Anthropometric dimensions and overuse injury among Australian keyboard operators
Article Abstract:
Spending long hours in restricted positions while entering data into a computer using a keyboard has been associated with overuse injuries of workers. In response to this problem, various ergonomic workstations that are highly adjustable have been designed to accommodate the individual shape of the worker. Anthropometric measurements of Australian workers were correlated with reported symptoms in 70 randomly selected keyboard operators who were divided into groups of sufferers and nonsufferers. Measurements were obtained by means of an instrument known as an anthropometer and by a wall-mounted height-measuring device. Measurements included weight, height, length of arm and leg segments, and width of shoulder and pelvis. The results of this study were compared to similar statistics obtained from both North American and European populations. For Australian men there were no statistically significant differences between sufferers and nonsufferers or between Australian men and the male populations from other continents. Australian women, however, showed differences between sufferers and nonsufferers. Australian female sufferers had broader breadth of hip and seat measurements, and shorter segments of their extremities. The results are based on a small number of subjects, but the data do suggest that Australian needs may not be fully met by the importation of office equipment from North American and European markets.
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1989
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Nasal cancer among North American woodworkers: another look
Article Abstract:
There have been conflicting reports regarding the relationship of nasal cancer and wood dust. New data from Canada is presented, and results of previous studies in both Canada and the United States are synthesized. All studies were based on review of death certificates. A review of death certificates in the Province of Ontario over a 10-year period revealed 124 deaths attributable to sinonasal cancer. In nine cases the deceased had a history of wood-dust exposure. The results from four other North American studies were combined, indicating the relative risk of sinonasal cancer for North American woodworkers to be 1.58 times that of the general population. Previous studies of European furniture makers have suggested the presence of some unidentified agent or agents in hardwoods that are cancer-causing. Some North American workers were exposed to hardwoods, but most were exposed primarily to softwoods. It is concluded by the author that North American softwoods (as seen in lumber-related industries) as well as hardwoods (in furniture making) may contain cancer-causing substances.
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1989
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Effect of overuse injury and the importance of training on the use of adjustable workstations by keyboard operators
Article Abstract:
Adjustable keyboard workstations have been highly recommended to eradicate constrained working postures which lead to musculoskeletal disorders. A questionnaire evaluating the use of such adjustable workstations was analyzed for 514 keyboard operators, and body and workstation measurements were taken for 15 operators. Operators using adjustable workstations were neither more nor less likely to suffer from posture-related problems. However, operators suffering from these problems were less satisfied with their equipment, and there was evidence that they were working in inappropriate postures. Thus, the availability of adjustable equipment does not necessarily solve the problem. Equipment design must be based on appropriate body measurements and operators must be trained in the correct way to use equipment. Operators perceive a need for training on and information about workstation adjustment, and prefer verbal rather than written information.
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1989
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Key industry ratios and statistics. How the industry operates
- Abstracts: Infectious diseases: AMRAD: AMRAD and Becton Dickinson in alliance for rapid tests. Automation '99-a point in space
- Abstracts: Considerations related to disability and exercise in elderly women with congestive heart failure. Team management of congestive heart failure across the continuum
- Abstracts: Developing job-related preplacement medical examinations. Occupational dermatitis among hairdressers
- Abstracts: Ambulatory antibiotic infusion devices: extending the spectrum of outpatient therapies. Common symptoms in ambulatory care: incidence, evaluation, therapy, and outcome