• 한국산업보건학회지
• /
• 제19권4호
• /
• pp.412-422
• /
• 2009

This study was conducted to assess exposure to musculoskeletal disorder(MSD) risk factors in hospital personnel who performed non-routinized work tasks. A tool ("PATH-KOSHA" version) was newly revised from PATH(Posture, Activity, Tools and Handling) method and uploaded into a personal digital assistant(PDA). The version was used, on a basis of direct-observation, to collect PATH data at the 2 hospital settings in different regions. Job analysis was performed to get various information (e.g., work and rest time, task type) as well. The data collected were visually checked for data cleaning and stored for future data analysis. A total of 1,992 PATH observations were made for 37 hospital workers. Exposure levels varied across 18 items of the MSD risk factors. The highest percent time spent on non-neutral postures was 53% for wrist deviation, followed by 47%(pinch grip), 35%(trunk posture), 23%(neck posture), and 20%(shoulder/arm posture). The highest percent time spent among hand activity level(HAL) variables was 55% for HAL-cat2 (HAL: 3.3 - <6.7). The percent time of items with respect to both loads with more than 5kg and contact stress was less than 4%. Vibration was not exposed in the study workers. Different aspects were discussed for findings. The study results showed that wrist deviation was highest in percent time spent on awkward posture while HAL-cat2 was highest in hand repetition. The study suggests that distal upper extremity posture and HAL should be primarily addressed and controlled in non-routinized work including the hospital settings.

• 한국의류학회지
• /
• 제26권11호
• /
• pp.1672-1681
• /
• 2002

To evaluate the thermal environments and the workload of farmers in the rice field in summer, this study investigated rice farmers' physiological, psychological responses, work postures, work clothes, air temperature and air humidity during the spraying pesticide in the rice field. Five career farmers (3 males, 2 females) volunteered as the subjects. During the spraying pesticide in the rice field, physiological responses were monitored continuously. The results were as follows. l. Farmers wore only raincoats not pesticide-proof clothing. 2. The value of WBGT, rectal temperature($T_{re}$), mean skin temperature(${\={T}}_{sk}$) were $24.9∼28.9^{\circ}C,\;37.8({\pm}0.3)^{\circ}C\;and\;33.6({\pm}0.6)^{\circ}C$, respectively. Clothing microclimate temperature($T_{cl}$) on the chest and back were $32.5({\pm}2.6)^{\circ}C\;and\;33.6({\pm}2.6)^{\circ}C$, respectively(p<0.00l). Humidity inside of the clothing ($H_{cl}$) was over 80%RH and heart rate(HR) was 112(${\pm}27$)bpm. We evaluated that the spraying pesticide was 'heavy work' by the Tre and HR. To four subjective questionnaires, all farmers expressed 'hard, hot, humid and uncomfortable' without individual difference at the end of works. We suggested that 1) the spraying pesticide in the rice field was a heavy work, 2) because the workload of farmers in the raincoat/pesticide-proof clothing can't be evaluated by only WBGT, assessors should measure physiological, psychological responses as well as thermal environments, 3) to alleviate farmers' heat strain, clothing manufacturers must consider not only the improvement of textile materials and clothing weight but also the designing of personal cooling equipment.

• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• 제10권1호
• /
• pp.3-20
• /
• 2019

This review aimed to identify risk factors for occupational accidents and illnesses among young workers in the Nordic countries and to attain knowledge on specific vulnerable groups within the young working force that may need special attention. We conducted a systematic review from 1994 to 2014 using five online databases. Of the 12,528 retrieved articles, 54 met the review criteria and were quality assessed, in which data were extracted focusing on identifying occupational safety, health risk factors, and vulnerable groups among the young workers. The review shows that mechanical factors such as heavy lifting, psychosocial factors such as low control over work pace, and organizational factors such as safety climate are all associated with increased injury risk for young Nordic workers. Results show that exposures to chemical substances were associated with skin reactions, e.g., hand eczema. Heavy lifting and awkward postures were risk factors for low back pain, and high job demands were risk factors for mental health outcomes. The review identified young unskilled workers including school drop-out workers as particularly vulnerable groups when it comes to occupational accidents. In addition, apprentices and young skilled workers were found to be vulnerable to work-related illnesses. It is essential to avoid stereotyping young Nordic workers into one group using only age as a factor, as young workers are a heterogeneous group and their vulnerabilities to occupational safety and health risks are contextual. Politicians, researchers, and practitioners should account for this complexity in the education, training and organization of work, and workplace health and safety culture.

• 한국시뮬레이션학회논문지
• /
• 제15권3호
• /
• pp.93-101
• /
• 2006

근래에 작업자의 근골격계 질환이 산업현장의 주요한 논제로 등장하였다. 이러한 문제를 줄이기 위하여 다양한 방법들이 사용되고 있는데 그 중의 하나가 제품설계, 치구설계, 작업장 설계를 할 때 작업자의 안전을 최대한 확보하도록 설계단계에서 개선을 하는 것이다. 최근에 급속히 발전하고 있는 3D 시뮬레이션 기술을 사용하면 작업장을 설계하는 단계에서 제품 및 치구의 3D 도면을 이용하여 가상의 작업공간을 구축한 후 작업자의 작업 자세를 사전에 검증해 볼 수 있기 때문에 작업장 구축 후 발생할 수 있는 많은 문제점들을 사전에 검증하여 설계실패비용을 최소화할 수 있다. 본 논문은 3D 작업자 시뮬레이션을 이용하여 굴삭기 공장의 특정한 공정을 대상으로 개선 및 최적화를 하기위한 연구다. 먼저 CATIA를 이용하여 제품과 치구 등 작업장 구축을 위한 3D 모델을 개발하였다. 그리고 IGRIP, DPM. Human 등의 개발도구를 복합적으로 이용하여 작업장에서의 작업내용을 시뮬레이션 할 수 있는 모델을 개발한 후 작업 자세에 대한 분석을 수행하였다. 분석결과는 작업장을 개선하는데 이용하였다.

• 대한인간공학회지
• /
• 제31권3호
• /
• pp.437-444
• /
• 2012

The purpose of this study was to suggest appropriate human model for ergonomic evaluation considering working postures on 3D space. Background: Traditionally extreme design rules have been widely utilized at the stage of designing products. Body size of 5th percentile and 95th percentile in stature has been generally selected for controllability and clearance evaluation, respectively. However, these rules had limitations in reflecting working posture in ergonomic evaluation. Method: In order to define working posture on 3D space, not only sagittal plane but also lateral plane was considered. Kinematic linkage body model was utilized for representation of working posture. By utilizing the anthropometric data of 2,836 South Korean male populations, the point cloud for end points of linkage models was derived. The individuals who were lacking in certain controllability were selected as human models for the evaluation. Result: In case of standing posture it was found that conventional approach is proper for all controllability evaluations. Contrary to standing posture, tall people had less controllability on control location below shoulder point in sitting posture. Conclusion: From the derived proper range on controllability, ergonomic evaluation rule was suggested according to working posture especially in standing and sitting. Application: The results of the study are expected to aid in selection of appropriate human model for ergonomic evaluation and to improve the usability of products and work space.

• 대한인간공학회지
• /
• 제32권4호
• /
• pp.405-411
• /
• 2013

Objective: Product design process without considering the strength of the user can cause the excessive burden on musculoskeletal system of human body. Since the muscle strength will vary depending on the body posture, the design of product should consider the characteristics of body posture. This study was performed to investigate the effects of forearm postures on the push and pull strength. Background: Overexerted force has been identified to cause musculoskeletal disorders. It is important to know the push and pull strength exerted by human when designing so that exerted force does not exceed the safety limits. Method: Maximum isometric push and pull strength of left, right and both hands were measured according to forearm postures with pronation, neutral and supination. For the study, 66 male and 30 female undergraduate students were participated as subjects. All subjects were normal and healthy with no clinical history. Results: The results showed that the push strength of male and female were 93.3% and 85.4% of pull strength. It showed that the strength of one-hand was 72.1~81.0% of the strength of two-hands, and the strength of left hand was 93.1~95.8% of the strength of right hand. The strength of female was 62% of the one of male. It was found that the strength with pronation $90^{\circ}$ was reduced up to 20% compared to the strength with neutral posture. Conclusion: Push and pull strength of male and female were reduced when forearm was rotated extremely. Application: The results of this study will be used for the prevention of work related musculoskeletal disorders and design of industrial equipment.

• 한국산업보건학회지
• /
• 제16권4호
• /
• pp.385-397
• /
• 2006

A high prevalence of farmer's work-related musculoskeletal disorders(MSDs) have been reported in precedent studies. To offer the basic data for reducing the melon farmer's MSDs, a questionnaire survey about MSDs symptoms and work loaded body part and video analysis by 3 checklist(REBA, RULA, OWAS) for musculoskeletal risk assessment were carried. 94 melon farmers for this questionnaire and 1 typical farm for risk assessment were participated. A total of 80.9% of the farmers reported musculoskeletal symptoms and 60.6% reported musculoskeletal symptoms over NIOSH standard. The mainly symptom body part is low back, knee and shoulders. Main risk factors in melon farm are awkward postures, heavey/frequent lifting and repetitive hand/arm motions. The high risk tasks induced by video analysis were harvesting, removing the sprouts and covering with rags. These result can be used practically for planning intervention strategy and programs to prevent farmer's MSDs.

• 한국환경보건학회지
• /
• 제36권6호
• /
• pp.441-455
• /
• 2010

Researchers who work in science and engineering R&D laboratories are commonly exposed to a wide range of chemical, biological and physical hazards. They also may adopt ergonomically poor postures for long periods of time. These factors may increase the risk of adverse health outcomes in laboratory workers. Recently, there were several fatal accidents in the laboratories in universities and research institutes in Korea. Consequently, the 'Laboratory Safety Act' was enacted in 2006. However, there are concerns about the health risk associated with chronic exposures to hazards, as the management measures provided in this Act are very limited, focusing primarily on accident prevention and compensation for lab work-related accidents. In this article, the methods for assessing exposure to chemicals in laboratory environments are discussed. Also, epidemiological studies examining the association between laboratory exposure and health effects, including cancer and reproductive toxicity are extensively reviewed. Finally, the possible roles of environmental health professionals in this area are suggested, along with a list of critical research needs for properly assessing laboratory workers' exposure and risk.

• 대한인간공학회지
• /
• 제35권5호
• /
• pp.307-317
• /
• 2016

Objective: This study looks into biomechanical variables occurring when one moves in a sitting posture, and presents objective references to make improvements in work environments of farm workers. Background: The farmers have more common musculoskeletal disorders compared to other professions, because they are much more exposed to biomechanical risk factors. The sitting posture that is the representative form of the squatted, can cause typical knee joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis or patellofemoral pain syndrome of the knee joint. Therefore, a quantitative study of knee load upon the movement in a squatting posture is required. Method: In order to proceed with its investigation, the study examined movements in a sitting posture with and without a lower body supporter through a threedimensional image analysis and by using Surface EMG. The study compared and analyzed the average muscle activity and the maximum muscle activity as well. Results: Every movement in a sitting posture is related to loads onto the knee joints and, when the farm workers move to sides, the study observed a high level of bowlegged moment. The study also noticed differences in muscle activity of medial gastrocnemius with and without the lower body supporter. Conclusion and Application: The study argues that what has been discussed so far is evidence to prove how the farm working environments should be improved in consideration of these movements observed when the farm workers move in a sitting posture.

• 대한인간공학회지
• /
• 제29권4호
• /
• pp.487-493
• /
• 2010

Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) became a major problem since 2000 in shipbuilding industry. WMSDs are known to be resulted from awkward postures, high repetitive motions, excessive forces, mechanical stress and vibration. Korean government enacted a law to require companies to take measures to prevent musculoskeletal disorders at work. If there are more than 10 incidences of WMSDs or 5 incidences which are more than 10 percent of all workers in a company, this law requires a company to implement an ergonomics program. A few large companies in shipbuilding industry have already implemented or are in the process of implementing an ergonomics program. This paper presents a case study of an implementation of an ergonomics program in a Korean shipbuilding company. We audited the process of the ergonomics program in this shipbuilding company four times for 3 years. Based on the findings, this paper presents effects and problems of an ergonomics program and improvement measures of them. These findings will help companies which want to implement an ergonomics program in the future.