laboratory research scientists, along with generalized office workers. The review will be of benefit to different health care professionals, work safety and ergonomic professionals, and individuals in each of the occupations discussed to better understand sit-to-stand workstations and their use to promote health and safety in the workplace. Full article

The increasing adoption of Digital Construction Management (DCM) has introduced new ergonomic risks for construction professionals who now spend extended hours on computers in dynamic and often suboptimal work environments. While existing ergonomic research in construction has documented musculoskeletal disorders among both manual workers and office-based personnel, these studies have significant limitations: they primarily rely on subjective assessment methods (questionnaires and surveys) without validated ergonomic tools, and lack biomechanical validation of observational findings. This study addresses this critical gap by integrating Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), and Digital Human Modeling (DHM) within a Six Sigma Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC) framework to evaluate and mitigate musculoskeletal risks among construction professionals. A sample of 160 participants across 5 construction firms was observed and assessed through ergonomic scoring, biomechanical stress modeling using HumanCAD^®, and follow-up interventions. The results revealed that 87.5% of participants reported musculoskeletal symptoms, with neck and back being the most affected regions. Post-intervention evaluations showed significant reductions in ergonomic risk scores (RULA: 34%, REBA: 33.3%) and symptom prevalence (up to 46% reduction in neck discomfort). This study provides a validated, scalable framework for ergonomic risk management in digital construction roles and offers actionable design and policy recommendations to enhance occupational health and productivity. Full article

Background: Chronic venous disease (CVD) substantially influences workers’ comfort, productivity, and capacity to remain employed, yet many occupational settings complicate the implementation of effective symptom management strategies. Temperature fluctuations, in particular, influence daily functioning: heat often worsens swelling, heaviness, pain, and fatigue, while cold may offer partial relief. This study examines how workplace thermal and organizational conditions affect adults with CVD, paying attention to the challenges they face in applying clinical recommendations. Methods: Fifty adults with CEAP C1–C6 disease were interviewed and observed in clinical settings. A qualitative descriptive approach was adopted to capture workers’ accounts rather than generate a new theory. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis within a qualitative descriptive framework. Results: Heat exposure consistently aggravated swelling, pain, and fatigue, whereas moderate cold often improved comfort and functional capacity. Participants highlighted numerous workplace barriers, including rigid schedules, restrictive uniforms, and difficulties maintaining compression in hot environments. Supportive supervisors, micro-breaks, access to hydration, and flexibility in posture facilitated better symptom control. Workers frequently described tensions between clinical advice and job demands, noting that instructions such as leg elevation or frequent breaks were often unrealistic in their occupational context. Conclusions: Aligning clinical guidance with workplace realities is essential for the well-being and long-term employability of individuals with CVD. Climate-sensitive and ergonomic job design represents an important strategy for supporting employees’ ability to manage symptoms and sustain productivity amid increasing thermal variability. Full article

The acquisition, processing, and monitoring of biomechanical variables in dynamic environments require sensor network architectures capable of handling high concurrency and large data volumes. This study aims to develop, validate, and deploy a robust asynchronous network architecture of Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.0 for real-time biomechanical signal acquisition, overcoming the range, speed, and stability limitations of prior implementations. A network of six IMUs was implemented, with communication managed by a hybrid Python 3.10–LabVIEW 2022 Q3 framework. This architecture ensures concurrent, asynchronous data acquisition while maintaining stable sensor interconnection through virtual port emulation. System evaluation demonstrated superior technical performance, exhibiting high acquisition efficiency (close to 100%) and data loss below ±2% across 75 assessments per sensor. These assessments were obtained by evaluating the posture of 25 participants during three postural experiments, with a maximum indoor range of 40 m and an outdoor range of 105 m, validating the system’s scalability and robustness for motion capture. The approach was applied in a case study using a Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) to assess the upper limb via the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method. The system successfully quantified the temporal distribution of injury risk bilaterally, overcoming the limitations of observational methods and providing objective metrics crucial for occupational health in seated tasks. Full article

Background: Varicose veins (VVs) are a chronic venous condition that can negatively affect mobility, psychosocial health, and occupational function, especially in professions involving prolonged standing or sitting. Teaching professionals are particularly at risk due to static postural demands and limited workplace ergonomic support. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of VVs among teaching professionals in Saudi Arabia and assess their impact on quality of life (QoL) and job performance. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted employing a stratified convenience sampling strategy among 400 school and university educators across different regions of Saudi Arabia. Data collection took place over four months, from mid-January to end-April 2025. Data were collected through a validated self-administered online questionnaire comprising demographic information and three standardized tools: The Arabic version of the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ), the World Health Organization Quality of Life–BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), and Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ). Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square, and correlation were used for analysis. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (IRB Log Number: 25-0008). Results: The prevalence of VVs was 18.8%. Male gender, prolonged static postures, and obesity were significantly associated with higher VV rates (p < 0.05). Logistic regression identified gender as the only independent predictor of VV presence (p < 0.001). Participants with VVs reported significantly lower QoL across all WHOQOL domains and reduced work performance scores. Two-way ANOVA showed a significant main effect of gender on work performance (p = 0.002), while VV status and occupation showed no significant interaction effects. VV severity was negatively correlated with job performance (r = −0.138, p = 0.006), while QoL positively correlated with performance (r = 0.149, p = 0.003). University faculty demonstrated significantly higher VV severity than schoolteachers (p = 0.013). Conclusions: It is concluded that the prevalence of varicose veins among teaching professionals in Saudi Arabia is associated with significantly lower quality of life and reduced work performance, highlighting the occupational impact of the condition. Preventive workplace interventions and further longitudinal research are recommended to confirm and expand these findings. Full article

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and psychological stress remain major occupational health challenges among teaching professionals in adult education, yet their interconnected causes are often underexplored. This narrative review aims to identify multifactorial risk factors that contribute to these conditions and to propose a comprehensive framework that enhances understanding of teaching professionals’ well-being. A systematic synthesis of recent epidemiological and occupational health studies was conducted to analyse both immediate and underlying determinants across human, workplace, organisational, and socioeconomic dimensions. The findings reveal that more than two-thirds of teaching professionals experience WMSDs, particularly in the neck and lower back, while psychological stress affects over seventy percent globally. The combined effects of poor ergonomics, prolonged static postures, excessive workload, and limited organisational support contribute significantly to both physical and psychological strain. Broader contextual influences such as job insecurity, insufficient institutional resources, and societal undervaluation further intensify these risks. The review identifies a reciprocal relationship between physical discomfort and psychological distress, where each condition amplifies the other through behavioural and physiological mechanisms. The proposed integrative framework establishes a foundation for targeted interventions and evidence-based policy, promoting a shift toward holistic, system-oriented approaches to occupational health for teaching professionals in professional education settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Reports detailing rehabilitative interventions for infants with severe dermatologic disorders are scarce. Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a genetic disorder characterized by skin fragility, which causes blistering after minor trauma. Since there is still no cure in general clinics, symptomatic treatment and developmental support are essential for managing the condition. While physiotherapy and occupational therapy guidelines for EB exist, descriptions of neonatal habilitation/rehabilitation are insufficient. Case: This case report describes the longitudinal habilitation/rehabilitation intervention process for a newborn with Dowling–Meara EB, the most severe form, from admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) until discharge. Since maneuvers requiring contact were strictly limited due to skin vulnerability, rehabilitation interventions were implemented utilizing the opportunity afforded by necessary care. Intervention strategies were modified according to developmental stages and skin stability, with a particular emphasis on sensory development, postural control training, and fostering the mother–child relationship. This report is the first to describe the applicability of sensory rehabilitation and the use of behavioral cues to facilitate voluntary movements. In addition, careful respiratory rehabilitation was implemented for comorbid tracheomalacia with specific attention to skin vulnerability. The child achieved stable head/neck control, symmetrical limb movements, reaching, guided rolling, and stable oxygenation by the time of discharge. Conclusions: Balancing skin disorder prevention and motor–neural development requires flexible approaches that minimize contact while utilizing routine care as a training opportunity. Our experience will contribute to the progress in the habilitation, wound rehabilitation and respiratory rehabilitation of infants with severe dermatologic disorders. Full article

Electronics manufacturing workers engaged in material handling are susceptible to occupational back pain. This cross-sectional study aimed to develop a semi-quantitative risk assessment matrix and evaluate ergonomic risk factors contributing to back pain among workers in this industry. A total of 354 electronics assembly workers participated in the study. Data collection involved the use of the Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Severity and Frequency Questionnaire (MSFQ), the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and workstation lighting intensity measurements. The risk assessment matrix for back pain prediction was applied, and associated factors were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Results indicated that lighting intensity at 76.52% of inspection stations was below the standard requirements. Furthermore, 57.63% of workstations exhibited high- to very high-risk postures, necessitating ergonomic intervention. The risk matrix predicted that 62.44% of workers were at moderate to very high risk of occupational back pain. Statistical analysis identified manual lifting (OR_adj = 2.48; 95% CI = 1.13–5.44), shift work (OR_adj = 2.21; 95% CI = 1.11–4.40), and inappropriate workstation design (OR_adj = 3.45; 95% CI = 1.42–8.42) as significant contributors to elevated back pain risk. These findings underscore the importance of ergonomic interventions and the application of a semi-quantitative risk assessment matrix for the prevention of occupational back pain in industrial workers. Full article