Ergonomic Interventions Reducing Upper Limb Disorders in Office Workers Research Proposal Answer

Introduction

Upper limb disorders (ULDs) are defined as pain, tension, aches and disorders which involve several musculoskeletal conditions which affect the forearm, elbow, hand, shoulder and wrist (Health and Safety Executive . n.d.). ULDs comprise problems with the ligaments, muscles, tendons and tissues. It also affects the circulatory and nerve supply to the limbs. ULDs are one of the major factors which have worsened the working days lost in the organisation. In the United Kingdom, work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) are a common cause of working days loss (Morganmaxwell, 2020). Ergonomics is defined as the interactions among the workers and various other elements in the working environment which encompasses organisational, physical and cognitive elements (Hoe et al. 2018). The main goal of ergonomics is to prevent MSDs and soft tissue injuries which are caused due to sustained or sudden exposure to vibration, awkward posture, force or any repetitive motion (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2018). Ergonomics interventions are useful in decreasing the incidences of MSDs. The physical ergonomics interventions focus on improving the environment and equipment of the workplace. It helps in reducing the physical strain on the musculoskeletal system which will eventually decrease the risk of injury (Hoe et al. 2018). The research proposal will focus on upper limb disorders and their causes along with the ergonomic interventions and their type which help to reduce ULDs.

Upper Limb Disorders

Definition of Upper limb disorders (ULDs)

Upper limb disorders, also known as upper extremity disorders or upper limb musculoskeletal disorders, are a set of medical illnesses that affect the upper body, specifically the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, and fingers (Institute of Occupational Medicine. n.d.). These conditions can be brought on by a wide range of circumstances, such as engaging in awkward postures, doing strenuous activities, using excessive force, or suffering direct injuries. ULDs are a specific group of musculoskeletal disorders which affect the neck and arms. ULDs include pain and tension in the shoulder, neck and fingers. ULDs such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), tennis elbow and tenosynovitis affect the upper limb and previously they were known as Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI). ULDs are not mandatory caused by work like CTS is also caused due to imbalance in the hormone (Institute of Occupational Medicine. n.d.). In the study conducted by Leifer et al. 2019 work-related musculoskeletal diseases are the most common factor for occupational health concerns in the UK and are responsible for 40% of sickness absences. In the UK it has been observed that the prevalence of WRULDs is among 700 per 100000 employees. The authors surveyed the members of the Association of Anaesthetists and found that a third of respondents have been diagnosed with ULDs.

Causes of upper Limb Disorders

Disorders of the upper limb are frequently associated with activities that are performed in the workplace, particularly those that entail repetitive motions, extended durations of awkward postures, and strenuous exertions. Upper limb diseases can result from jobs requiring repeated movements of the upper limbs, such as typing, assembly line labour, and utilising hand-held tools. The muscles, tendons, and nerves of the upper limbs are strained by repetitive actions, which can result in diseases such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and bursitis. Long-term uncomfortable posture holding might cause problems with the upper limbs. Jobs involving reaching overhead, twisting the arm, or bending the wrist can place stress on the muscles and tendons in the upper limbs, which can result in disorders including trigger finger, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff injuries (HSE. 2020). WRULDs can result from jobs that demand strenuous exertion, such as heavy lifting, tugging, and pushing. The muscles and tendons in the upper limbs are put under stress by vigorous activity, which can result in illnesses including shoulder impingement syndrome, tendinitis, and epicondylitis. ULDscan results from jobs that require a lot of vibration, including operating power tools or operating large machinery. Carpal tunnel syndrome, hand-arm vibration syndrome, and Raynaud's illness are a few disorders that can be brought on by vibrations to the muscles and nerves in the upper limbs. It can also be caused by improperly designed workstations and instruments. Chairs, desks, and computer monitors that are not properly adjusted can cause bad posture and uncomfortable positions that can result in wrist and hand injuries as well as conditions like neck and shoulder pain (Stoyneva et al. 2020).

Other factors that may have an influence on WRULDs

Individual characteristics that may affect the likelihood of having upper limb problems include age, gender, and general health. These problems are more likely to affect older employees, women, and people with pre-existing illnesses like diabetes or arthritis. Work unhappiness and a lack of social support are all psychosocial factors that might play a role in the emergence of upper limb illnesses (Alvi et al. 2016). These elements may lead to illnesses like tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome by increasing strain and stress in the muscles and tendons of the upper limbs. Smoking, poor nutrition, and inactivity can all have an impact on the development of upper limb diseases. These elements may weaken the tendons and muscles in the upper limbs, increasing the risk of injury. The onset of upper limb problems can also be influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and lighting (Petreanu and Seracin. 2017).

Ergonomic Interventions

The goal of ergonomic treatments is to lower the risk of work-related musculoskeletal ailments, particularly upper limb disorders, by making adjustments to the workplace environment or work procedures. Ergonomic workplace adjustments are one of the best ways to lower the risk of upper limb illnesses. This can involve modifying work surfaces' height and angle to prevent awkward postures, as well as adjusting chairs, workstations, and computer monitors to promote good posture. Employers can also include ergonomic tools like movable keyboards and mice to lessen the strain on the arms and hands when using computers. Padded armrests, wrist supports, and ergonomic tools intended to lessen force and vibration are additional examples of ergonomic equipment (Jahangiri et al. 2015). Workers can lower the risk of damage by identifying ergonomic risk factors and learning how to modify workstations and work practices through training and education programmes. Employers can also minimise the amount of force needed to complete jobs by utilising products and equipment that are made to do just that. This can involve employing power tools with ergonomic handles, using lifting aids like dollies and hand trucks, and lightening the load that employees must carry when handling materials or goods (OSHA. n.d.).

The study conducted by Sultan-Taieb et al. 2017 conducted a systematic analysis of 15 studies that assess the financial effects of ergonomic changes at the organisational level. The reviews' investigations, which included a variety of industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, were carried out between 1995 and 2015. The incidence of WMSDs was found to be decreased by ergonomic measures, which also enhanced worker productivity and health. The cost-effectiveness of these interventions was demonstrated by the economic analyses, with the majority of research revealing a favourable return on investment (ROI). The authors concluded that ergonomic interventions can be useful in WMSD prevention and worker health and productivity enhancement. They suggested that future analyses of the economic impact of ergonomic interventions take into account a longer follow-up time, a wider range of costs and benefits, as well as indirect costs like absenteeism and presenteeism. Another study conducted by Mulimani et al. 2018 focused on six randomised controlled studies that examined various ergonomic interventions, including education and training programmes, adaptable furniture and tools, and ergonomic exercises, which were included in the review. The research was carried out in several nations, including Australia, the US, and India. The risk of MSDs among dental care professionals was found to be significantly reduced by the authors' ergonomic measures. In particular, they discovered that interventions like ergonomic exercises, adjustable chairs, and training and education programmes were successful in lowering the prevalence of MSDs and improving practitioners' work-related outcomes, such as pain and discomfort. The studies' shortcomings, such as their small sample sizes and brief follow-up times, were also mentioned by the authors. They also discovered that the evaluation of ergonomic interventions in the dental care context lacked standardised metrics.

Types of Ergonomic Interventions

Ergonomic treatments aim to reduce the risk of MSDs, enhance worker health, and increase productivity by enhancing the fit between employees and their working surroundings. The practice of adapting tools and equipment to a worker's body to lessen physical strain is known as equipment modification. For instance, vibration dampening can be added to power tools to lessen hand-arm vibration syndrome or the handles of tools can be changed to reduce grip force. Redesigning a workstation entails changing the physical arrangement of the workspace, including the positioning of furniture and equipment, to better suit the worker. This can entail changing the position of computer monitors, offering adjustable chairs and footrests, and modifying the height of work surfaces (Esmaeili et al. 2023). To reduce physical stress and enhance worker health and safety, control over administration requires modifying work practises and regulations. To decrease the length and intensity of repeated motions, for instance, schedule rest breaks or rotate job duties. Workers need to be informed about ergonomic best practices and receive training in these areas as part of education and training. This could involve instruction in safe lifting practices, workstation setup, and stretching routines. Gloves, wrist supports, and back belts are a few examples of personal protective equipment (PPE) that employees can use to protect themselves from physical stress and lower their chance of developing MSDs (Hoe at al. 2018).

Scope of the Study

The research proposal would identify and evaluate ergonomic interventions that prevent upper limb disorders in office workers. The investigation would likely review randomised controlled trials and other relevant studies on ergonomic treatments and office worker upper limb diseases. Upper limb problem risk factors including uncomfortable postures, repeated actions, and extended static loading will be addressed. Workstation redesign, equipment modification, administrative controls, personal protective equipment, education and training, and ergonomic assessments would be tested. The scope would also examine how these interventions affect worker outcomes including pain, discomfort, productivity, and job satisfaction. The study would presumably focus on office employees and upper limb problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and shoulder impingement. Data entry, typing, and administrative support jobs may be included. The study's goal was to determine the most effective ergonomic therapies and their effects on office workers' upper limb diseases (Elbert et al. 2018). The study's findings could be used to build evidence-based office upper limb disorder prevention and worker health and safety programmes.

References

Alavi, S. S., Abbasi, M., and Mehrdad, R. 2016. Risk Factors for Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Office Workers in Qom Province, Iran. Iranian Red Crescent medical journal, 18(10), e29518. https://doi.org/10.5812/ircmj.29518

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2018. Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics/default.html#:~:text=The%20goal%20of%20ergonomics%20

Elbert, K.K., Kroemer, H.B. and Hoffman, A.D.K., 2018. Ergonomics: how to design for ease and efficiency. Academic Press. https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=NXdxDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Why+and+H

Esmaeili, R., Shakerian, M., Esmaeili, S.V., Jalali, M., Pouya, A.B. and Karimi, A., 2023. A multicomponent quasi-experimental ergonomic interventional study: long-term parallel four-groups interventions. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 24(1), pp.1-15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-023-06220-4

Health and Safety Executive . n.d.. Upper limb disorders. https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/uld/index.htm

Hoe, V.C., Urquhart, D.M., Kelsall, H.L., Zamri, E.N. and Sim, M.R., 2018. Ergonomic interventions for preventing work‐related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb and neck among office workers. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (10). 10.1002/14651858.CD008570.pub3

HSE. 2020. Managing upper limb disorders in the workplace A brief guide . https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg171.PDF

Institute of Occupational Medicine. n.d . https://www.iom-world.org/sicknessabsence/uld.htm

Jahangiri, M., Najarkola, S.A.M., Gholami, T., Mohammadpour, H., Jahangiri, A., Hesam, G. and Jalali, M., 2015. Ergonomics intervention to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders in a lead mine. Health Scope, 4(4). https://doi.org/10.17795/jhealthscope-29507

Leifer, S., Choi, S.W., Asanati, K. and Yentis, S.M., 2019. Upper limb disorders in anaesthetists–a survey of Association of Anaesthetists members. Anaesthesia, 74(3), pp.285-291. 10.1111/anae.14446

Morganmaxwell. 2020. Upper limb disorders – How to manage & prevent in the workplace – A quick managers guide. https://www.morganmaxwell.co.uk/upper-limb-disorders-how-to-manage-prevent-in-the-workplace-a-quick-managers-guide/

Mulimani, P., Hoe, V.C., Hayes, M.J., Idiculla, J.J., Abas, A.B. and Karanth, L., 2018. Ergonomic interventions for preventing musculoskeletal disorders in dental care practitioners. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (10).https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD011261.pub2

OSHA. n.d. Ergonomics. https://www.osha.gov/ergonomics/identify-problems

Petreanu, V. and Seracin, A.M., 2017. Risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders development: hand-arm tasks, repetitive work. Natl. Res. Dev. Heal. Safety Rom, pp.1-8. https://oshwiki.osha.europa.eu/en/themes/risk-factors-musculoskeletal-disorders-development-hand-arm-tasks-repetitive-work

Stoyneva, Z. B., Dermendjiev, S., Dermendjiev, T., and Dobrev, H. 2015. Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders: A Case Report. Open access Macedonian journal of medical sciences, 3(1), pp.146–150. https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2015.033

Sultan-Taieb, H., Parent-Lamarche, A., Gaillard, A., Stock, S., Nicolakakis, N., Hong, Q.N., Vezina, M., Coulibaly, Y., Vezina, N. and Berthelette, D., 2017. Economic evaluations of ergonomic interventions preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review of organizational-level interventions. BMC public health, 17(1), pp.1-13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-017-4935-y

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