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Volume 2, Issue 1 (fall&winter(number 3&4) 2005)
Volume 10, Issue 3 (9-2013)
Background and Aims : industrial development and application of new methods to improve production resulted human errors to be considered more seriously. With this intention, the use of human error identification techniques followed by application of remedy to analysis human errors and decrease of their occurrence probability and criticality became main discussion of scientific and industrial meetings. In addition it can be noticed that by different techniques, human error identification, evaluation and control are performed by better precision and this three-step process is the purpose of this study.
Methods: In this descriptive epidemiological study by using both methods of SHERPA and HET human errors has been detected in the Ancoiler device control room of number 3 factory of Ahwaz Pipe Mill . This study is conducted with the application of two techniques in order to obtain two viewpoints for human error identification. With this intention work sheets of two techniques were completed followed by interview with Ancoiler operator and construction director and factory director.
Results: The most occurred and likely to occur errors in this unit are related to operating errors occurred at different levels of forgetfulness, poor effort, and mistiming the task.
Conclusion: In the control unit the high percentage of errors is allocated to action error. Further the application of two complementary techniques simultaneously can assist to identify errors greatly.
Volume 11, Issue 3 (9-2014)
Background and aims : Musculoskeletal disorders are common among nursing personnel e pidemiological studies have demonstrated the highest prevalence of back pain among nursing assistants. The aim of this study was to continuously monitor lumbar sagittal and frontal postures of nursing assistants in a hospital of Khuzestan province.
Methods : The study population consisted of sixty nursing assistants working in different departments of the hospital. Nordic musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire (NMQ) was used to determine the prevalence of low back pain of workers in 2012. A portable triaxial inclinometer electronic device was used for continuous monitoring of postures of back in nursing assistants. Sampling time was 2 hours determined with a frequency of 7.6 Hz. The percentage average of natural and extreme postures in different parts of the hospital were compared by table analysis of variance . The logistic regression was used to relate the survey of awkward and natural postures in relation to the back pain .
Results: The results showed that the prevalence of low back pain among nursing assistants was 60 % in last year. The highest and lowest percentages of extreme postures in flexion / extension (over 20 °) obtained in the internal department (85.6 %) and female surgery department (13.1 %), respectively. The poor postures in the lateral bend (more than 20 °) obtained in the orthopaedic department (68.4 %) and male surgery department (7.9 %).
Conclusion: The present study indicated that using electronic inclinometer is able to record continuous monitoring of trunk postures in sagittal and frontal planes. It could also be employed with high care without interfering with individual activities for assessing the risk of back injuries. Likewise, awkward postures can be a high risk factor for nursing assistants in causing low back pain while working , which requires for ergonomic interference to diminish physical workload.
Volume 11, Issue 6 (12-2014)
Background and aims: Interface analysis methods are used to assess the man-machine interface of a particular system, product or device. Interface analysis methods can be used to assess a number of different aspects associated with a particular interface, including usability and user satisfaction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the usability level of gas chromatographs that are being used in the laboratory of a petrochemical company.
Methods: In this article, the usability of two gas chromatography systems was evaluated by laboratory experts who work with these devices and respect to ISO9241-11 in which the usability is considered along three dimensions: effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction. The participants' satisfaction assessed using John Brooke's (1996) "System Usability Scale" questionnaire. SPSS 16.0 was used in the analysis of the data.
Results: The findings of this study demonstrated that both of the systems have acceptable levels of effectiveness and efficiency. Regarding the participants' satisfaction level, system 2 got higher score in compare with system 1. The results indicated that the participants' satisfaction scores are directly related to their work experiences with the systems.
Conclusion: To assess the usability of a particular interface it is necessary to either make a comparison with another product or to define a target against which to make a judgment. The 10-item System Usability Scale (SUS) is a fast and reliable method to assess the usability.
Volume 12, Issue 2 (6-2015)
Background and aims: Epidemiological studies have shown a significant correlation between awkward back posture and low back pain among carpet weavers. Therefore, this study aims for estimating cumulative compression load among carpet weavers during a shift work.
Methods: In this study, the awkward back postures of 4 male and 9 female carpet weavers were monitored, using electronic inclinometer for 4 hours. The level of cumulative compression load for a 8-hour shift was calculated.
Results: The highest compression load exerted on L4/L5 was due to the compacting and knotting subtasks. The maximum, cumulative compression load was related to the subtask of weaving. The levels of cumulative compression load during a shift work in male and female groups were estimated equal to 21.8 and 13.13MN-S, respectively.
Conclusion: Results showed that although the level of compression load in both gender groups is lower than the recommended limit, the level of cumulative compression load in males is higher than in females. Therefore, results from different studies show that the estimation of compression load, per se, does not suggest the existence of physical stresses on the low back. In addition, the estimation of daily commutative compression can be an important index in predicting occupational low back pain
Volume 13, Issue 1 (4-2016)
Background and aims: Skin cancer is the most common cancers. Repeated exposure to sunlight causes high levels of cancer and climate change including changes in the ozone layer along with changes in personal and social habits. Given the importance of farmers' health and increase their skin cancer, the study aimed to determine the factors preventing skin cancer in farmers city Tuyserkan on protection motivation theory was done in 2014.
Method: In this cross-sectional study, 200 peasant farmers from 18 to 60 years, Tuyserkan city where the sun had Using a cluster of four health centers and rural health houses Were selected. Using a questionnaire, which was based on protection motivation theory, Collected through interviews with farmers and were analyzed using SPSS 21.
Results: Farmers who use sunscreen, hats, gloves and clothing worn used Respectively, 31.5, 53.5, 3, and 65%. and 81% of farmers do not use eyeglasses. Among Agricultural work experience and average score reward structures and perceived severity a significant correlation was found. Also Between preventive behaviors and the mean score of the fear structure, intensity and reward and motivation, perceived protection there was a significant correlation.
Conclusion: With regard to the theory solidarity structures associated with the use of means of protection against the sun's rays, Education and health promotion programs designed to increase the incentives for farmers to use the theory of protection is emphasized.
Volume 14, Issue 2 (6-2017)
Background and aims: health literacy leads to gain capacities and necessary perception of health information and services to individuals, so that, they can take health decisions. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the workers' Health literacy in one of the Iran Khodro's piece making factory in 2015.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 157 workers of Mehrcam Pars Company in 2015 were selected using appropriate stratified random method in each workshop. Then through simple random sampling, subjects were enrolled. Questionnaire was completed by self-reporting through workers. To collect the data, Iranian adult health literacy questionnaire (HELIA) was used. Data were analyzed using the SPSS21 software.
Results: The subjects, in terms of access to health information, 79% had poor access, 56.1% had poor reading skills. In terms of understanding, 77.1% weren’t in a good condition. In the evaluation, on average, half of those hadn’t adequate health literacy level and were not long enough (22.9% and 20.4% respectively). In the use of health information, 61.8% had insufficient levels of health literacy. Understanding and evaluating has a direct effect on the mean score of information.So that, the understanding and evaluating were the appropriate predictive to apply health information.
Conclusion: Overall, the health literacy was inappropriate in individuals. This issue shows the more attention to health literacy in educational and interventional programs. It is necessary for this purpose, it is necessary to design and apply comprehensive program, media, and simple and understandable educational materials.
Volume 14, Issue 6 (3-2018)
Background and aims: Iranian lifting guidelines are used as a risk assessment tool to prevent back pain in various industries. It is believed that the tools and methods used for the assessment should be simple and yet accurate.Given that this guideline adopted the American Conference of Governmental Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit values (TLVs) for lifting as allowable load limits and the accuracy of the allowable weight values has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of trunk angle and anthropometric dimensions on the accuracy of the allowable weight limits.
Methods: In this study, 15 workers who had experience in manual handling were asked to perform lifting tasks in accordance with the Iranian guidelines. The subjects’ anthropometric and trunk inclination angles were recorded using a triaxial accelerometer (inclinometer) for each task, and the compressive forces were estimated using 3DSSPP and then compared with NIOSH’s recommended limits (3400N).
Results:The results showed that among 25 tasks, the mean trunk angle of 13 tasks was between 90 and 130 degrees.
Statistically, considering a standard deviation above the determined mean, the average compressive forces estimated for 9 tasks were greater than NIOSH recommendation (3400).
Conclusion: In most tasks, vertical height and horizontal distance of external loads from the body leads to awkward postures that can be the main reasons for increased compressive force. Lack adaption some anthropometric measurements result in increased mechanical loads on the back. Therefore, it seems that the limit values for Iranian lifting guideline are not sufficiently accurate to assess the risk of back injuries and needs to be reviewed.
Volume 16, Issue 1 (4-2019)
Methods: This study was conducted in two steps. 1) Evaluation of noise pollution in the compressor room and its surrounding: For this purpose, total sound pressure level (SPL) and SPLpeak were measured in the places where workers worked or were traveled. The parameters were measured in the mentioned places according to a grid pattern in both the compressor turn on/off. Because the workers exposed to a noise fluctuating, in addition to SPL analysis on the octave-band frequencies to determine critical frequency when the compressor was switched on, the value of Leq was also measured. The critical frequency is very important in noise control issues. The measurements were performed by using sound level meter, model of “B&K 2231.” The apparatus was calibrated before and after measurements by using “B&K 4230 calibrator.” 2) Noise control measurements: After identifying noise leakage paths to outside of the compressor room, noise was controlled in door, wall-fans and roof window area through installing a silencer on the wall-fans and redesigning the door and the roof window using the previous step data.
Results: Inside the compressor room, the total sound pressure level and the critical frequency was estimated 106.2 dB (A) and of 250 Hz in the Lin network, respectively. The total sound pressure level in the area around the compressor and the critical frequency were also estimated 94.3 dB (A) and 2000 Hz respectively. Moreover, the value of Leq was more than the threshold value (<85 dB) at all measured stations. In order to control the noise in the area of the fans, considering the noise assessment and the critical frequency, there was used an absorption silencer with glass wool as adsorbent material. To control noise at the door and roof window, there was designed and installed a steel door with dimensions of 3.9 * 2.13 meter and thickness of 1.5 mm which was filled by a noise-adsorbent 40 mm of glass wool and attached to a metal grid. Moreover, to control noise in the roof window was applied a structure with the same specifications, but with the different dimensions (4.2 * 4.2 m and 7 mm mesh diameter). However, the results related to before and after implementation of the control measurements showed an acceptable attenuation in the SPL (91.8%). The average SPL before and after implementation of the control measurements was 95 and 87.2 dBA, respectively which this value was an acceptable level in comparison with background noise, i.e., 86.4 dBA. On the other hand, The slight difference between the mean value of the background sound pressure level and the average of controlled sound pressure level (0.8 dB) is due to factors such as temperature, variations in sound at different positions, generated noise sources (off or on and so no) and the movement of fluids in the pipes and so on.
Conclusion: The results of the field study indicated that door, window and roof window were identified as the main paths of noise leakage to outside of the compressor room. Therefore, the implementation of the control measurements could be reduced to an acceptable level, but due to high background noise level even after the implementation of the control measurements, the noise level was less higher than the maximum permissible level (85 dB). Therefore, there were presented a few recommendations such as controlling the other sources of noise (e.g. moving fluid through pipes), utilizing the hearing protection devices and how to choose them properly to reduce background noise and the protection of workers against noise.
Volume 17, Issue 1 (5-2020)
Background and aims: Back pain among construction workers has a high prevalence compared to other jobs. Based on qualitative studies, numerous risk factors are involved in the development of back pain. The present study was conducted to evaluate prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and the compressions loads on back based on surface electromyography in construction workers.
Methods: This study was conducted on 30 workers of various professions of building construction (rod busters, mason, stonemason, and manual material handling workers) in ahvaz city, Iran. In order to estimate the compression loads on the back, the surface electromyography technique was used, processing signals were determined using MATLAB software and analysis and interpretation of data were determined based on amplitude probability distribution function. The covariance analysis test was used to compare the compressive loads on the low back (L4/L5) as well as the exposure time between different occupational groups.
Results: The highest and lowest mean of compression pressure (50th percentile) was estimated among the manual material handling workers and masons, respectively.
There was a significant difference between the compressive loads on the back among different occupational groups(p <0.05).Stonemasonry workers and manual material handling workers bear more than 3400 N compression load in their low back between 25% and 30% of the exposure time. Stonemasonry workers and manual material handling workers had significantly more exposure time to compression loads over 3400 N, compared to the armature assemblers (p <0.05).
Conclusion: The biomechanical evaluation results of this study showed that the compression load on the back of the workers in various construction jobs was high, especially among manual material handling workers and in comparison with the threshold limit, some jobs are in exposure to many risk factors due to their nature. In general, according to the findings, it seems that with the implementation of administrative (reducing the work time and rotate the tasks of lifting and carrying) and engineering controls (use of proper mechanical devices and maintenance of transport equipment), the risk factors contributing to the development of back disorders can be controlled.
Volume 17, Issue 1 (5-2020)
Methods: The following cross sectional study was conducted among 692 male workers of a petrochemical company in south-west Iran. All participants had at least one-year work experience without any history of congenital disease, heart failure, kidney problem or hypertension. Stratified random sampling method was used to select participants. The procedure and aims of the study were explained to the participants and they were assured that their personal information will be kept confidential. Also all participants signed an informed written consent form prior to their participation. A data was collected by a two-part questionnaire in this study. The first part was focused on demographic information (age, marital status, education, and smoking status) and included questions on inclusion and exclusion criteria, the second part collected anthropometric information (height, weight, and waist circumference), blood pressure, and the parameters obtained through performing blood tests and BMI values (BMI obtained through dividing body weight in kilograms by height in meters squared). Based on criteria defined by World Health Organization, the BMI values were classified into four groups: less than 18.5 (underweight), 18.5-24.9 (normal range), 25-29.9 (overweight), and higher than 30 (obese). Since few participants had BMI values lower than 18.5, the BMI values of underweight participants and the BMI values in the normal range were categorized into one group. The participant's blood pressure was measured by a standard mercury manometer. Each participant’s blood pressure was measured twice in a sitting position on the right arm, with a 5-minute rest between the two
measurements, also each participant was asked to sit down for at least five minutes and then their
blood pressure was measured. The first part of the questionnaire was answered by the participants, then their anthropomorphic information and their blood pressure were measured by a researcher. After that they were asked to visit the laboratory to have their blood samples taken (after fasting for 12-14 hours). Three markers from the blood sample tests were recorded: fasting blood sugar, triglycerides and HDL-C. After blood samples were taken, tests to measure fasting plasma glucose and triglycerides levels were carried out using the enzymatic colorimetric method, employing Pars Azmoon standard kits. HDL cholesterol tests were performed employing the antibody-enzyme method and using Pars Azmoon standard kits. Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) method was used to diagnose MetS in the study population. MetS was diagnosed based on abdominal obesity, increased blood pressure, increased triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol level, and increased fasting blood sugar. Based on the ATP III method the copresence of at least three of the following indicators is considered diagnostic for MetS: waist circumference ≥ 102 cm in men and ≥ 88 cm in women, triglycerides level ≥ 150 mg/dl, HDL level ≤40mg/dl in men and ≤50 mg/dl in women, systolic blood pressure ≥130.85 mm Hg, diastolic pressure ≥85 mm Hg and fasting blood sugar ≥ 100mg/dl. Using SPSS version 24, descriptive statistics were analyzed. Mean, percentage, range and standard deviation were calculated. In order to determine correlation between MetS and its factors with shift work odds ratio (ORs) for the MetS, 95% confidence level (95% CL), chi-square test, Spearman correlation test and logistic regression analysis were performed. To assess the effect of shift work on NCEP ATP III factors and demographic factors, independent samples t test and Cramer's V were implemented. The level of statistical significance for p-value was set at <0.05.
.
Results: The findings show that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 15.1%, elevated waist circumference 27.3%, high-density lipoprotein deficiency 71.6%, elevated triglycerides 49.5%, hypertension 34.1%, elevated cholesterol 37.8 % and elevated fasting plasma glucose 13.4%.
The correlation tests for demographic factors and metabolic syndrome indicate relationships between metabolic syndrome and each of the factors: age, hypertension, body mass index, shift work and high-density lipoprotein deficiency. So that metabolic syndrome had a moderate relationship with hypertension, body mass index and shift work (s=0.316, s= 0.371, and s=0.452 respectively) and while, the extent of this relation for age and high-density lipoprotein deficiency were small (s= 0.18 and, s= 0.15), other demographic factors, namely, marriage status, being a smoker, and education level found to be unrelated with metabolic syndrome (P>0.05).
A significant difference between mean values of body mass index, high-density lipoprotein, shift work, waist circumference, triglycerides, blood pressure and plasma glucose was identified among people diagnosed with metabolic syndrome and healthy individuals (p<0.001).
The probability of metabolic syndrome occurrence found to be affected by blood pressure with OR=3.12 (C.I. 95% = 4.1 – 2.37), body mass index with OR=1.301 (C.I. 95% =1.38 – 1.22), age with OR=1.09 (C.I. 95% =1.088 – 1.031), high-density lipoprotein deficiency with OR=1.015 (C.I. 95% =1.01 – 1.019), fasting plasma glucose with OR=2.78 (C.I. 95% =1.786 – 4.343), waist circumference with OR=9.830 (C.I. 95% =6.105 – 15.829), shift work with OR=7.309 (C.I. 95% =4.249 – 12.290), and triglyceride with OR=1.009 (C.I. 95% = 1.006-1.011), which results in increases in Odds Ratio (95% Confidence Interval).
Conclusion: Due to high metabolic syndrome prevalence and abnormal levels of waist circumference, triglyceride, blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein, body mass index, and fasting plasma glucose, as well as, the significant relationship between syndrome prevalence and age, body mass index, and shift work, raising awareness to change work conditions in order to live a healthy lifestyle and controlling demographic factors related with metabolic syndrome might reduce the consequences of metabolic syndrome and promote the overall health of people.
Volume 20, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Background and aims: The work ability index based on a person 's health statuse predicts the ability to continue working now and in near feature. proper assessment of work ability in covid 19 recoveries is important for both patients and employers and its enhancement leads to the efficiency of human resourses in industries and organizations. The working staff’s efficiency is a matter of their work ability. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the present study aimed to explore the relationship between the work ability of patients recovering from Covid-19 and the severity of their disease.
Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 404 Covid-19 survivors who referred to the specialized medical work center in Mashhad University of medical sciences to apply for the job. The required data were collected using the Work Ability Index (WAI). The severity of disease was categorized as either inpatient or outpatient.
Results: Among the total number of participants, there were 41 (10.1%) inpatients and 363 (89.9%) outpatients. The work ability of 4 participants (1%) was low, 303 (75%) moderate and 96 participants (23.8%) as high and 1 (0.2%) as very high. The mean work ability of Covid-19 inpatients was 35.24±2.85 and that of outpatients was 34.73±2.66. The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (p=0.25).
Conclusion: in the light of the present findings it can be concluded that the severity of disease did not affect the work ability of Covid-19 patients. The mean work ability of the two groups was moderate. However, the findings showed that Covid-19 infection affected the staff’s work ability. Thus, it is essential to pay adequate attention to the more at-risk staff.
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